by Emma Ballingall

A park at the old school site in Yarragon will be officially named "Angela Malacarne Park" to recognise a teaching career spanning more than 38 years.

Attracting overwhelming community support, Baw Baw Shire councillors unanimously endorsed the name for the Rollo St park at a recent meeting as Mrs Malacarne watched from the gallery.
"I'm honoured and privileged," Mrs Malacarne said after the meeting. "It's wonderful that I'm still alive and that I can enjoy the park, and also bring my wonderful grandchildren and family here to do the same thing."
Angela Malacarne (nee Panozzo) was born in Trafalgar in 1937 and attended the Rollo St school from 1944 to 1949.
After graduating from teachers' college in 1958, Mrs Malacarne returned to her former primary school in 1963 where she worked for 38-and-a-half years, teaching primarily prep and grade one classes, before retiring in June 2002.
During her tenure, she worked for 12 principals, saw exceptional changes to curriculum and teaching methods and taught at least 800 local children, including generations of families.
Mrs Malacarne and her husband Bortolo had three sons, who all attended Yarragon Primary School. Two of her grandchildren are current students of the school now at its new location.
Councillors were told 33 submissions supported the proposed park name during community consultation.
"The 33 submitters variously described Angela as a well-respected member of the community who had made a positive impact on the town of Yarragon," an officer report said. "Comments on social media were also in favour of the proposal."
The report stated the Registrar of Geographic Names Victoria had given in-principle support, including a rare exemption on a rule requiring names to be used two years posthumously.
"This exemption has not previously been sought by Baw Baw Shire," officers said.
Interpretive signage will be installed at Angela Malacarne Park to acknowledge the site's history as a school and relevance of its name. The cost is about $250.
Cr Brendan Kingwill said there could often be difference of opinions and thoughts as well as emotion "when naming something forever."
Normally reserved as a posthumous honour, Cr Kingwill said council was challenging the boundaries with this name suggested by the Yarragon community.
"That reflects the respect of the decision," he said. "Mrs Malacarne has impacted on so many lives. I feel it's fitting that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy a park named after her."
Cr Tricia Jones said she had spoken to people living in the Yarragon area, including many taught by Mrs Malacarne.
"All agree, naming a park in her honour would be a truly fitting tribute," Cr Jones said.
From her research, the councillor joked that Mrs Malacarne's only downfall was being a staunch Carlton football fan who encouraged her students to barrack for the Blues.
Cr Danny Goss congratulated Mrs Malacarne on her long service to the community.
"I think it's great that we can name a park after you whilst you are still with us," Cr Goss said. "It's lovely to hear so many good stories about you and it's lovely you can be with us to enjoy this moment."
The $1.77 million project to transform the old school site into a park got underway in October. Stage one works are expected to be completed later this month.
An official opening will follow further works, expected to be finalised by November.
Once completed, Angela Malacarne Park will offer a walking path, seating, picnic tables, drinking fountain, bike racks, gardens and trees.