Shakespeare once mused "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet".
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However, for residents in the Southern Highlands, a request to rename Bowral Memorial Hall, is nothing short of "concerning".
The hall, which is undergoing a $6 million refurbishment, could see "hall" dropped after Whingecarribee Shire Council received a request to rename Bowral Memorial Hall.
The terms "memorial" and "Bowral" will be kept.
Instead, two name options have been put forward - Bowral Memorial Entertainment and Convention Centre, or Bowral Memorial Performing Arts and Seminar Hub.
According to a council spokesperson, several reasons were provided for the requested name change; including:
- The shire has become a popular location for hosting events.
- The current refurbishment of the hall will attract events from concerts to conventions, bringing people in from outside the area.
- Wingecarribee Shire is changing rapidly.
Not everyone is happy about the request to change the name.
Rachel Russell, a Wingecarribee Shire Council candidate for 2024, said she was concerned when she discovered the key heritage buildings had been quietly put out to consulatation for "rebranding" at the request of one individual.
"Apart from obvious concerns about losing our sense of place and heritage, this poses a question about appropriate governance and processes," she said.
"If this had been the request of a community group with significant numbers and/or a petition behind it, perhaps it could be seen as fitting to raise this for public consultation.
"When it comes to heritage, one would hope it took more than a single thought bubble to put the community through the uncertainty that is a consultation process."
Ms Russell felt the process should have been better publicised, especially as it was heritage issue.
"To me, one of the reasons given to consider the change is precisely the reason the name needs to stay," she said,
"Wingecarribee Shire is changing rapidly. We need to ensure we retain our country heritage and values and not 'citify' ourselves in the name of 'progress'.
"Bowral Memorial Hall. The name ain't broke, so don't fix it."
Residents are encouraged to have their say on the potential renaming.
To provide your feedback, complete the two minute survey below, email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au or write to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale 2577
All submissions must be received by 4.30 pm Friday August 12, 2022.
More details can be found on the Your Say Wingecarribee project page by clicking here.
Bowral Memorial Hall was first constructed in 1884. While originally named the School of Arts, the building was home to Empire Pictures which relocated to Bong Bong Street in 1915. The School of Arts was also home to the original town library from 1888.
In 1961 the School of Arts building was renovated by the council, and renamed as Bowral Memorial Hall.
The then Bowral Mayor, Alderman Eric Bunter performed the opening ceremony and dedication of the hall as a memorial to those who served in World War II on Thursday 24 August 1961.
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