The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Bayside Council to name two reserves in its Local Government Area (LGA).
Acting Chair of the GNB Thomas Grinter said feedback was being sought on the proposed names Gujaga Park in the southern Sydney suburb of Rockdale and Pemulwuy Park in the suburb of Arncliffe.
“Through place naming, communities have the opportunity to unlock past stories, preserve traditions, reawaken language and provide a sense of belonging and identity,” Mr Grinter said.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed names.”
Bayside Council established the First Nations Working Group to support council with engaging the local Aboriginal community on various activities including place naming.
There are nine members in the working group representing the local Aboriginal community who all have intergenerational links to the Bayside LGA and have a family connection to direct custodians.
The proposed name Gujaga is the Gadigal and Bidjigal word for ‘child’.
The name was recommended by the First Nations Working Group and local Aboriginal community to reflect the current usage of the location by children and young people as a youth recreation precinct.
The First Nations Working Group advised council that historically this location was a known hunting and fishing area.
Pemulwuy Park is bound by Marsh Street, Eve Street Wetlands and Cooks River and the new name seeks to commemorate Bidjigal Elder Pemulwuy, who was from the Botany Bay area of Sydney and lived at the time of European settlement.
He was known for his resistance to European settlers, and was well regarded in his community, becoming one of the most written about historical people in Australian Aboriginal history.
Mr Grinter said the Board encouraged community comment before it considers the proposals.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website: https://www.gnb.nsw.gov.au/.
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 15 July 2022.
