Aboriginal language welcome signs could be placed at key Hobart arterial routes after Hobart City Council committee vote

Welcome signs in Aboriginal languages could be placed at key arterial routes into Hobart. Find out where you might spot them.

Davey St.

WELCOME signs in Aboriginal languages could be placed at key arterial routes into Hobart.

Hobart City Council’s community, culture and events committee voted last night to consider the development of a series of signs at key access points as part of the council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The signs would provide a welcome message in the native language of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community/Palawa people and/or an acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land.

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Cr Zelinda Sherlock, who brought the motion to committee, said the signs could be erected next to existing welcome signs on Davey St and the Brooker Highway.

Cr Zelinda Sherlock. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“The land upon which Hobart was built always was and always will be Aboriginal land,” she said.

“Our First Nations People, representing the oldest continuing culture in the world, are the custodians of this place, and as such should be recognised visually at the entry points to our city.

“While history cannot be changed, it is imperative that we take heartfelt and practical steps to visually recognise our heritage as a country, and specifically within the local communities around Hobart.”

Cr Sherlock has also asked the council to consider writing letters to primary and high schools and colleges in the Hobart City Council municipality to encourage the flying of the Aboriginal flag.

She said with this year’s theme for NAIDOC week being “Voice Treaty Truth — Let’s Work Together for a Shared Future” — it was crucial those in leadership sought to make inroads in practical ways “to help show this powerful and important message for everyone”.

Last month the State Government announced significant changes to its Aboriginal and dual names policy, including a provision for replacing existing place names that are racially or historically offensive.

Full council is expected to vote on the motion on July 22.

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