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The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to dual name Cockatoo Island as Wareamah.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board, Narelle Underwood, said the Board is committed to reawakening Aboriginal place names.
“Through place naming, communities have the opportunity to unlock past stories, preserve traditions, reawaken language and provide a sense of belonging and identity,” Mrs Underwood said.
“Dual naming supports recognition and revival of Aboriginal languages.
“We want to make sure the local community has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name.”
Cockatoo Island is the largest Island in Sydney Harbour, located at the confluence of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers.
The Island is historically associated with ceremony and women’s business; Wareamah is a Dharug word meaning ‘Women’s place’.
Where a feature has a non-Aboriginal name, an Aboriginal name can be assigned. The name will sit alongside the non-Aboriginal name, each part having equal status.
Since June 2001, the NSW Government has supported a dual naming policy for geographical features and cultural sites.
Dual naming does not apply to towns, roads, localities or other administrative based areas such as a reserve or state forest.
Assigning a place name under the Geographical Names Act 1966 does not impact other legislation or change rights or responsibilities.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website.
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 16 July 2021.
/Public Release.
