Language is one of the most significant aspects of the culture and heritage of any group. Choosing a name in partnership with our First Nations People, that reflects our shared history is not only symbolic, but also a practical action towards reconciliation.
The proposed name also draws attention to the presence of platypus in the local area, and acknowledges the efforts by committed community members to improve the habitat for this unique native animal.
The proposed name ‘Watjarang Baring’ means platypus track in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
The name is phonetically pronounced as WHAT-jar-ang BAR-ing.
Council has been working in partnership with DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and the Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group (FOCC) on the proposed name of the trail.
Council has in-principle support from DJAARA for the proposed name to be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for approval.
The trail begins behind Campbells Creek Park in Campbells Creek, and runs 4.3 kilometress along the creek. It is an off-road trail and culminates at Camp Reserve in Castlemaine.
Both affected residents (all adjoining property owners and occupiers near the trail) and the broader community can have their say about the proposed name for the trail.
Overall framework
The place naming process will be conducted in accordance with the Naming Rules for places in Victoria 2022.
Place naming survey
Affected residents will be sent one survey per property to have their say about the proposed name for the trail. The broader community can have their say via the online survey page.
If we don’t get enough support (more than 50% of respondents) for the proposed name, we will go back to DJAARA and explore another Indigenous name for the trail.
Respondents must provide their name, address and contact details on the survey.
All surveys must be submitted within 30 days of the survey opening date.
Making it official
We need to get more that 50% of respondents to support the proposed name for the name to be made official. If we get less than 50% support we will go back to DJAARA and explore another Indigenous name for the trail.
Following community consultation, Council officers will prepare a report which will then be presented at a Council Meeting for the name to be endorsed by Councillors.
Once community engagement and Council endorsement is completed, Council will lodge the new name with Geographic Names Victoria to be published in the Victorian Government Gazette and registered in VICNAMES, Victoria’s register of geographic names.
