Indigenous leader Uncle Wayne Fossey calls for Tabletop Mountain to be renamed Meewah

Plans are under way to rename an iconic landmark frequented by Toowoomba residents, and the idea already has backing from key politicians. See inside the plans here.

Uncle Wayne Fossey at the 179th Anniversary of the Battle of Meewah. Picture: Nev Madsen.

If all goes to plan within 18 months Table Top Mountain will be returned to its traditional name – Meewah.

Darling Downs Indigenous leader Uncle Wayne Fossey made the bold claim at a service to mark the 179th anniversary of the Battle of Meewah, where a defiant Multuggerah ambushed a caravan heading up the Toowoomba Range.

Multuggerah’s victory sparked a guerrilla campaign involving 1500 warriors drawn from tribes as far away as Stanthorpe, the Wide Bay and Gatton that pushed White settlers back to what is now Logan.

“About 20 years ago we started discussing (changing the name) with individuals and communities and that was the place to start,” he said.

Pat Menz sings at the 179th Anniversary of the Battle of Meewah. Picture: Nev Madsen.

More recently Uncle Wayne moved his focus to the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley mayor’s and pushed for their respective councils to take a vote in the coming months.

If it passes then the proposal moves to the Queensland Government.

Uncle Wayne said changing Table Top Mountain’s name to Meewah would follow the path worn by Indigenous communities who successfully lobbied to have Ayers Rock and Fraser Island renamed Uluru and K’gari respectively.

“It was difficult with Uluru but K’gari is shared property and it has gone over really smoothly,” he said.

It is hoped the name change would place Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley economies in a position where they could cash in on a growing tourism industry that draws in Indigenous culture and heritage.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said he supports changing Tabletop Mountain’s name to Meewah.

Uncle Wayne pointed to dozens of natural landmarks in the Helidon Spa, the Bunya Mountains and the Southern Downs that carry deep significance in Indigenous lore that tourists wanted to learn about.

“It is about understanding and truth telling,” he said.

“We should be talking about Meewah as Meewah, we should be talking about the history of Meewah and we should be telling our stories because they are brilliant stories.”

While no formal vote has been scheduled, Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio supported the name change.

“I am quite happy to work through the process and I don’t have a problem with it but it would have to go through some community consolation.

“The majority of councillors in the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley would have to vote in support as well.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan also backed the move. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“There is a big move within the local government to use Indigenous names for roads and landmarks.”

Lockyer Valley mayor Tanya Milligan also supported the change.

“It would need to be a joint effort to educate and create an understanding in both communities so people can make an informed decision and embrace it as others already have, myself included,” she said.

“When people know the ‘why’ the understanding will follow.

“I would like to see it recognised as Meewah.”