Two new suburbs in the Molonglo Valley will be named Bandler and Sulman.

These honour prominent Australians Faith Bandler AC and Sir John Sulman.

These new suburbs will sit within the Molonglo Valley 3 East development. This is the next major stage of suburban development in the area.

Bandler will be developed first. It will sit east of Whitlam across John Gorton Drive.

This will bring the number of suburbs in the district to seven.

Naming Canberra suburbs and places allows us to celebrate influential people from all backgrounds.

Faith Bandler AC

Ida Lessing Faith Bandler was a human rights activist, social justice advocate and author.

She helped raise public awareness and understanding of:

• the cultural heritage of South Sea Islanders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• women’s issues.

Faith’s daughter Associate Professor Lilon Bandler said the naming acknowledged her mother’s dedication to creating a more just, inclusive world.

“She had an unwavering commitment to civil rights and social reform that has left an indelible mark on our history. It is deeply moving to see her legacy honoured through the naming of this new suburb in Canberra, a city she visited many, many times.

“As her daughter, I find it particularly fitting that the Division of Bandler will be located next to the Division of Whitlam. My mother often spoke of the importance of visionary leadership in creating social change,” Lilon said.

Sir John Sulman

Sir John Sulman was an architect and town planner. He helped shape Canberra in its early development and influenced the city’s design.

He was appointed Knight Bachelor of the British Empire in 1924. This was in recognition of his influence and contributions in architecture.

“Members of the extended Sulman family are delighted that my great-grandfather Sir John Sulman is being so very appropriately honoured,” Sir John’s great-grandson Emeritus Professor David Carment AM said.

“He deserves this recognition for his significant contributions to Australia as an architect, patron of the arts, town planner and writer, and particularly for his vital role in Canberra’s development,” David said.

Suburban themes

Each suburb in the ACT has a theme used to help name its streets.

For Bandler, the theme will be ‘Australian Social and Cultural Life’.

For Sulman, it will be ‘Humanities and Social Sciences’.

A possible town centre

There is another suburb expected for the Molonglo Valley. This is yet to be named.

The National Capital Authority is currently considering the reclassification of the commercial centre of Molonglo as a Town Centre.

Have your say

The ACT Place Names Advisory Committee welcomes suggestions of names and feedback from the Canberra community.

More information about how places are named and how to provide feedback is available on the Place names page on the ACT Planning website.

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