The headland of Cape Byron, home to Byron Bay’s famous lighthouse, could soon be known by its Aboriginal name Walgun as part of a push for greater Indigenous recognition.
The northern New South Wales beauty spot is Australia’s most easterly point and one of the country’s most visited places.
Nearby Julian Rocks nature reserve, home to some of the most diverse marine wildlife on the planet, could officially be known as Nguthungulli, after a community consultation process.
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Walgun, an important gathering site, means shoulder. Nguthungulli, the traditional name for the imposing outcrop 2km off Cape Byron, translates as father of the world in a number of Dreaming stories of the Bundjalung of Byron Bay – Arakwal people.
Brent Emmons from Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation – which is working alongside the state government, Cape Byron Trust and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the dual name project – said if the changes went ahead they would bring Aboriginal culture to the forefront.
Emmons said it was important to add traditional names to culturally important sites known by European or modern designations.
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“Pointing to a traditional name in the foreground, European names second, that’s been rolled out across many places, not just here in Australia,” he said. “You’re going to see this on maps, Google Maps … where there’s international access to the points of interest.”
The NSW minister for Aboriginal affairs, David Harris, said the state government was keen for community feedback on the Cape Byron and Julian Rocks naming proposals.
“Reawakening Aboriginal placenames helps to preserve cultural traditions and provide a sense of belonging for all people from all walks of life,” he said.
The customer service minister, Jihad Dib, said the initiative was about acknowledging Byron Bay’s Indigenous connections.
“This proposal recognises this strong connection and is one way of demonstrating how you can embrace everyone in the community,” he said.
If the dual names are assigned, signposts, maps and directories will feature both names. About 45 dual names have been assigned across NSW since 2001.
Written submissions for the naming proposals can be sent to the state’s geographical names board.