Larrakia to have say on names
SEVERAL iconic locations including Mindil Beach, East Point and Doctors Gully could be given a second official name, recognising the Territory’s indigenous history.
Under a Territory-wide scheme, the three landmarks along with Vesteys Beach, Lameroo Beach, Dudley Point, O’Ferrals Rock and Port War (the cove between Dudley Point and East Point) could be given a dual name under the proposal, as Uluru/Ayers Rock is named.
The scheme has the backing of Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis and Larrakia Nation.
SEVERAL iconic locations including Mindil Beach, East Point and Doctors Gully could be given a second official name, recognising the Territory’s indigenous history.
Under a Territory-wide scheme, the three landmarks along with Vesteys Beach, Lameroo Beach, Dudley Point, O’Ferrals Rock and Port War (the cove between Dudley Point and East Point) could be given a dual name under the proposal, as Uluru/Ayers Rock is named.
Darwin Council approved eight icons at their fortnightly meeting last week and Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said it was a great idea.
“We’re living in a place where people were living before we got here in the 1800s and I think it’s a sign of recognition and the people who lived here, the Larrakia people,” he said.
“I can’t see why we can’t have two names, one is the European name, one is Larrakia.”
Lake Alexander was proposed to be the ninth landmark but council decided it wasn’t appropriate given it wasn’t a historical or natural landmark and had only been made in the 1990s.
But Mr Vatskalis said council would be happy to endorse the name if Larrakia Nation wished.
“If the Larrakia people can provide us with an argument as to why it should be named, like ‘it was built on top of a traditional ground’ then council will consider it,” he said.
Larrakia Nation chairman Richard Fejo said it was good to see the indigenous culture acknowledged.
“I’m very happy the Larrakia people are uniting and finding conformity, they are united in what the meaning of these words mean,” he said.
“I also think it shows a response to the first people of this land and it’s a good step towards reconciliation … the end result is it will help us move forward as people.”
Mr Fejo said it was good to see Darwin and Larrakia Nation included in the project.
“It’s important to our wellbeing that we’re not left behind in what other indigenous people are doing,” he said.
The place names committee will begin consultation with Larrakia Nation and other land councils on preferred names and priorities.