Belgium St, Riverwood
Belgium Street was named in an October 1914 subdivision by the Universal Land and Deposit Bank Ltd. It was probably named because of the patriotic fervour of the early months of World War I, after Germany had invaded tiny Belgium. This evoked great sympathy for Belgium and for the Belgian people who were made refugees of war.
Victoria Rd, Punchbowl
This street was named Hamburger Street before World War I, the land having been bought by Mathias hamburger, a merchant of Marrickville, in 1885. As a result of anti-German feeling soon after the war began, the Punchbowl Progress Association asked Canterbury Council in November 1914 to change the name of the street to Park Road. This was not accepted as there was already a somewhat similar name within the Municipality. The next suggestion of Victoria Road was accepted by the Council.
Charlescotte Ave, Punchbowl
This street was named Westheider Avenue by Mrs Mary Ann Westheider in a 1912 subdivision. Canterbury Council changed the names of some streets after World War I began because of anti-German feeling. As a result, Mrs Westheider wrote to Canterbury Council in January 1915 suggesting that if it was decided to change Westheider Avenue that it be called Charlescot. Perhaps this was from her husband’s first name Charles, and the word cot, meaning a small house or cottage, or from the initials of her son Charles Oliver and her nephew Thomas. A year later, the Punchbowl Progress Association asked the Council to alter Westheider Avenue to, first, Anzac Avenue (which was already being used in Canterbury), and later Charlescot, and Council adopted the name. Charlescot Avenue has since become Charlescotte Avenue.