Wider community

Aboriginal language work is supported by the State government as part of a strategic plan that links community language work with language education work in schools, gaols and detention centres, and with appreciation of Aboriginal languages in the wider community.

Place names

The Language Centre works with the Geographical Names Board to continue naming geographical features in New South Wales with Aboriginal place names. From one joint project, 20 sites on Sydney Harbour were given dual names recently. As well as place names, members of the public can appreciate Aboriginal languages through tourism products, interpretative signage and cultural expression.

Geographical Naming Board (Department of Lands) – Dual Naming Policy

In June 2001, the New South Wales Government announced a Dual Naming policy for geographical features and cultural sites. The policy includes Indigenous Australian place names to appear alongside European names in an effort to advance the reconciliation process.
The policy also recognises that Aboriginal place names should be preserved because they are part of Australia’ cultural heritage. The policy aims to be community-driven and has worked well in areas such as Uluru/Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta/The Olgas. The Dual Naming policy applies to features such as mountains, rivers, landscapes and harbour locations. It allows for signposts, maps and directories to feature both names. The policy does not apply to suburbs, towns or streets. In 2003 the Language Centre worked on a project with the Geographical Naming Board to successfully dual name 28 sites on the Sydney Harbour.

The Roads and Traffic in its Aboriginal Action plan aims to modify RTA Bridge Naming Policy and Bridge Information System to identify opportunities for providing Aboriginal names to roads and bridges and consult local Aboriginal communities regarding proposals.

See links below for further information:
 
Department of Environment and Conservation, Park names policy
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/park+names+policy

NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Land and Culture: Dual Naming
www.daa.nsw.gov.au/landandculture/dualnaming.html

Geographical Names Board of NSW, Dual Naming
www.gnb.nsw.gov.au/info/dual_naming.pdf