NT government confirms Beswick, Pigeon Hole renamed Wugularr, Nitjpurru

In an effort to push Closing the Gap and truth-telling, requests by Beswick and Pigeon Hole locals to have their localities renamed has been granted. Read what they are now called.

Nitjpurru traditional owners Raymond Hector and Elmore Anzac with Member for Gwoja Chansey Paech

Beswick and Pigeon Hole have officially been renamed to their traditional Aboriginal names as the Lawler government doubles down on its commitment to Closing the Gap and truth-telling.

This week, the NT government announced the communities of Beswick and Pigeon Hole would officially be named Wugularr (woo-gah-larr) and Nitjpurru (nit-poo-rroo).

Wugularr, located on the traditional lands of the Bagala Clan of the Jawoyn Nation, is home to about 600 people.

The English name for the community, Beswick Station, or Beswick Creek, was named after South Australian pastoralist James Beswick of the 1870s.

Bagala Traditional Owner Esther Bulumbara with Board of Bagala Aboriginal Corporation (front left) with Wugularr residents.

Arnhem MLA Selena Uibo said the name change was a significant step for the local community.

“Names hold significance, and acknowledging the Jawoyn name Wugularr is of great importance to the community and the Big Rivers region,” she said.

“As the local member I advocate for the community of Wugularr and I am glad to see this change finally happen.

“I know Traditional Owners of Wugularr will be happy to see the official name change.”

Pigeon Hole has been renamed Nitjpurru. Picture: Supplied.

More than 500 kilometres southwest on the Victoria River Downs Pastoral Property lies Nitjpurru, previously known as Pigeon Hole.

Nitjpurru is the traditional name for the billabong just north of where the community is situated.

Gwoja MLA Chansey Paech said the the change follows “years” of advocacy.

“The people from Nitjpurru have lobbied for many years for their community to have a Bilinarra name,” he said.

“This is an important milestone for the community and I acknowledge the advocacy of traditional owners and the Victoria Daly Regional Council in driving this change.”

New road signs are expected to be established in the coming weeks to reflect the changes.

Originally published as NT government confirms Beswick, Pigeon Hole renamed Wugularr, Nitjpurru