Name of the game: Council endorses name for indoor stadium

SURF Coast Shire councillors have endorsed Wurdi Baierr Stadium as the formal name for the Surf Coast Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium now being constructed in Torquay North.

Wurdi Baierr, pronounced “word-ee by-eer”, is a Wadawurrung name meaning “big gathering place”.

It was one of four names shortlisted by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperation. It was then considered by the Project Control Group, which includes representatives from Surf Coast Senior Secondary College and the state government, and then the council at their May 26 meeting.

Cr Martin Duke said he was pleased the council could continue to respect the traditional owners of the land through place names.

“Using Wadawurrung language pays respect to the original custodians of the land where the stadium is located.

“Huge thanks to Wathaurong Aboriginal Corporation, which explained that Wurdi Baierr meant a big place where people gathered together for ceremonies, meetings and other occasions, a multi-function place like this new facility will be.

“We will now publicly advertise the proposed name and welcome any submissions.”

The stadium is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

It will include four courts, a café, meeting rooms, change facilities, all abilities design features, and additional car parking.

At the meeting, Cr Brian McKiterick said the stadium would be the “jewel in the crown of the Torquay North precinct.”

The $13.5 million project includes $5 million from the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund and $3 million from the state government’s Better Indoor Stadiums Fund.

Any further submissions about the name of the stadium will be considered at the July 28 council meeting.