Council wards to adopt Aboriginal names
Friday, 14 December, 2018
Inner West Council has voted to rename all five wards within the Local Government Area to include Aboriginal names.
Following a detailed process of engagement and consultation with local Aboriginal people and Indigenous language experts, Council resolved to name the Council Wards are as follows:
- Ashfield Ward – Djarrawunang (Magpie)
- Balmain Ward – Baludarri (Leather Jacket)
- Leichhardt Ward – Gulgadya (Grass Tree)
- Marrickville Ward – Midjuburi (Lillypilly)
- Stanmore Ward – Damun (Port Jackson Fig).
Welcoming the move, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that it was time for the Inner West to do more to bring about reconciliation in our own back yard.
“We are determined to recognise and commemorate the Inner West’s unique Aboriginal history,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Using Sydney Aboriginal language to help establish the names for our newly established five wards is an enduring and practical way to show recognition and respect.”
Mayor Byrne said Council has also recently also supported a pilot program teaching children at Tillman Park Early Learning Centre Aboriginal language and culture through song, storytelling and the environment.
“We want Inner West kids to learn Indigenous languages as this will help them to understand their connection to the oldest continuous society on earth,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Our aim is to make this pilot a success and then roll it out to preschools across the Inner West.”
The proposed Aboriginal words for the wards have been provided following research undertaken on the culture and history of the Inner West and following community consultation including with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Reference Group and further representatives from the local Aboriginal community.
For further information, please contact Brendan Berecry on 9392 5218.