What to do if you find a place name offensive

Names we can all use

The Geographical Names Board (GNB) has statutory responsibility to establish, update, preserve and publicise place naming in NSW.

Place names reflect the relationship between people and place. They create a link that forms the basis for communication, location and addressing. Place names are essential for emergency services and postal and service delivery, as well as professional and personal navigation.

What is considered offensive?

Place names must reflect community sensitivities, which can change over time. The subjective nature of the term 'offensive' means place names need to be reviewed on an individual basis.

If a community finds a name offensive, the GNB will identify a new name by working with the community, including:

• impacted community members
• the local council
• if applicable, the Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and Traditional Custodians.

Discriminatory names

The NSW Place Naming Policy states that discriminatory or derogatory names are not acceptable. They could be names that are seen, at a given point in time, to be offensive, demeaning, or harmful to the reputation of individuals, or to social, ethnic, religious or other groups.

We recognise that the perception of 'discriminatory' or 'derogatory' may vary through time and from place to place.

In response to requests from the public, the GNB will investigate the appropriate status of any names in this category.

We then undertake a public consultation process prior to assigning any new place name in NSW, to ensure the community have an opportunity to provide their feedback.

Watch a video about offensive names to learn the story of Maiyingu Marragu, near Lithgow, whose former name caused distress to the local community, and what we did about it.

videocam 1:48

Changing a name

To propose a new name, community members should work with the local council or government agency that administers the feature. The council need to submit a proposed name to the GNB, along with proof that the community supports it.

Where a name is considered offensive to First Peoples, it's important to consult with the Local Aboriginal Land Council, Traditional Custodians and local Aboriginal communities.

For more information, visit How places are named in NSW.