Melbourne places may get Aboriginal names under city reconciliation plan
The names of prominent inner-city places could be in for a shake-up under the City of Melbourne’s bold Aboriginal reconciliation plan. See what the council is considering.
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Some inner city landmarks could have Aboriginal names added to their existing names under a City of Melbourne reconciliation plan.
The draft action plan said the council would look at options for the dual naming of spaces “to reflect the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area”.
No places have yet been identified, however the council already uses the name Yarra-Birrarung in some publications to show how Aboriginals referred to the river before European settlement.
The state government has previously ruled out a name change for the Yarra, and any official changes for other locations would need to go through a long process involving Geographic Names Victoria.
Senior elder of the Wurundjeri people Auntie Joy Murphy said that places like the MCG, Melbourne University, Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central could be considered for dual names.
“For the MCG to also have an Aboriginal name would be a great tribute to all the Aboriginal players in the AFL and VFL over the years,” she said.
Ms Murphy, whose ancestor was famous 19th century Aboriginal leader William Barak, said dual naming places would be great for her people’s cultural identity.
“It would be lovely to have our language,Woiwurrung, everywhere - we are reclaiming it and we love to be able to speak it,” she said.
Ms Murphy said that Narrm was the Woiwurrung name of the central Melbourne area.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the reconciliation plan took into account Aboriginal heritage going back at least 65,000 years.
“Reconciliation means working to make sure Melbourne is an inclusive city for all Aboriginal peoples, and closing the gap of disadvantage experienced by generations of Aboriginal people since European settlement,” she said.
Ms Capp said the council was currently focused on the pandemic crisis, and the draft plan looked at future projects and programs.
Under the strategy to be considered at a meeting on Tuesday, the council will initiate a series of public “truth telling” events about Aboriginal experiences, and commemorate the so-called Stolen Generations through memorials and markers.
Truth telling sister city links will be set up with other councils, and a permanent outdoor ceremonial site in central Melbourne could be set up in consultation with traditional owner groups.
Aboriginal City portfolio chair councillor Nicolas Frances Gilley said: “Truth-telling is about having honest conversations about the impacts of colonisation and sharing thousands
of years of rich history, language and stories with the broader community.”
Other measures being considered include funding Aboriginal public art works in significant locations like Warrior Woman Lane, Enterprize Park and Carlton Gardens.
And all councillors, executives and staff would undergo an “Aboriginal cultural learning
strategy”, and be educated on the effects of racism.
The document said all staff events, such as end-of-year celebrations, should include Aboriginal performers.
Traditional owner groups like the Bunurong Land Council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation will also be invited to conduct a “Welcome to Country” and other ceremonies at key annual events including Melbourne Music Week, Melbourne Fashion Week and citizenship ceremonies.
And “Acknowledgment of Traditional Owner” plaques would need to be displayed in all council offices and buildings.
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