Brimbank Council is seeking public feedback on three proposed alternative Aboriginal names for Sydenham Park in Keilor North.
The park is 231 hectares and includes grasslands and river valleys, and is where Jackson Creek, Deep Creek and the Maribyrnong River meet.
“Brimbank Council has consulted with local Traditional Custodians who have provided alternative names for Sydenham Park,” said Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire.
“This is an opportunity for the wider public to consider three name options and the meaning behind each one, and let us know their preference.
The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung have a deep and continuous connection to the land. Before colonisation, Aboriginal people used the area for hunting, fishing, and camping along the river and creek beds. The Maribyrnong River and Jacksons Creek are extremely important waterways for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
In recognition of this important Aboriginal cultural heritage, Council has decided to rename the park with a Traditional Custodian name. The Marin-bulluk of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language group are the Traditional Custodians of Sydenham Park. The Marin-bulluk’s country includes Sunbury as well as the area along the Maribyrnong River, Kororoit Creek and Jacksons Creek.
Another reason to rename the park is because it’s not actually in Sydenham, and this may cause confusion for emergency response and transport services trying to pinpoint its location.
Three name options provided by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, with a request they remain in lower case, are:
- yaluk barring park – meaning river trail
- yerrin taydo park – meaning bush walk
- wurrwu baan park – meaning running water
“By changing to an Aboriginal name we acknowledge the cultural significance of the park to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people,” said Cr Lancashire.
Consultation closes Thursday 30 November.
