The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to dual name Mount Canobolas as Gaanha bula.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said the board was committed to reawakening Aboriginal place names.
“Dual naming supports recognition and revival of Aboriginal languages,” Mrs Underwood said.
“We want to make sure the local community has an opportunity to provide their feedback.”
Mount Canobolas is a mountain rising 380 metres from Caves Creek, located approximately seven km East-North-East of Grahams Mount and 10 kilometres South of Borenore (village), in the Cabonne Local Government Area.
NPWS worked closely with Local Wiradjuri Elders and has the support of the Local Aboriginal Lands Council and both Cabonne and Orange City councils.
The proposed dual name Gaanha bula is the traditional Wiradjuri name for Mount Canobolas and means two shoulders.
Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Neil Ingram, said the name comes from the Aboriginal Dreaming story of creation for both Gaanha bula and Wahluu/Mount Panorama.
This is the story of three brothers, the eldest Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas) the middle Wahlu (Mount Panorama) and the youngest brother Galbuman Ngiilinya (Mount Macquarie).
Through the public consultation process the community is encouraged to have a say on the proposed name and its spelling.
Where a geographical 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.
Once a dual name proposal is assigned, signposts, maps and directories relating to the area will feature both names.
Since June 2001 the NSW Government has supported a dual naming policy for geographical features and cultural sites.
Through place naming, communities have the opportunity to unlock past stories, preserve traditions, reawaken language and provide a sense of belonging and identity.
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: 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 20 January 2023.
