Council has confirmed the new name, Sparrows Lane, at the Council Meeting held 27 January 2026 after a community consultation period.

Background

Council sought community feedback on a proposal to name the currently unnamed laneway adjoining 118 Barkly Street, Ararat as Sparrows Lane, in honour of a remarkable local story dating back to 1867. Council took a variety of views on board, including many residents supporting a unique moment in Ararat's history, and took into account feedback about sparrows not being a bird native to Australia.

About the proposal

The laneway beside 118 Barkly Street is currently unnamed and plays an important role in connecting the Barkly Street precinct. The name, Sparrows Lane, recognises a ceremonial release of 14 English house sparrows from the former Bull & Mouth Hotel balcony at this site, an event that drew significant public interest at the time.

Historical story behind Sparrows Lane

In 1867, 14 sparrows were released from the hotel balcony overlooking this laneway, making Ararat one of the earliest locations in Australia associated with bird acclimatisation. Local accounts describe how townspeople followed the birds through the streets, and this simple act became part of Ararat’s folklore and cultural history.

Proposed artwork and trail

Now that the name has been confirmed and will proceed, a privately funded artwork will be commissioned. Australian artist Anna-Wili Highfield is proposed to create 14 bronze sparrows, each representing one of the original birds. Nine sculptures would be perched on the Barkly Street façade above the laneway, with five placed at key locations around town to form a “sparrow trail” that encourages people to explore Ararat’s history.

Heritage interpretation

A heritage plaque will be placed on the site to help residents and visitors understand the historical significance of Sparrows Lane and its connection to the 19th-century acclimatisation movement. The project aims to combine art, heritage and storytelling in a way that strengthens the character and identity of Ararat’s civic heart.

Have your say

The proposed naming of Sparrows Lane was open for community feedback via Engage Ararat until 10 January 2026, and community input helped Council finalise its decision on the naming at the Council meeting held 27 January 2026.