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About Us

Overview

Placenames Australia Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to promote the understanding and application of toponomy in Australia, and to ensure ongoing support for the Australian National Placename Survey.

We are a network of volunteer researchers offering toponymic training, educational materials, knowledge, and research assistance to various academic institutions, government departments, peak bodies, media outlets, community groups, and independent researchers.

Our Objectives

The objectives of Placenames Australia are:

Our Committee

President: Susan Birtles

Vice-President: Dale Lehner

Secretary: Brian Lehner

Treasurer: Charles Koch

Committee Members (5): Glenn Christie, Helen Slatyer, Brian Goodchild, Bill Watt, Maria Vassallo

Director of Australian National Placenames Survey: Stuart Duncan

Our Origins

The Asia-Pacific Institute of Toponymy (APIT) was established in 2001 at Macquarie University under the Vice Chancellor’s Millennium Innovation Fund to manage the operation of the Survey, and to educate and train people involved in toponymy. APIT was funded for five years through the University’s Innovation Fund.

Placenames Australia Inc.

When university funding ceased in late 2006, a meeting of those involved with APIT established Placenames Australia (PA) and arranged for its incorporation in New South Wales.

With the establishment of PA, the Survey came under its management.

Funding for PA comes from Supporting Members who donate $25 each year, with Institutions and Government agencies donating $250. For many years the NSW Geographical Names Board provided substantial in-kind support.

A comprehensive history from 1969 of the Australian National Placenames Survey can be found here on the ANPS website.