Published on Wednesday, 1 July 2020 at 2:28:42 PM
City of Albany will partner with local Menang Noongar community and South Coast Natural Resource Management to identify key places that can be dual named with the traditional Noongar name.
Thanks to a grant through Lotterywest, the Restoring Menang Noongar Boodja Place Names project will explore the traditional Noongar names for appropriate places and geographic areas within Albany.
The City has engaged local Aboriginal enterprise Kurrah Mia to undertake consultation with the Noongar community and research historical records, beginning from mid-2020.
This builds on previous research by South Coast Natural Resource Management and Community Arts Network WA for the local film Noongar Boodja which sold out to an Albany audience in 2018.
The project announcement links with the State Government recently encouraging local governments across WA to pursue dual naming initiatives in conjunction with their local Noongar community.
Mayor of Albany Dennis Wellington said that as Western Australia’s oldest European settlement, dual naming is a fantastic initiative for Albany.
“Having the traditional Noongar name side by side with the European place name sends a wonderful public statement of reconciliation as we continue to recognise the ongoing, strong and cultural connection Menang Noongar people have with Noongar country,” he said.
“This project will allow the City to explore and revive Menang Noongar place names in consultation with Elders to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Noongar language and culture.”
The Lotterywest grant will be presented by Peter Watson MLA member for Albany on July 8 at 10:30am in Alison Hartman Gardens.
Back to All News