Darwin's Vesteys Beach will be renamed Bundilla Beach, along with a nearby creek to be named Bundilla Creek, in recognition of the Larrakia Traditional Owners.
Bundilla is understood to mean 'young girl' and has significance in the Larrakia language and culture.
The name change was requested by Larrakia elder Barbara Mills-Raymond and her son Kootji Raymond, and has been endorsed by the Place Names Committee.
Highlighting the cultural significance of land is part of the Territory Government's plan to recognise and elevate Aboriginal identity, language and history and honour Traditional Owners.
Consultation with Larrakia Nation, Larrakia Development Corporation and City of Darwin yielded strong support for the renaming. The local community has also been notified, with businesses around the area also spoken too, with there being no impact or added cost to business owners.
Being City of Darwin land, the signage for Bundilla Beach will have the name Vesteys Beach in brackets below the new name.
Signage in the area will be replaced to indicate the new name, in addition to interpretive signage to explain the cultural significance of the new name.
Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
"The Northern Territory Government supports the name change of Vesteys Beach to Bundilla Beach – providing a special name and meaning to this place that many Territorians enjoy.
"The Territory and its people are unique, with a rich and lasting culture that is thousands of years old, with many stories to tell and I thank the Raymond Family for bringing this name to the Place Names Committee.
"Our Government will continue listening to the community and working towards acknowledging our Aboriginal heritage through place-naming practices."
Quotes from City of Darwin Lord Mayor, Kon Vatskalis:
"City of Darwin supports the name change to Bundilla Beach.
"We are always looking at new and innovative ways to revitalise our land areas, to make them culturally friendly and appealing."
