SBS using Indigenous names on weather map, some not happy

Some people are not happy with the “shock” move, despite the network introducing the practice over a year ago.

SBS’s use of Indigenous names in weather reports has sparked a heated debate, despite the network introducing the practice over a year ago.

On SBS’s World News Bulletin, the Australian weather map is shown first with English names for each capital, before changing over to Indigenous titles.

Perth becomes Boorloo, Sydney becomes Warrang, Brisbane is Meanjin, Melbourne is Naarm and Adelaide is Tarndanya.

Disgruntled 2GB listener Peter called the Sydney radio station to air his grievances.

“I was shocked when I saw it,” he said.

Indigenous leader Warren Mundine. Picture: Sky News

“I think the capitals should be displayed in English… its’s nice for Aboriginal people to have the names in their own language … but aren’t we all Australian?”

Indigenous leader Warren Mundine joined the program.

“It’s a nice idea … I like it … but it starts getting crazy, and goes overboard, and starts upsetting people,” he said.

Host Ben Fordham added that the use of Indigenous names at airports could make catching a flight confusing.

“I’ll tell you a funny story,” Mr Mundine added.

“I was standing there trying to catch a plane, and I didn’t know where I was going … you’re flying from A to B, put A to B and that would make it easier.”

SBS has been displaying Indigenous names for Australian capitals since February 2023.

The publicly funded broadcaster said the move was to reflect “traditional custodianship and more than 60,000 years of history”.

SBS World News has been using Indigenous names for Australian capitals on weather maps since February last year. Picture: SBS

At the time, SBS Elder-in-Residence and Widjabul Wia-bal woman Rhoda Roberts AO said the “revitalisation of First Nations’ languages heals our nation”.

“For me, it’s a time of a new awakening that informs us all,” she said.

“Behind every word you will find information about the seasons, the place and the ecology of our wonderful country. It’s more than education … it’s also the science and the realisation that words can enlighten us all.”

SBS Director of News and Current Affairs Mandi Wicks said SBS “was proud to be taking this important step in First Nations representation in Australian media.

“The power of language to foster inclusion can’t be understated, and this initiative will further share First Nations languages and cultures with all Australians.”