Benalla’s iconic bridge over the lake will be 100 years old next year, but it has never been given a name. Plans are afoot to run a competition, with the announcement of the winning name likely to be made during the 2010 Benalla Festival.

The bridge was designed by Sir John Monash, and it has been mooted that the name should be Monash Bridge. In the 1920’s, Sir John Monash, soldier, engineer and administrator, was regarded as the greatest living Australian. Monash University and the Monash Freeway were named after him, and his portrait appears on the $100 note.

But why not name the bridge The Crossing Place? In 1838, as the north east of Victoria was surveyed for European settlement, Benalla was described as The Crossing Place on the Broken River.

Today, through the The Crossing Place Project, the name refers to the region at the heart of Benalla, encompassing the Botanical Gardens, Art Gallery, Lake Benalla and surrounding riverine landscape.

The bridge being known as The Crossing Place would be apt, reflect history, highlight the significance of this notable locality, and recognise the achievements of the project, the first undertaken by the  Tomorrow : Today Foundation.

Just over $1million was spent over nearly three years to see the project completed in early 2005. Work carried out as part of the Crossing Place Project included:

•  Reinstatement of the 1886 Botanic Gardens path design
•  Improvements to the Gardens frontage and entrances
•  Construction of the Rotary picnic shelter
•  Design and construction of the innovative new Rose Garden
•  Gardens and foreshore lighting
•  Completion of the walking track around Lake Benalla
•  New boardwalk near the ceramic mural
•  Elm Walk in front of the showgrounds

The Crossing Place concept was developed in 2001 by a dedicated group of community members, the Crossing Place Committee. This group saw the potential of linking two council plans; the Riverine Trail and Waterway Management Plan and the Benalla Botanical Gardens Conservation Plan with the addition of a Heritage Walk, to create one comprehensive plan for the whole area. The Crossing Place Project aimed to develop and conserve Benalla’s remarkable heritage and environment, create economic growth and promote community development.

A partnership was formed between Benalla Rural City Council, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Crossing Place Committee to promote the project. The Crossing Place Project was jointly funded by Federal and State Government grants, Benalla Rural City Council, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, public fundraising and in-kind contributions from local Service Clubs, Friends of the Benalla Botanical Gardens and local businesses.

Tomorrow : Today Foundation worked with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Crossing Place Committee to provide a way for community donations to the project to be tax deductible. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was patron, and a strong supporter, of the fundraising for the Benalla Rose Garden component of the Crossing Place Project.

Alternatively, recognition could go to one of Benalla’s famous sons or daughters such as:

• Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop – doctor and war hero
• Sir Michael Joseph Savage – Prime Minister of New Zealand
• Hec Waller – naval strategist and war hero
• Prue Acton – fashion designer
• Winsome McCaughey – Lord Mayor of Melbourne
• Mark Seymour – frontman and songwriter for Hunters and Collectors
• Nick Seymour – brother of Mark, bass player for Crowded House
• Baden Cooke – racing cyclist, Olympian
• Tom Long – television and film actor
• Ivan Durrant – acclaimed artist, 2009 Sulman Prize winner
• Greg Champion – ABC Radio Coodabeen Champion, songwriter

Or should the name be Bhrenawlla? In 1848 superintendent Charles La Trobe named the town site ”Benalla”, believed to be derived from “Bhrenawlla”, the name of the local Aboriginal tribe and their hunting ground along the Broken River.

What do you think? Please submit your comments below.