Proposed traditional name for Ballymanus park

THE City of Ballarat is seeking feedback on the proposed name for the new park in Ballymanus.

Funded by the Ballarat West Development Contributions Plan, works at the playground and recreation space were completed in February of this year.

Located on Ballarat-Carngham Road in Alfredton, the new park includes a playground, skate and running tracks, a multi-use court, picnic facilities and toilet block.

The City of Ballarat collaborated with Wadawurrung traditional owners to put forward a name that acknowledges their connection to the area.

The municipality has been granted language permission to name the park Djila-tjarriu – pronounced jilla-ja-roo – meaning place of play to reflect the re-purposing of the land.

Cr Belinda Coates who chairs the City’s Koorie Engagement Action Group said the move is consistent with municipality’s reconciliation action plan.

“This aims to raise the bar in how we recognise Indigenous culture locally and how we help educate the community and build community pride of that rich, cultural history,” she said.

“Place naming is one way that we can do that.

“It’s an opportunity to build the profile of the Indigenous history of our local area and our Aboriginal culture in general.”

Residents within the Ballymanus Estate have been invited to submit their views on the proposed name by Sunday, 9 August through the City of Ballarat’s website at mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au.