UPDATE: 15/08/2026 - Email to Rafe at GNV

Dear Rafe,

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me this afternoon, particularly at such short notice.

I appreciated the open, constructive and logical discussion and your willingness to consider the evidence supporting the Yarras Edge proposal.

As requested, I have summarised below the key points discussed and the evidence supporting the formal recognition of Yarras Edge as a distinct locality and the allocation of postcode 3007.

1. Name, duplication and uniqueness
Yarras Edge has been used as a place identity for approximately 30 years and is strongly recognised and embraced by the local community. The petition now has more than 1,556 signatures, demonstrating substantial community support.

https://www.change.org/p/petition-for-residents-of-yarras-edge-to-change-name-postcode

Importantly, the City of Melbourne itself uses and promotes “Yarra’s Edge” through its official Yarra’s Edge Marina facilities and communications. 

https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/yarras-edge-marina

The name uniquely identifies this particular area of Melbourne along the Yarra River. While there are other geographic names incorporating “Yarra”, such as Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction and Yarra Ranges, these refer to distinctly different locations in outer Melbourne and do not create confusion with Yarras Edge along the river.

The current use of “Docklands” also does not uniquely identify this area, particularly given the widespread use of the name Docklands elsewhere in Australia and internationally.

You agreed that the long-standing community adoption of the name, combined with its use by Council and its ability to uniquely identify the area, provides a strong basis for considering the change.

2. Locality size
The existing Yarras Edge precinct has developed into a substantial residential community, with more than 3,600 residents and significant further growth underway.

To address the concern regarding locality size, I have proposed incorporating the adjoining proposed Lorimer precinct into Yarras Edge. This would create a substantially larger and more coherent geographic area extending from the Yarra River towards the Bolte Bridge and West Gate Freeway and adjoining South Wharf.

You indicated that this approach makes sense and would help address the size and critical-mass concern.

3. Commercial versus community identity
The evidence demonstrates that Yarras Edge is no longer simply a developer-created commercial name. It has evolved over approximately three decades into a recognised community, geographic identity distinct from Docklands across the river.

The fact that the City of Melbourne itself uses the name is particularly significant. As discussed, if Council is already publicly identifying and referring to the area as Yarra’s Edge, this provides strong evidence that the name has an established geographic rather than purely commercial association.

You agreed that Council's established use of the name would support its formal adoption.

4. Emergency services, deliveries and geographic clarity
Rather than creating confusion, formalising Yarras Edge would arguably improve geographic clarity.

There are already instances where deliveries and addresses within the precinct are incorrectly associated with South Wharf, Port Melbourne or other parts of Docklands. A clearly defined Yarras Edge locality would provide a more precise identifier for residents, emergency services, postal services, deliveries and other organisations.

As discussed, a unique and clearly defined locality name should assist rather than hinder this process.

5. Postcode and Fishermans Bend
We also discussed the relationship between Yarras Edge, the broader Fishermans Bend precinct and the proposed use of postcode 3007.

You indicated that the allocation of a new postcode and integration with Fishermans Bend should not present a fundamental issue, subject to the necessary approvals from the City of Melbourne, the Planning Minister and Australia Post.

6. Broader precedent and community identity
The central proposition remains that Yarras Edge has evolved beyond its original development origins and now functions as a genuine, enduring community identity.

There are precedents across Victoria where names originating from privately developed communities have subsequently become recognised localities. The proposal is supported by long-standing community usage, planning and geographic relevance, Council's own use of the name and significant demonstrated community support.

Importantly, I am not seeking to disregard the Naming Rules. I fully support the framework and am committed to working within it. My position is that the Rules should be applied in a way that recognises the particular circumstances and established identity of Yarras Edge, while allowing reasonable consideration of relevant precedents.

Next steps
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with the wider GNV team in the coming weeks to present the case and work constructively towards an outcome that addresses the remaining concerns.

I also appreciate your advice that, while the discussion was positive and the evidence provides a strong basis for consideration, the proposal may still face further obstacles and will require formal review and approval.

I remain strongly of the view that Yarras Edge is the appropriate name because it is already the established identity of this community. Introducing an entirely new name would not reflect the history, community adoption or existing use of the name over the past 30 years.

Thank you again for your time and willingness to engage with me. I look forward to continuing the discussion with you and the wider GNV team.

Kind regards,

Sam Aftasi

Yarras Edge Resident Representative
yarrasedgesuburb@gmail.com
0401675514