Anew resident of Penola’s Chinamans Lane wants the name changed as they regard it as offensive.
A number of small blocks have been created in recent years on the unsealed road to the west of the township.
The purchaser of one of these blocks has written to Wattle Range Council and stated they are embarrassed when dealing with Asian Australians.
The name of the complainant is not publicly stated in the agenda of the October monthly meeting of the council in Millicent this afternoon (Tuesday).
Engineering Services director Peter Halton said the use of name ‘Chinamans Lane’ could be seen as inappropriate but it relates in part to the history of the region and early settlers in that part of Penola.
In his report, Mr Halton referred to published sources which state that Chinese market gardeners operated in that area in the 1850s to cater for 19,000 Chinese gold seekers who walked from Robe to the Victorian goldfields in that era.
“Should Wattle Range Council seek a renaming of the road, next steps would be to undertake public consultation on the naming in accordance with the ‘Naming of Roads’ policy,” Mr Halton said.
“The renaming of a road does create several challenges with various databases needing to be amended including title references and addresses, so the decision to change the name should be considered carefully.
“The only risks related to this report would be a reputational risk and it has been assessed as of moderate severity potentially drawing attention of local media and heighten concerns from the local community and possible so having a medium risk.”
The complainant said they recognised the name has a relationship with the history of the region.
“However, the word ‘Chinaman’ is widely considered to be a slur, and has been for some time now,” wrote the complainant.
“It is embarrassing when sharing my address with others, and I find myself apologising for the term, particularly when communicating with Asian Australians.
“I’m requesting the Wattle Range Council rename this lane with a less offensive title; one that could still connect this location to the history and people, but with more positive and inclusive connotations.”
Interestingly, Millicent has a “Chinamans Bridge Road” which leads off Belt Road and near the former saleyards.
Members of the Millicent-based South East Family History Group members were asked by The SE Voice about the name at their Saturday workshop.
Noone could explain the reason for its name.
