Re-establishing the traditional name for the Macquarie River is a way of acknowledging the local Aboriginal peoples' connection to Country.
The Wiradjuri (also spelt Wiradyuri) people of Central NSW know the Macquarie River by its traditional name, Wambuul (pronounced WOM-BOOL), meaning 'winding river.'
In 2021, Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) in collaboration with Bathurst Regional Council sought to have the name Wambuul officially recognised by the Geographical Names Board. Bathurst LALC and council worked together to gain support for the proposed dual name from the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners of Gunhingal Mayiny Wiradyuri Dyiland Enterprise, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Orange LALC, Trangie LALC, Warren LALC and Wellington LALC.
In December 2021, following a public consultation period, the Macquarie River was officially dual named as Wambuul by the GNB. Both names have equal status and are considered official names for the river. The new dual name reinforces the Wiradjuri peoples’ deep, ongoing connection with the river.
CEO of the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council Tonilee Scott says Wambuul is a fitting name for the important tributary. It is a positive start to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal heritage and culture.
"Using the Wiradjuri language for this ancient river is a powerful and inclusive symbol of the broader community's appreciation of First Nations people's very long ties to Wambuul," Tonilee says.
“By calling the river Wambuul, it reflects a strong connection to our community, and I believe that other communities should jump on board and start doing Aboriginal place names for their historical and cultural sites."
Reawakening language
Wambuul / Macquarie River is one of 47 dual names assigned in NSW. Aboriginal people have the right to decide on official Indigenous place names. Consultation with communities must occur before suggesting a proposed dual name.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board, Narelle Underwood, says the Board is committed to restoring Aboriginal place names.
“Through place naming, communities have the opportunity to unlock past stories, preserve traditions, reawaken language and provide a sense of belonging and identity,” Mrs Underwood says.
“Dual naming supports recognition and revival of Aboriginal languages.”
Enduring culture
The Wambuul / Macquarie River influences the landscape and the people who live near it. The river flows north-west through Bathurst and Cabonne. It also passes through Dubbo, Narromine, Warren, Coonamble, and Walgett. There it joins the Barwon River in Brewarrina, home of the Brewarrina Fish Traps. The Fish Traps are one of the oldest Indigenous man-made structures in the world.
A colourful new mural in Bathurst proudly displays the river’s traditional Wiradjuri name. Bathurst Local Aboriginal Lands Council hired artists Callum Hotham, William 'Bubba' Kennedy, and Paul Riot to create the display, funded by a NSW Government grant.
To the Wiradjuri, Wambuul is more than a waterway. It is a source of life and a symbol of their culture. The dual naming honours their deep ties to the river and promotes a shared view of the waterway's importance.