Dandenong’s new civic square may be named after a local Second World War hero, after more than 90 people submitted proposals to commemorate him.
The new square is an open space in central Dandenong that is used by the public as a meeting area and for community events.
The Greater Dandenong Council gave residents the chance to choose a name for the site that would represent the spirit of the city.
Submissions for the name closed last month and the council received 93 submissions in support of using Private Kenneth Elliott’s name.
Private Elliott became the area’s first casualty in World War Two when he was killed in action at Tobruk in May 1941. He died attempting to save the life of his best friend, who had been shot and wounded on the battlefield. As he tried to carry his mate back to safety, he was also shot and died at the age of just 20.
His comrade, Lance-Corporal Lester Hitch, later died of his injuries and the pair were buried together in Libya.
Once the new name has been announced, it will no doubt feature extensively on signage throughout the city and on publicity such as poster printing advertising events to be held in the square.
The council will publish a shortlist of potential names later this year, and the final choice will be announced in 2015.
