Darebin Council is pleased to announce that Warrk-warrk Bridge is now the official name for the bridge that was built in partnership with Moreland Council and suspends over the Merri Creek, connecting Beavers Road, Northcote to Kingfisher Gardens, Brunswick East.

The naming of the bridge came about after receiving great input from the community. Amazingly, we received over 700 responses, with the final choice being Warrk-warrk, which means ‘Nimble’ in Woi-Wurrung language.

This name has been endorsed by Geographic Names and Warrk-warrk Bridge has been included in the Victorian Government Gazette.

Background to the project:

The construction of the Bridge was initiated after a petition was received by both the Moreland and Darebin City Councils from local residents and community groups asking for a safe and accessible crossing point over the Merri Creek.

In 2016, a feasibility study was conducted into the provision of a bridge across the Merri Creek in the vicinity of Beavers Road, Northcote. The study determined a new bridge was the preferred option.

In Feb 2019, Council awarded the contract for $2.9M and work began on the construction of the new bridge in March 2019. The bridge reached practical completion and was opened to the public on 16 September 2020.

A request was received to name the bridge once it was built. In August 2020, Council approached and submitted an application form to Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, requesting them to provide possible names for the bridge.

Four names were selected as options by Wurundjeri – these were:

Connection – meaning – Berrbang

Two Way – meaning – Bindjirru Parren

Nimble – meaning – Warrk-warrk

One Spirit – meaning – Ganbu Murrup

These names were then shortlisted by the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee (DAAC) and on 28 June 2021, Council approved two names to be voted on by the public. These names were: Bindjirru Parren (means Two Way in Woi Wurrung Language) and Warrk-warrk (means Nimble in Woi Wurrung Language).

Consultation began on the 29^th of June and closed on the 2^nd of August 2021. We received a fantastic response with over 700 responses from the Darebin and Moreland Communities. Warrk-warrk was the preferred name of the two. At the 23^rd of August meeting, Council endorsed the preferred name of the bridge and for officers to lodge an application with the Geographic Names Victoria.

The Bridge has been officially named and has been updated on Government mapping systems. Darebin City Council is in the process of placing signage at the bridge with the official name.