Dual names approved for Gaanha bula/Mount Canobolas

The majestic dormant volcano that dominates Orange’s southern horizon will now be known by two names: Gaanha bula and Mount Canobolas.

Gaanha bula, the traditional name for the mountain in the Wiradjuri language, was officially gazetted as a dual name for Mount Canobolas on Friday, June 30.

The dual naming comes as a result of an application made by local Wiradjuri elder Uncle Neil Ingram, with the support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to the Geographical Names Board last year.

“On behalf of the Gaanha Bula Action Group, we made an application and all the hard work paid off… now the traditional

Aboriginal name can now be recognised,” Uncle Neil told Orange City Life on Friday.

“I think this is great for our community,” he continued. “To recognise the original name before Europeans colonised our country. Now, this means the feature has two names: an Aboriginal name and a non-Aboriginal name each existing in their own right.

“That we can recognise the traditional name, the Aboriginal name, it makes me very proud and I’m just so happy.”

The NSW Government has supported a dual naming policy – returning traditional names given by Aboriginal people to geographical features and cultural sites – for more than 20 years.

In 2015, Bathurst saw the traditional name for Mount Panorama, Wahluu, given official recognition.

And in 2021, the Macquarie River was also given back its traditional Wiradjuri name, Wambuul.

“Aboriginal place-naming is essential to language revitalisation,” Uncle Neil said. “It helps reawaken it, preserves and helps grow Aboriginal language, and strengthens Aboriginal connection with culture, identity and country.

“What it means is that this will allow the Aboriginal community and the wider community to share our stories and our culture — that’s what I believe will happen.

“It makes me very proud and I hope the rest of our community would take this onboard and respect it.”