Should we officially give Tabletop Mountain back its traditional name Meewah

FREE ARTICLE: Uncle Wayne Fossey is campaigning for the Queensland Government to return Tabletop Mountain to its traditional name Meewah. The Chronicle has backed Uncle Wayne and we want to know what our readers think.

Uncle Wayne Fossey wants Tabletop Mountain to be renamed Meewah. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Uncle Wayne Fossey’s campaign to return Tabletop Mountain to its official name of Meewah is gaining momentum with the Toowoomba Regional Council taking the first steps toward officially endorsing the change.

The Toowoomba Chronicle has also thrown its weight behind the campaign, arguing that the change is an important step in recognising the rich and ancient connection First Nations people have to this land.

Uncle Wayne used the 179th anniversary of the Battle of Meewah to call on the local and state government to join forces and make the change.

He 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 and spark renewed interest in Indigenous tourism.

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.”

The Chronicle has launched a free, online poll to gauge reader’s opinions on the matter and we welcome you to have your say.