Sunday, 20 December 2009
The bridge over the Yarra River at the South Wharf precinct has been officially named ‘Seafarers Bridge’ – reflecting Melbourne’s rich maritime history.
Melbourne City Councillors formally endorsed ‘Seafarers Bridge’ as their preferred name and obtained approval from the State Government to officially christen the bridge.
Acting Lord Mayor Susan Riley said she was delighted with the publicly suggested name.
“We have arrived at this ideal name thanks to the public’s suggestions. With 539 individual submissions from members of the public, we had a difficult task in selecting one name,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
“Seafarers Bridge is a wonderful outcome for the new South Wharf precinct and the local maritime community.
“The name draws on the rich maritime history of the area and is a fitting connection to the nearby ‘Mission to Seafarers’ centre located at the bridge’s northern landing.”
The Mission to Seafarers is an international organisation which cares for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths. The Melbourne Mission, created in 1905, is a volunteer-managed facility providing a home away from home for approximately 12,000 seafarers visiting the Port of Melbourne annually.
“Earlier this year we invited Melburnians to suggest fitting names for the bridge. I would like to thank everyone who got involved in the public submission process.
“In the next few years, thousands of visitors and Melburnians will cross Seafarers Bridge daily to access our world-class Convention Centre and to get to and from Docklands.
“This bridge forms a vital connection between the city’s waterfront and the river-front,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
A selection process was followed in line with the Guidelines for Geographic Names Victoria.