Dual Naming
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As part of the NSW Government's commitment to reconciliation, the Geographical Names Board of NSW has established a dual naming sub-committee. The sub-committee has representatives from the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the Local Government and Shires Association and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
The function of the committee is to consider and make recommendations to the Geographical Names Board on the draft guidelines for dual naming and operational procedures.
These guidelines recognise the significance of Aboriginal culture by giving dual names to already named geographical features such as rivers, creeks and mountains.
An example of dual-naming is Dawes Point Reserve or 'Tar-ra', situated under the southern approach to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), responsible for commercial and public management of the site, proposed a dual name be considered for the Reserve.
Stakeholders such as the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and the SHFA were consulted to ensure cultural and historical accuracy.
This pilot project has resulted in the Cadigal name 'Tar-ra', as well as Dawes Point, being displayed prominently at the Reserve. In doing so, both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal significance of the site is recognised.
For more information on the dual naming project you can contact:
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs on (02) 9219 0700
The Geographical Names Board of NSW on (02) 6332 8214
