Booti walking track, Booti Booti National Park
John Spencer/DCCEEW
How places are named in NSW
Place names connect people to a place and foster identity and belonging. They are important for efficient service delivery and cohesive communities.
When we consider your proposals at the Geographical Names Board (GNB), we look at a name's origin, history, language and the community feeling.
Find out what can be named and how we decide on appropriate names.
Aboriginal place naming
The GNB prefers the use of traditional Aboriginal place names for geographical features in NSW.
Aboriginal language can be used for any unnamed geographical feature or place within NSW, in consultation with the local Aboriginal community. This ensures that the chosen names are in alignment with the local language, culturally appropriate for the location on Country, and have the support of the community.
Reawakening Aboriginal Place Names
The process of naming
How addresses are decided
In NSW, councils are the address custodians for the local government authority.
How suburbs and localities are determined
Suburb names and boundaries have to have the endorsement of the local council.
What to do if you find a place name offensive
Community sensitivities change over time so place names can fall out of favour.
If you live in a place that contains a name you find demeaning, we can work with your community to find a name that reflects the character and history of the area.