Cowes Cultural Centre: First Nations names to be only option

The naming process for the new Cowes Cultural Centre on Phillip Island has begun, with the community only given options in First Nations language. Have your say.

Renders for the new Cowes Cultural Centre.

Bass Coast residents will have to choose from four naming options for the new Cowes Cultural Centre, all in First Nations language.

Councillors voted on Wednesday to endorse giving the new multimillion-dollar centre a First Nations name.

The council has been provided with four potential name options by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) but a condition of the BLCAC is that they are not to be offered as an option alongside any names of another language.

Therefore, council is not able to offer the community any other options.

The building will be a hub for the community.

BLCAC were consulted on the development, and have provided council with four naming options in the local Boon Wurrung language, along with English translations.

The option are:

– Barmewoon: (Only My Strength)

– Mogarmarlarly Murk: (Lead Me)

– Berninneit: (Gather Together)

– Kummargee: (Rise Up)

The community is now being asked to vote on the options.

Outside space of the Cowes Cultural Centre.

The cultural centre is set to be completed later this year, with costs expecting to reach $27.2m.

The new facility will replace the old cultural centre which the community had outgrown.

It will include a theatre, museum, function rooms, a library, cafe, and more.

The naming process for public infrastructure, buildings and open space can take many forms with policy settings to guide the process including the Geographical Place Names Act 1998.

One of the key shifts in naming processes over recent years is to acknowledge the extensive history and heritage associated with First Nations communities.

There will plenty of space to sit outside the centre.

Many councils now recognise the opportunity of naming public places as an act of reconciliation and an opportunity to build genuine and meaningful relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities.

According to the council the naming of public buildings with First Nations language is a “visible act of reconciliation and as such, naming a prominent cultural landmark presents council with an opportunity to acknowledge First Nations communities in a meaningful and lasting way”.

The proposal states naming the building a First Nations name is consistent with the council’s acknowledgement of country and their strategic action plan 2021-2025.

“A name using First Nations language is appropriate for a significant cultural space and is a major acknowledgment of the Bunurong as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters of Bass Coast,” the report reads.

Voting is now open on the engage Bass Coast website, which hosts the First Nations naming options for community to choose, while seeking feedback and gauging community preference.