The proposals support the Government’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions and provide a sense of belonging for all people from all walks of life.
Two dual name proposals were submitted by National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS), one for the geographical features of Julian Rocks as Nguthungulli, and one to dual name Cape Byron as Walgun.
NPWS worked with the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation and the Cape Byron Trust to return traditional Aboriginal place names to geographic features in the Byron Bay Local Government Area.
Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks is a significant and sacred Aboriginal site associated with a number of Dreaming stories of the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) people and other Bundjalung people.
In some cultural stories Nguthungulli is the Father of the World and is the traditional name used by the Arakwal people.
Walgun / Cape Byron is also a place of spiritual and cultural significance to the Arakwal and other Bundjalung people with the area being used for important gatherings and ceremonial practices. Walgun means shoulder in the Bundjalung Language.
Meanwhile, Byron Shire Council was approached by a volunteer group that supports maintenance for a reserve on 27 Deacon Street, Bangalow, informally known as Weir Park or Pool Park, who suggested giving it an Aboriginal place name. The Council’s local Aboriginal Liaison Officer recommended the Aboriginal word ‘Piccabeen’, used by the Bundjalung Nation.
‘Piccabeen’ describes the Bangalow Palm as well as baskets made from the Bangalow Palm fronds and the reserve is home to many Bangalow Palm trees.
Details of the proposal for ‘Piccabeen Park’ can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website up until 14 July 2023, while details of the dual naming proposals for Julian Rocks and Cape Byron can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website from 28 June to 28 July 2023.
Where a feature has a non-Aboriginal name, an Aboriginal name can also be assigned with the name to sit alongside the non-Aboriginal name, each part having equal status.
Once a dual name is assigned, signposts, maps and directories relating to the area will feature both names. Dual naming does not apply to towns, roads, localities or other administrative based areas such as a reserve or state forest.
The NSW Government has supported a dual naming policy for geographical features and cultural sites since 2001 with 45 dual names being assigned during this time.
Written submissions for the naming proposals may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:
“The Byron Bay community is actively coming together and acknowledging links to Indigenous connections to the area.”
“This proposal recognises this strong connection and is one way of demonstrating how you can embrace everyone in the community.”
“Restoring areas with Aboriginal place names goes a long way to respecting and valuing Aboriginal cultures.”
Minister for Environment, Penny Sharpe said:
“Through place naming, communities have the opportunity to unlock past stories, preserve traditions, reawaken language and provide a sense of belonging and identity.”
“I commend the National Parks and Wildlife Service for this proposal and thank them for working closely with the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation and the Cape Byron Trust on the proposed names.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:
“Reawakening Aboriginal place names helps to preserve cultural traditions and provide a sense of belonging for all people from all walks of life.”
“We are encouraging community consultation to provide feedback on these name proposals, ensuring everyone in the community feels heard and valued”
