Support Grows For Chrissy Amphlett Laneway Push

An online petition lobbying Melbourne City Council to dedicate and name a laneway after the late Divinyls vocalist Chrissy Amphlett is gathering steam today, with local industry representatives throwing their support behind the proposal – and suggesting it should be in Geelong.

Aphlettt died in April at the age of 53 after a battle with cancer.

The push comes after St Kilda's City Of Port Phillip council voted to name a laneway after late musician Rowland S Howard. After setting a target of 1,500 signatures, the petition has reached over 1,350 at time of publish. 

Today MusicVictoria's CEO Patrick Donovan told theMusic.com.au, “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.”

Geelong Mayor Keith Fagg – who lists music as an interest – told theMusic today that there would a number of obstacles to overcome, predominantly the state government's Geographic Place Names regulations.

“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 this stage the petition is directed at Melbourne City Council's Chris Blackwood and claims to have the support of Amphlett's husband Charley Drayton.

You can view the petition here.