Byron landmarks Julian Rocks, Cape Byron to be recognised by traditional Aboriginal names if proposal approved

Indigenous titles will be used alongside current names for some Byron Bay landmarks if a proposal is greenlit. It comes as a councillor says he believes the tourism hub would welcome street name changes.

Cape Byron.

There is a push to use traditional Aboriginal names for two popular Byron Bay landmarks in a bid to gain greater Indigenous recognition.

It comes as a councillor has aired his belief more places in the shire, including streets, should use both current and Aboriginal names.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has submitted proposals to dual-name Cape Byron – the most easterly point in Australia – to “Walgun” and nature reserve Julian Rocks to “Nguthungulli”.

If the change gets the tick, signposts, maps and directories in Byron Bay will feature the current and traditional names.

Cape Byron would be dual-named to “Walgun”. Picture: Geographical Names Board

The NPWS, the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation and Cape Byron Trust worked together in the pitch to the Geographical Names Board.

“Walgun” translates to “shoulder” and it was a meeting place where Arakwal people gathered to spear and trap fish during mullet runs up the coast, the Byron Historical Society states.

“Nguthungulli” meaning “Father of the World”, is considered a sacred site where ceremonies were held and Dreamtime stories told.

Julian Rocks would be dual-named to “Nguthungulli”. Picture: Geographical Names Board

The Arakwal people could walk to the landmark surrounded by water when sea levels were lower more than 7000 years ago.

Byron Shire Councillor Duncan Dey said he backed the dual-naming Julian Rocks and Cape Byron and including both the traditional and current names would ease community discontent.

He said “it will simply be the choice of each person as to what name they will use”.

“Part of acknowledging the longer history of our local area using the original names is a really positive thing,” he said.

“For me personally I want to use those original names.”.

Byron councillor Duncan Dey.

Cr Dey said he hoped to see more Aboriginal names used in the shire, including for streets.

“In Byron Bay everyone is really proud of the fact that the names have a theme, which is the English poets. Dual-naming would be a way of introducing Aboriginal words to those street names,” he said.

“Whereas simply changing the names would probably offend a heck of a lot of people.”

Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation’s Brent Emmons said the changes would bring Aboriginal culture to the forefront in the area.

He said many countries were increasing using indigenous names at culturally important sites

View of Julian Rocks in Byron Bay. Picture: Getty Images

“Just pointing to a traditional name in the foreground, European names second,” he told AAP.

“That’s been rolled out across many places, not just here in Australia as well, but you’re going to see this on maps, Google Maps, things that are where there’s international access to the points of interest.”

NSW Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty Minister David Harris said the government was eager for community feedback on the renaming proposals.

SW Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty Minister David Harris. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

“Reawakening Aboriginal place names helps to preserve cultural traditions and provide a sense of belonging for all people from all walks of life,” he told the AAP.

A Geographical Names Board spokesperson said the proposals supported the state government’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions and provide a sense of belonging for people from all walks of life.

“The GNB is now encouraging the community to provide feedback on the proposals to make sure the submitted names are culturally appropriate,” the spokesperson said.

Wategos Beach at popular tourism North Coast tourism hub Byron Bay.

The proposals can be viewed and submissions lodged on the GNB’s website up until July 28.

After submissions close, the GNB will share feedback with the NPWS and both will then make a recommendation to the NSW government.

There has been about 45 dual names assigned across NSW since 2001.