The history and culture of our region's First Nations are being recognised in the name of the new playground currently under construction in Armidale's Curtis Park.
Council is calling on the community to choose a name that they believe has meaning to the site of the new playground in Curtis Park from a poll of selected aboriginal names in both the Anaiwan and Gumbaynggirr languages.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr Simon Murray said it was important that we acknowledge Armidale's aboriginal cultural heritage.
"Playgrounds are a fun, socially inclusive space for children and families in the Armidale region to enjoy and spend time with each other," said Cr Murray.
"It seems particularly appropriate that we honour Armidale's significant aboriginal cultural heritage with the naming of the wonderful new playground currently under construction in Armidale's Curtis Park."
Council has consulted with the Aboriginal Lands Council on aboriginal language names included in Council's Local Roads and Place Naming Policy appropriate to the playground space and Council's Aboriginal Community Development Officer has also provided input.
First Nations' language groups being put forward for voting include:
Gumbaynggirr
- Yamaan – (Ya-mann) – meaning creek
- Bindarray – (Bin-darr-ay) – meaning river
- Malawangi– (Ma-Law-awangi) – the traditional name of King Bobby/Robert, who was a Gumbaynggirr Elder in Armidale prior to European settlement. (see Council's website under our region/indigenous history)
Anaiwan
- Bilunnya – (bi-lunn-ya) – meaning bird
- Lawunnya –(la-wunn-ya) – meaning koala
- Ramana – (re-mahn-na) – flying fox
- Yirrbadja – (yirr-bah-dja) – white cockatoo
A poll is now available online for the community to vote on a name through Council's engagement hub at yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au Hard copies will also be available at Council's Customer Service Centres in Armidale and Guyra.
The poll will remain open until Wednesday 18 March 2020.
