Russell Island welcome sign’s spelling of Canaipa gives residents ‘irritable vowel’ syndrome

Residents of a bay island are in the middle of an identity crisis after a new ‘welcome’ sign gave the island’s traditional name a new spelling.

Russell Island is also known as Canaipa, Canapia and also Kanaipa.

Residents of a Moreton Bay island say the spelling of a new welcome sign referencing an indigenous word is akin to the opening credits of the John Cleese sitcom Fawlty Towers.

The indigenous name for Russell Island, in southern Moreton Bay, is Canaipa.

In the local Bunjalung language that means “place of iron bark spear”.

But this week, a new Redland City Council sign at the island’s ferry terminal carpark has welcomed visitors to “Canapia”, with the “P” before the “I”.

The spelling has triggered an outpouring of mirthful islander “irritable vowel syndrome”.

A Redland City Council sign with the new spelling. Picture: Contributed

Canaipa Rd is one of the main roads on the island, running from north to south.

The Russell Island Progress Association contacted Redland City Council, which erected the sign, and asked for clarity on whether the new spelling was “some sort of typographical error” or a variation on the common spelling of the Quandamooka word.

Long-time island resident Greg Hartay-Szabo said residents were confused by the new spelling with three different versions – Canaipa, Canapia and Kanaipa – on signs within metres of each other.

There are three different spellings for the indigenous name of the island. Most businesses use Canaipa. Pictures: Contributed

“I would propose a variable spelling board like the one in the opening credits of Fawlty Towers,” he said.

“We could have a sign saying PANIC AI or A PINC A … Welcome to the fun island.

“Just as long as it is not CANAIPOO.”

Another sign at the Russell Island jetty ... spelling the island’s indigneous name as Kanaipa, as opposed to Canaipa or Canapia.

Other residents joked that they no longer knew where they lived as their street name would have to change too.

“I’m so confused,” said Tracey Griffith. “It’s my street name and now I just don’t know.”

Redland City Council was contacted for comment.

If the new spelling is officially sanctioned, more than 40 signs for Canaipa Passage and Canaipa St along with buildings will have to be renamed.