Alma Mitchell had reason to smile last week with official recognition of Grace Burn.By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE’S historians were celebrating last week.
And there was more than a hint of “I told you so” around the Healesville and District Historical Society headquarters.
The society received written confirmation from VicNames – the state’s place name authority – that the waterway meandering through the town is, officially, Grace Burn.
Signs identifying the creek as Graceburn Creek have niggled at Healesville’s older residents for years.
“Burn is the Scottish term for creek … it’s like saying Grace Creek Creek,” said society secretary Alma Mitchell.
There has always been plenty of evidence to support the society’s claim that the name is Grace Burn.
The original survey map dated 1866 shows Grace Burn flowing through the town, as does the Department of Lands Road Plan No 366A, dated 1876.
Les Blake’s Place Names of Victoria shows Grace Burn: Tributary of Watts Ri., upstream fr. Healesville.
Even more current topographic survey maps show Grace Burn and Grace Burn Weir.
Ms Mitchell was stirred to resurrect the society’s campaign to have road and other signs corrected when a VicRoads sign near the bridge over Grace Burn was damaged a month or so ago.
“We’ve talked about it and jumped up and down for years and when the main sign was damaged I felt that was the time to take action,” Ms Mitchell said.
Another Shire of Yarra Ranges sign leading into Queen’s Park identifying Graceburn Creek Walk had also been vandalised.
After a few calls to various authorities, Ms Mitchell was directed to VicNames who confirmed the name.
The shire has advised the Mail it will change its signs.
“We have a staff member heading out to have a look at the sign today,” Shire of Yarra Ranges manager of community relations James Martin said in response to the Mail’s phone call.
“Given the confirmation of the creek’s name, the shire will start the ball rolling to have a new sign made up reflecting the creek’s correct name of Grace Burn.
Ms Mitchell said she and her fellow historicals are delighted with the shire’s response and hoping VicRoads will follow their lead.
VicRoads have advised the Mail they are looking into the matter.
