The Shire of Denmark Council in Western Australia has formally endorsed the implementation of Aboriginal dual naming across 15 locations within the Shire, including rivers, inlets, hilltops and coastal areas.
The Council described the move as "a significant step has been taken toward reconciliation and cultural recognition".
In a statement issued Saturday, the Shire said the move came after more than a decade of research, consultation, and collaboration with the local Noongar community and key stakeholders, such as the Wagyl Kaip Aboriginal Corporation, the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, and other land management authorities.
"This initiative aims to honour the Traditional Custodians of the land by officially recognising Aboriginal place names alongside non-Aboriginal names," the Shire said.
The 15 dual names endorsed by Council are:
• Kooryunderup / Mount Hallowell
• Wakundup / Mount Shadforth
• Marjit / Wilson Inlet
• Kordalup / Parry Inlet
• Quarram / Irwin Inlet
• Quorrimup / Boat Harbour
• Kwoorabup / Denmark River
• Genulup / Hay River
• Kwikup / Quickup River
• Gnowerumbup / Kent River
• Waalitchup / Bow River
• Kwallup / Peaceful Bay
• Peepetup / Mount Lindesay
• Kurlalup / Boat Harbour Lakes
• Kwakoorillup / Frankland River
Shire President Aaron Wiggins said the endorsement marked an important milestone for the community.
"Dual naming and the recognition of our Aboriginal cultural heritage reflect the Shire's commitment to strengthening our shared connection to where we live," Cr Wiggins said.
"Acknowledging the deep history of the Bibbulmun and Minang people of the Noongar nation enriches our understanding of place and identity in Denmark."
Dual naming aligns with the Shire's Council Plan: Our Future 2035 and Aboriginal Heritage Policy, "supporting broader efforts to promote reconciliation and cultural awareness throughout the region".
The next phase will involve submitting the endorsed names to Landgate for formal approval, as well as collaboration with local Aboriginal community members to develop signage and educational materials that provide cultural context and pronunciation guidance.
