Children will shortly be playing in a new park called "Djilatjarriu" (pronounced Jilla-ja-roo), after councillors backed a name recommended by council officers. Meaning "place of play" in the language of the Wadawurrung people, the new title for the park will now be put forward to the Office of Geographic Names for final approval. The idea for the name was put out to the public for consideration over July and August. Of 20 submissions received, the majority were in favour of its adoption. Of the seven opposing the suggested name, most were apparently advocating that an Irish name be considered. Cr Belinda Coates, who moved the motion to support the name, said it would be "one tiny step towards cultural recognition". The proposed name was aligned with actions councillors had supported as part of the council's Reconciliation Action Plan she told fellow councillors. She also said that Australia lagged far behind New Zealand in embracing the languages of its First Peoples in its place names. The park was funded by Developer Contribution Levies, which are designed to provide infrastructure in major growth zones. If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
Children will shortly be playing in a new park called "Djilatjarriu" (pronounced Jilla-ja-roo), after councillors backed a name recommended by council officers.
Meaning "place of play" in the language of the Wadawurrung people, the new title for the park will now be put forward to the Office of Geographic Names for final approval.
The idea for the name was put out to the public for consideration over July and August. Of 20 submissions received, the majority were in favour of its adoption.
Of the seven opposing the suggested name, most were apparently advocating that an Irish name be considered.
Cr Belinda Coates, who moved the motion to support the name, said it would be "one tiny step towards cultural recognition".
The proposed name was aligned with actions councillors had supported as part of the council's Reconciliation Action Plan she told fellow councillors.
She also said that Australia lagged far behind New Zealand in embracing the languages of its First Peoples in its place names.
The park was funded by Developer Contribution Levies, which are designed to provide infrastructure in major growth zones.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
