I WAS disappointed to read in The Courier on Wednesday that more than 100 residents had objected to the proposed naming of the new suburb in the targeted growth area bordering Delacombe and Smythes Creek.
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The proposed name, 'Mullawallah', is the name of the last King Billy of Ballarat, who died in 1896 to considerable civic mourning.
We already have some Aboriginal place names in the area (for example, Ballarat and Wendouree), but there appears to be no Aboriginal people who have been recognised.
In fact, few Aboriginal names of the Wathaurung who lived here are even known.
The name Mullawallah has a musical lilt and rolls off the tongue quite easily, but that is not the main reason I supported the name.
For over 10 years I have researched Mullawallah and have discovered, through newspaper and oral history, evidence that he was able to mix with all classes of the settler society and had respect from those who knew him well.
He took his English surname "Wilson" from the owner of Ercildoune, Sir Samuel Wilson, and met the Governor of Victoria while living on this property.
He carved an elaborate walking stick for the wife of the Ercildoune manager when she nursed him through an illness and was a regular and welcome visitor at the home of the keeper of the Ballarat West Commons, John Comrie.
Mullawallah was an acknowledged athlete, was passionate about horse riding and racing and was prepared to discuss environmental concerns with the governor.
He appeared to be a quiet and humble person, pained by the tragic loss of Aboriginal lives which he had seen in his lifetime.
However, he was also able to adapt to European society and to join in with his version of a Highland Fling with the Comrie family.
He spent a lot of time walking between Learmonth and Burrumbeet lakes and Ballarat, so was well-known in the district and many families have passed stories on about him.
I would like to think that if all residents were able to learn a little more about Mullawallah, some of the stated problems with his name could be overcome and a new generation of residents could take pride and interest in the man who walked the ancient paths and fished the waterholes in their vicinity.