Bonner, named after Australia's first Aboriginal senator Neville Bonner, in Canberra's north, continues an 81-year tradition of themed suburbs in the territory.

Planning Minister Andrew Barr said it was a good opportunity to commemorate campaigners for indigenous rights.

''It's fitting then, that in this year of the long-awaited national apology by the Commonwealth Government, that we are able to announce the suburb of Bonner will commemorate the contributions of indigenous leaders and their supporters across Australia,'' Mr Barr said.

''The Australians to be commemorated in Bonner have made a massive contribution towards making Australia a fairer nation.

''Their efforts have improved life for all Australians by helping to build tolerance within our community.''

Mr Mabo died before the historic High Court decision to overturn the fallacy of terra nullius. His campaign for Aboriginal land rights is one of the cornerstones for native title today.

Mr Cooper petitioned for direct indigenous representation in Parliament and land rights from 1935.

Mr Ferguson protested against the Aboriginal Protection Act, including child removal, and organised the Day of Mourning.

Mr Barr urged Canberrans to nominate Australians who ''led the way towards a more just Australia''.

The naming of Canberra streets and suburbs around a theme began in 1927.

Ainslie streets are named after pioneers and legislators and the streets in the lakeside suburb of Kingston are named after explorers.

Nominations for street names in Bonner can be found on the ACT Planning and Land Authority website, or call 62050057.