Place Names Committee delivers strong outcomes in 2025
The Northern Territory (NT) Place Names Committee plays a key role in supporting safe navigation, service delivery and development by ensuring place names used across the Territory are consistent, enduring and appropriate.
Established in legislation, the committee advises the Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment on the naming of places. Operating since 1945, it includes both government and community representation to ensure local knowledge informs decision making.
2025 highlights
The committee continued to support growth across the Territory through the registration of new place names:
- 51 place name registrations
- 1 new suburb registered - Asche, the first new suburb name in 13 years
- 44 roads named
- 3 urban parks named
- 16 commemorations recognising notable Territorians.
Key developments progressed through the place naming process included:
- Northcrest
- The Parks
New members appointed
The committee welcomed 2 new members in late 2025 and early 2026, strengthening its expertise in Territory history, local government and community engagement.
- The Hon Roger Steele OAM was appointed in December 2025. A Territorian since childhood, Mr Steele served in the NT Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1987, including as Speaker from 1984 to 1986. He brings extensive experience in documenting and recognising the contributions of Territorians, as well as previous service as deputy chairperson of the NT Heritage Council.
- Councillor Georgina Macleod was appointed in March 2026 as the Local Government Association of the NT representative. A lifelong resident of the Victoria River area, Councillor Macleod has represented the Daguragu Ward of the Victoria Daly Regional Council for 16 years. She brings strong local government experience and maintains close links with regional and community organisations.
The committee is chaired by Christine Hart, alongside members Richard Creswick, Rob Sarib, and the newly appointed Roger Steele OAM and Georgina Macleod. Together, they bring a collective breadth of expertise in public administration, journalism, surveying, community engagement, and NT history.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 20 May 2026.
For more information on place naming processes and recent approvals, read about the Place Names Committee.
