Aboriginal names could soon be considered for streets and buildings in Coffs Harbour under the city's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy. Councillors endorsed the strategy at their latest monthly meeting after it was strengthened following public exhibition and community yarn sessions. The strategy outlines 38 actions and was developed with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Short-term actions include compiling a database of Gumbaynggirr and local Aboriginal names, adding Acknowledgement to Country to email signatures, and creating a network of Reconciliation Champions. Progress updates will be provided through the City's reporting framework.
Many towns in the region took their names from Scottish figures, literature and places. Ivanhoe is believed to be named after Sir Walter Scott's novel, chosen by storekeeper George Brown Williamson. Booligal's name comes from an Aboriginal word, possibly meaning windy place. Hillston was renamed after publican William Ward Hill, who died in 1867. Maude's naming remains unresolved, with officials rejecting an earlier proposed name without recorded reasons.
The Lorikeet's Huw Bradshaw looks into the origins of the name Waitara, how its syllables came together, and a few false starts along the way. A video covers the details.
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A local historical association is campaigning to have Mt David, a peak near Canungra, officially gazetted. The peak is named after David Lahey, a founding figure whose family built the region's first major sawmill. Despite the name's long local use, it has never received an official title and does not appear on maps. A request to the Queensland Place Names Board is under way, though the board is busy with many developments. A public submission process is expected, and organisers hope locals will show their support.
