Aboriginal place naming

The Geographical Names Board is committed to revitalising and preserving Aboriginal languages through place naming.

Place name search

Acknowledgement

The Geographical Names Board acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and the places in which we live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise the unique cultural and spiritual relationship and celebrate the contributions of First Nations peoples to Australia.

Image: ‘Connecting Communities’ original artwork by Alison Williams.

Aboriginal artwork depicting communities, with bright colours and vivid central circles.

On this page

Acknowledging Aboriginal culture

NSW is home to over 70 Aboriginal languages with almost 200 dialects. Aboriginal languages are important to NSW First Peoples and the fabric of NSW. Place naming is a recognised way of reawakening and preserving these languages.

As the authority for place naming in NSW, the Geographical Names Board (GNB) encourages and supports Aboriginal place naming. This includes using Aboriginal language to name new features like parks, and recognising existing Aboriginal names (also known as traditional names) for geographical features.

We strive to ensure that place names are inclusive, culturally safe and respectful for Aboriginal people. The GNB respects Aboriginal self-determination. We prioritise consultation with local Aboriginal communities whenever proposing Aboriginal place names.

Assigning a place name under the Geographical Names Act 1966 does not impact other legislation or change rights or responsibilities.

Using local Aboriginal language

Aboriginal language can be used for any unnamed geographical feature or place within NSW. A 'place' includes suburbs, parks and railway stations.

In consultation with the local Aboriginal community, names can:

be in the local language and describe the feature or place
be a translation from the local language name
tell the story or songline of the feature or place.

For example, Dhunggaarr Reserve, on the banks of the Manning River at Harrington on the Mid North Coast, was previously named Pelican Shipyard. 'Dhunggaarr' means pelican in the Guttang language.

Find information about Aboriginal language programs at the Aboriginal Languages Trust and First Languages Australia.

Recognising traditional Aboriginal names

Many geographical features already have traditional names that were long used by the local Aboriginal community before European settlement.

Traditional names can be officially recognised and recorded, which enables the story and culture of the local Aboriginal community to be shared.

For example, Didthul / Pigeon House Mountain, near Ulladulla on the South Coast, has profound spiritual significance to the local Aboriginal communities of the South Coast and Southern Highlands.

The mountain features in Dreamtime stories passed down in oral traditions. One story relates to the hunting and capture of an eel, which the people roast on the beach while they're sleeping. A pheasant (probably meaning a lyrebird) takes the eel from the fire and carries it to Didthul.

Through the GNB's dual naming policy, we restore traditional Aboriginal names alongside introduced names. See Dual naming.

an image of dual plaques for Mount Canobolas and Gaanha-bula

Proposing an Aboriginal name

To name a feature or place using Aboriginal language or a traditional Aboriginal name, you'll need to first engage with the local Aboriginal community.

This may be the Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), relevant Elders, or Aboriginal community groups within the local area.

Consultation with the local Aboriginal community is important to ensure:

a culturally appropriate name is chosen
the word comes from the local language group
the story and meaning behind the word is captured and
the community supports the name for the feature or place.

The name needs to comply with the GNB's Place Naming Policy and have the endorsement of the local council or government department that administers the area.

To propose a name and see our process for approvals, visit How places are named.

Find resources to help your proposal at First Nations Community Access to Archives at the Museums of History NSW, and Aboriginal Australians at the State Library of NSW.

Dual naming

The GNB is committed to restoring the traditional Aboriginal names for places in NSW. Where a feature has an official name, the Aboriginal name can be assigned as a dual name. Learn more about dual naming here.