The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Cumberland City Council to name a reserve in the suburb Merrylands, Cumberland Local Government Area (LGA) as Dyin Ngurra.
The reserve is located in Merrylands Civic Square, between McFarlane Street and Merrylands Road. The name Dyin Ngurra (which is pronounced D-yin Na-gur-ra) is from the local Dharug (also spelt Darug) language and means “Woman’s Place”.
The proposed name was selected to acknowledge and honour remarkable local women who have made significant contributions to the area.
Cumberland City Council worked with its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee and consulted with members of the local Aboriginal Community who support the name Dyin Ngurra.
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name.
Suggestions for alternative names are not being sought at this time.
Details of the proposal can be viewed, and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website.
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 23 May 2024.
Quotes to be attributed to NSW Surveyor-General Narelle Underwood:
“Place naming is a recognised way of reawakening and preserving First Nation languages.”
“The Geographical Names Board encourages the recognition of women through place naming.”
“Community consultation on the proposed names is an important step to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback and ensures that each voice has a chance to contribute.”