Melbourne Councillors Unanimously Approve Chrissy Amphlett Lane

Melbourne City Council has unanimously voted to accept a petition sporting 6,000 signatures supporting the idea of a laneway to be named after late rock singer Chrissy Amphlett, which was presented to them in early July, Fairfax reports.

It was Chrissy's cousin Patricia Amphlett – best known to Australian music fans as Little Pattie – who presented the petition to council, with the warning that she would “lead an army of Chrissy Amphlett fans up to Melbourne Town Hall” if it wasn't accepted.

Greens councillor Rohan Leppert said that current guidelines prevent council from renaming an already named laneway, but remains confident that an unnamed laneway or landmark will be found.

Earlier this year theMusic.com.au spoke to Geelong Mayor Keith Fagg about the possibility of his city – where Amphlett originated from – naming a road or lane after her.

“Chrissy Amphlett was clearly a rock icon with her origins right here in Geelong and we mourn her passing,” he said. “While I expect there would be wide support for naming a road or lane after her, any proposal of this nature would need a formal decision of Council as well as meet the guidelines set out by the Office of Geographic Place Names.”

At that time, Music Victoria's Patrick Donovan strongly supported the move to name laneways after legendary musicians in honour of their contributions.

“Naming Laneways in honour of musicians is a wonderful way to honour their contribution to society. AC/DC Lane [in Melbourne] is the rock hub of Melbourne where music fans from all over the world congregate and celebrate Aussie rock'n'roll.”

He added, “The Rowland S Howard laneway in St Kilda will ensure that Rowland's contribution to our culture is never forgotten. MusicVictoria throws its support behind recognising Chrissy Amphlett in such a way – maybe it's most suitable in [her hometown] Geelong.”

Amphlett passed away at the age of 53 this April after a battle with cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.