##MP##

A traditional Yidiny name has been selected as the preferred option to replace Blackfellow Creek, the title for a watercourse south of Cairns.

The Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people say the current name is culturally inappropriate and have proposed calling the creek Bana Gindarja.

It follows the renaming of the adjoining Blackfellows Park last year to the Allan and May Oliver Park / Bana Gindarja Park, which honours a well-respected Edmonton family and the local First Nations people’s totem.

##BA##

A Gimuy Walubara Yidinji spokesperson said the creek has been known by Bana Gindarja for thousands of years.

“Bana Gindarja refers to the cassowary, which is our totem,” they said.

##PQ##

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the proposed change is more appropriate for the culturally significant landmark.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people who requested the change with the support of local State MP Curtis Pitt and the Cairns Regional Council,” he said.

“The new proposed name gives us a chance to use language that celebrates our First Nations people and the deep connection they hold to country – a connection that has existed for more than 60,000 years.”

The name Blackfellow Creek first appeared on maps from about 1883 for the watercourse which journeys from Wright’s Creek through to Edmonton and Bentley Park.

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said changing the name would be a sign of respect to Cairns’ First Nations peoples.

“As a former Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, I acknowledge that a more culturally respectful name for the watercourse would be a significant step towards aspirations of reconciliation,” he said.

“As with all place name changes we will engage with the community and I encourage all interested people and groups in Cairns to have their say.”

The consultation period runs until September 9.

You can submit a comment here.

INDIGENOUS
LANDMARKS
RECONCILIATION

Main points

  • The Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people have proposed renaming the creek Bana Gindarja 
  • They say Blackfellow Creek is culturally inappropriate
  • Bana Gindarja refers to their totem, the cassowary
The story of Bana Gindarja tells how the cassowary lost its feathers, wings, ability to fly and how it became the colour it is.
spokesperson
Gimuy Walubara Yidinji elders corporation