Dual-naming landmarks, sites on way as Bunbury council reviews policy to recognise Aboriginal language

A South West council has taken a step towards reconciliation by moving forward with an English-Noongar dual-naming policy to recognise Aboriginal history and culture in the community. City of Bunbury councillors last week unanimously agreed to begin a process to introduce a policy for naming or dual-naming landmarks, sites and streets in Noongar language. Cr Karen Steele called for a committee to review existing policy in regards to naming places within the city and to initiate a process for naming or dual naming in the context of recognising Aboriginal history and language. The review could see more prominent recognition of Aboriginal culture in Bunbury through ideas such as “Kaya” welcome signs like in the Shire of Harvey. Cr Steele said the move was in line with this year’s NAIDOC Week theme of Heal Country and it would help shift the way history was viewed in the South West. Mounting calls for more recognition of Aboriginal culture and language has some local governments explore naming options. Albany City Council is leading the way with its Menang Noongar naming project, which if approved by Landgate could have 28 landmarks officially recognised by two names and would feature the Aboriginal names first. “This is a prime example of the City restoring Noongar place names and is lauded to be one of the most expansive dual-naming projects in the country,” Cr Steele said. Cr Steele said the policy would demonstrate and acknowledge that there was a history before white settlement in the region. “While we can’t change history, we certainly can change the way history is viewed through telling the truth about our nation’s past,” she said. “After speaking to Indigenous people within our community, many have had the same message to me that there is a strong need for re-establishing Indigenous place names, the revitalisation of Indigenous languages and cultures and regaining some of the hidden and lost traditional cultures and feeling included in our future.” “Ultimately, there has always been an ability to recognise Aboriginal history and language in naming, changes as part of this review may just encourage it more or make it easier,” he said. “It is important that we recognise Bunbury’s Aboriginal culture and history, to benefit both our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities through acknowledgement, education and reconciliation into the future.” Mr Brennan said the council had an ongoing commitment to acknowledging Aboriginal culture and Wardandi Country and also strengthening its relationshipswith the Aboriginal community. “The council unanimously supported a review of the policy, demonstrating the importance it has on acknowledging Aboriginal history, culture and language,” Mr Brennan said. “A number of landmarks across Bunbury already acknowledge their cultural significance, including Wyalup-Rocky Point and Wardandi Memorial Park.”