Rediscovery of Aboriginal Names for Melbourne Suburbs

1. Background and Context

• Discovery & Research

  • A study by Deakin University uncovered the original Aboriginal names of ten Melbourne suburbs.

  • These names were documented in colonial-era records held at the Melbourne Museum.

  • The research is part of a larger movement to recognize Indigenous place names across Australia.

• Who Recorded These Names?

  • Originally documented by Alfred William Howitt, a 19th-century anthropologist.

  • Howitt’s work focused on Aboriginal languages, customs, and oral traditions.

  • He likely gathered these names through interactions with Wurundjeri elder William Barak.

  • William Barak was a respected leader of the Wurundjeri people and a key figure in preserving their cultural knowledge.

• The Wurundjeri People and the Kulin Nation

  • The Wurundjeri people are the Traditional Custodians of the Melbourne region.

  • They are part of the Kulin Nation, a group of five Aboriginal nations in central Victoria.

  • Before colonization, Aboriginal place names reflected deep knowledge of geography, ecology, and culture.

  • Many of these names were erased or anglicized following European settlement.

• Why Is This Important?

  • The rediscovery highlights the linguistic and cultural richness of the Wurundjeri people.

  • It contributes to reconciliation efforts and fosters awareness of Indigenous history.

  • Restoring these names is an act of decolonization, helping to repair historical injustices.

2. Aboriginal Names and Their Meanings

The original names of Melbourne suburbs often describe geographical features, cultural landmarks, or spiritual connections to Country.

1. Fitzroy → Ngár-go

• Meaning: "High ground"

• Interpretation:

  • Likely refers to Fitzroy’s elevated landscape compared to surrounding areas.

  • Could indicate a traditional meeting place or area of strategic importance.

2. Richmond → Quo-yung

• Meaning: Unknown but possibly related to natural features.

• Interpretation:

  • Richmond is close to the Yarra River, which had significant cultural and economic value for the Wurundjeri.

  • The name may relate to fishing areas, sacred sites, or Indigenous pathways.

3. Collingwood → Yálla-birr-ang

• Possible meaning: Related to land, water, or community.

• Interpretation:

  • The area was rich in wetlands and waterways, which were vital for food, transport, and ceremony.

  • Could describe a specific landmark or Dreaming story.

4. Brunswick → Bulleke-bek

• Meaning: Likely linked to a significant landform.

• Interpretation:

  • The area was once covered in grasslands and creeks, home to kangaroos, possums, and emus.

  • The name may refer to a hunting ground or important resource area.

5. St Kilda → Euro-Yroke

• Meaning: Possibly connected to the coastline.

• Interpretation:

  • St Kilda’s proximity to Port Phillip Bay made it important for fishing and trade.

  • "Euro" could refer to wallabies or kangaroos, while "Yroke" may relate to the bay’s waters or currents.

6. North Melbourne → Kum-bo-roo

• Meaning: Possibly connected to Indigenous pathways or movements.

• Interpretation:

  • This area had important ceremonial grounds and was a meeting place for trade and diplomacy.

  • Could relate to travel routes used by the Wurundjeri.

7. South Melbourne → Nerre-nerre-minum

• Meaning: May describe the landscape or cultural importance.

• Interpretation:

  • The region had wetlands, lagoons, and creeks, which provided food and habitat.

  • May have been an area of significance for spiritual practices or corroborees.

8. Port Melbourne → Nairm

• Meaning: Nairm is a well-known Indigenous name for the Melbourne region.

• Interpretation:

  • This name reflects Port Phillip Bay’s importance as a cultural and economic hub.

  • Indicates its significance beyond just the suburb itself, as part of a larger Wurundjeri landscape.

9. Prahran → Pur-ra-ran

• Meaning: May refer to geographical features or plant life.

• Interpretation:

  • The area was heavily wooded and full of wetlands, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

  • Name may describe local vegetation, waterways, or a specific Dreaming story.

10. Toorak → Toorak

• Meaning: The name remains unchanged.

• Interpretation:

  • Demonstrates how some Aboriginal place names were retained.

  • Possibly due to colonial settlers adopting the existing name rather than replacing it.

3. Significance of the Rediscovery

Cultural Recognition

• Restoring Indigenous names is a powerful act of cultural resurgence.

• Recognizing these names reinforces Aboriginal identity and history.

• Challenges the colonial erasure of Indigenous heritage.

Historical Awareness

• Highlights the long-standing presence of Wurundjeri people in Melbourne.

• Counters the false narrative that Aboriginal culture was lost post-colonization.

Linguistic Importance

• Helps revitalize Aboriginal languages, many of which have been lost or endangered.

• Encourages greater use of Woiwurrung and other Indigenous languages in public discourse.

Education and Reconciliation

• Supports teaching Aboriginal history in schools.

• Encourages public discussions about the importance of place names and Indigenous knowledge.

• Promotes cultural awareness among non-Indigenous Australians.

Policy Implications

• Dual Naming Initiatives:

  • Just as Ayers Rock became Uluru, these names could be reinstated alongside their English counterparts.

  • Would require government and local council cooperation.

• Public Signage and Acknowledgment:

  • Street signs, landmarks, and public spaces could feature Indigenous names.

  • More plaques and memorials recognizing Indigenous history.

4. Future Considerations

1. Should These Names Be Officially Reinstated?

• Some believe that returning to Indigenous names is an essential step toward decolonization and truth-telling.

• Others argue that dual naming is a better approach, allowing people to adjust while still honoring Indigenous heritage.

2. How Can These Names Be Used in Education and Public Spaces?

• Primary and secondary school curricula could integrate these names into history and geography lessons.

• Public transport maps, street signs, and landmarks could include Indigenous place names.

• Cultural tours and local history programs could highlight the stories behind each name.

3. What More Can Be Discovered?

• This research only uncovered ten names—there are likely many more yet to be rediscovered.

• Further linguistic and historical research could help piece together a more complete map of Aboriginal Melbourne.

Final Reflections

✅ These names are not just words—they are links to a living history.
✅ Restoring them is a way of honoring the deep knowledge of the Wurundjeri people.
✅ This research is only the beginning—more work is needed to uncover and recognize Indigenous place names.