As part of a plan to rename all conservation category wetlands in the City of Gosnells, two wetlands in Canning Vale have become the first to be officially renamed using Noongar names.
Formerly referred to as the Comrie Road wetland, has now been officially named Maladjiny-ap Balyan Boodjar, pronounced ‘mala-GIN-up Bal-yan BOOJ-ar, which translates into English as ‘place of growing wetland.’
The other wetland, previously known as the Shreeve Road and Waterperry Drive wetlands, has been officially named Nakaal Maya Balyan Boodjar, pronounced ‘NAR-kal May-a Bal-yan BOOJ-ar,’ which translates to ‘peaceful place wetland.’
Chosen by local Indigenous Elders and the Langford Aboriginal Association, Mayor Terresa Lynes said the names also have practical benefits, as they help to identify previously unnamed wetlands.
“Currently, less than 15 per cent of the parks within the City of Gosnells have an official name registered with Landgate, so this program will help to rectify this while honouring the traditional owners of this area and recognising the enduring links between Country and culture,” she said.
“Registering place names with Landgate is important so that a single name for a place is recognised – allowing residents, emergency services, map providers and travellers to find our parks.”
The city stated that the decision to rename wetlands aligns with a request from the State Government in 2019, which is aimed at honouring the history, culture, and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In addition to renaming these wetlands, the City is also working to officially name previously unnamed parks by registering names with Landgate once park improvement is complete.
