Road naming to honour Kaniva nurse

Published on 07 January 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council will name a Lillimur road ‘Zenda Lane’ in honour of a former Kaniva Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

At a meeting last month, Council approved the naming of an unnamed road off D Hawkers Road in Lillimur to Zenda Lane, paying tribute to the late Mrs Zenda Hawker.

Mrs Hawker lived on the property alongside the now-named Zenda Lane, where she raised her five children.

She was well-known in the region, serving as Kaniva’s Maternal and Child Health Nurse for more than 25 years.

Mrs Hawker also played a pivotal role in the community as the initiator of Kaniva’s Playgroup, creating a welcoming space for local families and young children.

The naming proposal, submitted by Zenda’s son, Sam Hawker, received unanimous community support during consultation conducted in October and November.

Mayor Tim Meyer praised the choice and congratulated everyone involved in the renaming process.

“Zenda Lane is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated much of her life to serving others, both professionally and within the community,” he said.

“Her work has left a lasting legacy in Kaniva and beyond.”

The name will now be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for formal approval and gazettal.

Once finalised, Zenda Lane will be added to Council’s Road Register during its next review.

Council extends its gratitude to the Hawker family for their proposal and to the community for their input, ensuring Zenda Hawker’s legacy remain a cherished part of West Wimmera Shire.