Six Mount Gambier landmarks adopt dual Bunganditj names

Six local sites of cultural significance in the Mount Gambier region will officially have their name featured in the language of the local Boandik people alongside their European names.

The City of Mount Gambier Council is implementing the Dual Naming Policy as a key part of their ‘Yerkalalpata’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was adopted in early 2020.

The policy was developed with members of the council’s Yerkalalpata RAP Community Reference Group including Boandik Elders, local First Nations community leaders, and senior representatives of Aboriginal controlled community organisations.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said that they all share a relationship with the land and the names they give to places conveys their significance, sense of history and identity.

“Dual naming is recognised as an important step towards reconciliation and the truth-telling process for our Boandik people,” she said.

“The dual naming process will incorporate both the known European place name and the place name in Bunganditj – the reclaimed language of the Boandik people.

“When referencing the areas both names will be used and displayed on signage throughout the city, for example: Blue Lake/Warwar.”

Boandik Elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr says the dual naming of places acknowledges Boandik people as the Traditional Owners of the land and highlights the important relationship between people, Country and language.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, the dual naming of significant sites around Berrin (Mount Gambier) is very important to the Boandik people, it’s a sign of respect, it’s a sign that we are being recognised and it’s a sign that we are important to the people of this town,” she said.

Place name Bunganditj name Pronunciation Bunganditj meaning

Umpherston Sinkhole Balumbul Bah-loombool Buttercup flower

Cave Garden Thugi Th-oo-gi Bullfrogs

Leg of Mutton Lake Yatton Loo Yah-ton-loo No reference

Blue Lake Warwar Waa-wore Crow country

Brownes Lake KroweratwariKroh-wehrat-wah-ri Emus, their tracks

Valley Lake Ketla Malpi Ket-lah mah-l-pi Sacred talking tree

“This gives back that compassion, that sense of Country, knowing and belonging – we need that as it was taken from us. By reviving the language, revitalising it, it makes everyone whole again and it’s the start of the healing process.

“When you travel throughout Australia you see language written for the local people, you see it on signs, you see it on shop windows,