Have your say on a place name in Wollondilly LGA

The proposed reserve is located on Farnsworth Avenue, Warragamba in the Wollondilly Local Government Area (LGA).

The proposed name, Dundowra, is derived from the Gundungurra language word for She-oak trees, which grow abundantly along the creek lines at the site.

Dundowra also honours the legacy of Gundungurra Elder George Riley (1833-1906), a prominent figure in the region's history. Dundowra is the traditional name for George Riley who was among the first Aboriginal Australians enrolled to vote and was publicly commended in 1870, alongside his brother, for rescuing a child from the flooded Wollondilly River. 

This site is significant for hosting the first Aboriginal cultural burn on non-private land within the Sydney Metropolitan area. The area is currently informally referred to as Dundowra, with the official naming forming part of Sydney Water's Caring for Country' initiative and the 'Warragamba Dundowra Healthy Ngurra project'.

GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name. Suggestions for alternative names is not being sought at this time.

Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board's website.

Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to:

The Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.

The closing date for submissions is 9 January 2026.

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Surveyor-General Thomas Grinter:

"Community feedback is an important part of the place naming process to ensure the names we give to places are meaningful to the local community."

"The GNB is committed to the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal languages and acknowledging Aboriginal culture through place naming in NSW>."

MEDIA: media@customerservice.nsw.gov.au | 0438 108 797