Council has approved the naming of the park land at the corner of Evans Road, Beaudesert Road, and Fegen Drive, Moorooka, as Victory Park. Additionally, there will be two Place Names within the park to honour Billy Thorpe and Tom Price as individuals with significant ties to Moorooka. Here’s why these names were selected:
PARK NAME: VICTORY PARK
Moorooka played a pivotal role as one of Australia’s largest contributors to industry and manufacturing during World War II. Naming the new park land Victory Park pays tribute to the historical significance of the area and the locals whose sacrifices for our peace and freedom shaped its legacy. Street names in the Moorooka War Workers Estate were named after people who received the Victoria Cross.
PLACE NAME: BILLY THORPE
Location: Corner of Beaudesert Road and Fegen Drive, Moorooka
Billy Thorpe was an award-winning musician, author and businessman who spent his formative years in Moorooka. He attended Moorooka State School, and his family operated a general store on Fegen Drive. He achieved commercial success with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs with songs such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Poison Ivy, It’s Almost Summer and Most People I Know. This Place Name honours a local Australian icon and a Moorooka local!
PLACE NAME: TOM PRICE
Location: Beaudesert Road, Moorooka, near the Kauri Pine
Having lived in Moorooka his entire life, Tom Price had great knowledge of the history of the area. He was one of the first students to attend Moorooka State School in 1929. Tom Price passed away on 22 July 2023 and creating a Place Name for him honours his contribution to the local community.
It is anticipated the signage will be installed by the end of April. Please feel free to visit the park and make use of the off-leash dog area. Special thanks go to the Moorooka History Group for their valuable collaboration in petitioning for these names. Their shared knowledge has greatly contributed to our community.