Vandal against the dual naming of Tasmanian locations damages signs

Someone out there in the community is so upset about the dual Aboriginal/English naming of some prominent Tasmanian places they have vandalised road signs in the Central Highlands.

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THE Mayor of the Central Highlands says racist graffiti such as the vandalism to a road sign which featured dual Aboriginal and English names is not welcome in her community.

Lou Triffitt has been joined in her condemnation of the racist vandalism by Lyon’s MP Brian Mitchell and many Facebook commentators who have joined in the debate over Tasmania’s dual naming convention since the vandalism was noticed.

The sign, on the signage yingina/Great Lake, Penstock/Waddamana turn-off going toward the Goldwind Windfarm was seen this week.

The vandal, or vandals, spray painted over the Aboriginal name and made a racist slur.

In 2016, yingina/Great Lake was gazetted as a dual name in line with recognition given to the original custodians of the land in other places such as kunanyi/Mt Wellington in Hobart.

Lyons MP Brian Mitchell. Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party, Richard Marles is in Hobart today and will join Brian Mitchell at a local small business. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“The Tasmanian Aboriginal word yingina was the first to refer to these places and the English word Great Lake was imposed later by Europeans,” Mayor Triffitt said.

“There are many Tasmanian Aboriginal families living in the Central Highlands and this type of racist graffiti is not welcome or necessary.”

Mr Mitchell said there was no place for such racism in the community.

“Whoever did this should be ashamed of themselves,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Indigenous people have a long and ongoing connection with country. Respecting Tasmania’s dual naming convention is the very least we can all do to honour and pay respect to this proud and enduring heritage.”