Campaign to rename pocket of Cheltenham ‘Pennydale’ a step closer

Melbourne’s inner south is set to get a tiny “new” suburb of just 20 streets, after a long-running community campaign to restore the patch’s history.

Pennydale lobbyist Sally Connor and other supporters are thrilled. Picture: Chris Eastman

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Pennydale is one step closer to becoming Melbourne’s newest suburb.

Bayside councillors will apply to rename a pocket of Cheltenham after pleas from an action group to restore the patch’s history.

The area has links to former mayor and orchard owner Edwin Thomas Penny and already has a park and a row of shops called Pennydale. It also used to have a post office bearing the name.

People have hailed the decision a “win for community spirit”, saying the process brought them together.

The village-like section of about 20 streets is bordered by Park, Bay and Jack roads and the Frankston train line.

A postal vote revealed 84 per cent of respondents were in favour of using the historic moniker. Just over half of all residents in the patch took part.

As a result, councillors on March 20 voted to seek to have the name considered by the Victorian Government’s Office of Geographic Names.

Pennydale Residents Action Group president Derek Screen said it had been a long, but worthwhile road over the last 18 months.

He is confident the name change will be approved by the government.

“People are talking to their neighbours more and interacting more and the whole area has come together,” Mr Screen said. “It’s a great feeling.”

Some residents disagreed, saying it was a “ridiculous waste of time and money” that could create confusion and devalue property. Some also argued that it would add extra costs for businesses who would have to change their stationery.

But the action group said it was vital to protect the area’s identity and distinctive character, and restore its heritage.

Resident Greg Scott said he’d met more of his neighbours in the past 18 months than he had in 25 years thanks to the push.

“Name change is great but the sense of community is what’s important,” Mr Scott said.

“People are really excited we’re getting our own identity.”

Cr James Long said it had been a very complicated process and detailed campaign made possible by the engaged, connected community.

“It is democracy at its best,” Cr Long said.