Is Your Town's Street Name Sparking Outrage? See Why This South Australian Lane is Causing a Stir!

In the quaint town of Penola, nestled in South Australia's southeast, a debate has been simmering that touches on the sensitive issues of history, heritage, and cultural sensitivity. At the heart of this debate is a road by the name of Chinamans Lane, a name that has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to concerns over its appropriateness in today's society.

The issue was brought to the fore when a new resident of Chinamans Lane reached out to the Wattle Range Council with a request to change the road's name, citing it as 'offensive' and expressing discomfort when sharing the address with others, especially Asian Australians. The resident's plea sparked a conversation about the legacy of such historical names and whether they should be preserved or reconsidered.


Despite the concerns raised, the Wattle Range Council voted unanimously to retain the name of Chinamans Lane. The decision was not made lightly; it was influenced by the area's historical connection to Chinese migrants during the gold rush era. In the 1850s, 19,000 Chinese gold-seekers traversed the route from Robe to the Victorian goldfields, with a Chinese market garden operating in the area to cater to their needs. Mayor Des Noll emphasized the importance of preserving this piece of Penola's history within the community.


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A South Australian council voted to keep the name Chinamans Lane in Penola, despite its offensive connotation. Credit: Facebook / The SE Voice


The council's decision was met with mixed reactions. Some residents and descendants of early Chinese migrants, like Ian Gordon-Hansen, whose grandfather was among the first Chinese settlers in the region, supported the decision. They argue that the name is a nod to the Chinese community's contributions and that perhaps a more fitting tribute would be to provide historical context at the site rather than erasing the name altogether.


On the other hand, academics like Dr. Sophie Loy-Wilson, a senior lecturer in Australian history at the University of Sydney, argue that the term 'Chinaman' has long been recognized as offensive, not just in Australia but globally. Dr. Loy-Wilson suggests that using a nationality to name a place, rather than an individual's name, erases personal identity and fails to acknowledge the individual contributions of Chinese migrants.

The debate over Chinamans Lane is part of a broader conversation about how we honor our past while being mindful of the language we use and the potential for it to cause harm. It raises questions about how we balance the desire to preserve history with the need to reflect contemporary values of inclusivity and respect.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of you have witnessed the evolution of societal norms and the ways in which language and recognition have changed over the years. We invite you to share your thoughts on this matter. Have you encountered similar situations in your own communities? How do you think we should address historical names that may no longer be in step with modern sensibilities?


Key Takeaways

  • A South Australian council has voted to retain the name of Chinamans Lane in Penola despite it being called an offensive term.
  • A new resident had requested the name change due to its racial connotations, particularly when addressing Asian Australians.
  • Local history and community feedback influenced the council's unanimous decision to maintain the historical name.
  • There is a debate over whether the name should be changed or if additional context and tributes to the Chinese community could be a better approach.
Let's open up the discussion. Comment below with your experiences and opinions on whether historical street names should be retained for the sake of heritage or reconsidered to align with today's values. Your insights are not only valuable but essential in navigating these complex cultural landscapes.
 
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Can we use common sense? To me "Chinamans Road" may rather be complimentary to the Chinese, who at the time were there and were part of developing Australia. We should value historical names and some people in my view do better to just get a life then trying to work out how they can be a busy body. I actually gained great respect for the Chinese, Afghanis and other races that were part of making Australia to what it became and whitewashing the history should be deplored!
 
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W had a street that ran off ours called Gayline Drive. It was named after the Gayline drive in that was originally there and also the daughter of the owners of the land who subdivided into a large estate. Some woke person took exception to the name and wanted it changed but luckily we all protested and Cambden Council agreed it would stay as Gayline Drive.
 
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Leave it. Not racist. It's part of the town's history. New resident leave if unhappy. The name has stood all this time. I am tired of us pandering to the whingers!!!
That's what we are doing, pandering to the minority all the time.
 
I think that the name illustrates the many nationalities who made Australia what it is today. I’d consider it to be a salute to their contributions historically and it paints a picture of our inheritance
 
It's absolutely ridiculous to want to change the name of a street, it has historical value of the predecessors and history of it's origins. In todays society there are far too many whingers who are trying to change the history of our country because it might offend someone, well i find it offensive that all these itty bitty babies find it offensive and want to change us, our country and our way of life. Good grief, we can't even share a good old fashioned dig at some-one without somebody else being offended. And just as a by the way, there is a little place near Cessnock in NSW called Chinaman's Hollow, and i haven't heard of anyone wanting to change that.
 
So many Woke people out there that want to make changes with so many things that have previously stood the test of time....it's not just in Australia either, many democracies around the world are often besieged by this group of individuals who are members of the newer generations who want to change everything and anything that takes their fancy these days.....look, if it aint broke then don't change it, simple as that.
 
Oh dear me the woke and political correctness people really and truly like to put their nose in when it’s not necessary. Why would they buy the place if you were feeling woke about the street name? Or did you think oh no worries I will get that street name changed. What a waste of tax payers money and Councils time because this whinger was not happy. How about you devote your time in something that enhances your area, but not of course changing street names! 😊
 
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I live near a street called Bourbon Way. I don't drink so can I apply to the council to re-name it to Tea Totaler Way?? Or Whingy Way?? When will the madness end🍾🍾 😎
 
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Rome is burning and political idiocynis fiddling!
Oh my God, don't rename it Rome Street or we will be in trouble particularly if your name is Roman i.e., Ceasar oh dam, forgot about Ceasars Casino in Las Vegas, that's going to be a world issue all stemming from some micro digit little scumbag that does not want to recognise the pioneering that the Chinese settlers bravely performed in Australias' infancy.
Well done Council, brilliant decision.
 
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