The Town of Cambridge has welcomed the official restoration of Lake Monger's Whadjuk Noongar name, Galup – meaning "place where the home fires burn" – following formal endorsement by the Geographic Names Committee, an independent advisory body to Landgate and Western Australia's Minister for Lands.

The decision, effective as of Tuesday, 17 June, is the final endorsement required to implement the change and marks a significant milestone in the Town's "ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the recognition of Whadjuk Noongar people and culture", the Town said in a statement.

In August last year, Cambridge Council endorsed a five-year transition to the name 'Galup (Lake Monger)'. Following further consultation and community feedback, the transition period has been deemed unnecessary. The wetlands will now be officially known as 'Galup' (pronounced Kaarlup).

At the time, Elder Dr Glenda Kickett told National Indigenous Times that restoring the historic site's Whadjuk Noongar name would mark a significant milestone in the process of truth-telling.

"I just think it's important to acknowledge Galup, it has special meaning for my family and for Whadjuk people," she said.

"It is a place for fire, so a lot of our family camped around this area and when settlement occurred they were driven out of here."

Mayor Gary Mack said the name restoration reflects the Town's respect for Whadjuk Noongar heritage and the importance of place names in preserving cultural identity.

"This is a proud and meaningful moment for our community," he said.

"The name Galup holds deep cultural significance. By formally recognising it, we acknowledge the enduring connection of Whadjuk Noongar people to this land and take another step forward on our reconciliation journey."

The Town said the request to restore the name was guided by "extensive" community engagement undertaken by the Town, as well as "in-depth" consultation with Traditional Owners. The Galup Arts Project, produced by Same Drum, played a role in raising community awareness of the cultural and historical significance of the site.

The name restoration has also been formally supported by the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and its Cultural Advice Committee.

In April 2025, Council unanimously adopted the Town's first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reinforcing its long-term commitment to reconciliation. The RAP process is currently underway, laying the foundation for meaningful, ongoing partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

"Our commitment to reconciliation is not symbolic – it is action-driven," Mayor Mack said.

"Restoring the name Galup is one of many steps the Town is taking to embed respect, recognition, and truth-telling into our work."

Galup is a popular reserve located in Wembley, cherished for its open space, natural beauty, and community significance.