District Park is now Bunjil’s Nest

A MAJOR park in the Armstrong Creek growth area has been renamed in honour of Bunjil, the creator spirit of the Wadawurrung and Kulin nation.

The Armstrong District Park in Unity Drive will now be known as Bunjil’s Nest, after the City of Greater Geelong council approved the name change last week.

The idea for the new name came from Aboriginal community member Norm Stanley, who performed at a smoking ceremony to mark the park’s opening in October 2017.

His suggestion was supported by Wadawurrung woman Corinna Eccles, leading to an official request from Will Nickholds of Villawood Properties, which developed the $2.6 million park in the Armstrong Mount Duneed estate.

Bunjil, a wedge-tail eagle, is featured in a large sculpture at the entrance to the park.

The proposal was advertised during June this year, resulting in 22 submissions in favour of the new name, and no objections.

“It’s terrific that we get to honour our region’s Aboriginal heritage in such a prominent way with the renaming of the park at Armstrong Creek, and given the sculpture of Bunjil at the entrance, Bunjil’s Nest is the perfect name,” City of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“We thank Norm Stanley for his suggestion and Will Nickholds for officially putting the request forward.”

The council has also approved the renaming of The Vineyard Reserve at 23 The Vineyard, Waurn Ponds.

It will now be known as Baum Park, in recognition of the land’s former owner.

The reserve was originally part of a 245-acre property named Claremont, which was purchased by Gottfried Baum in 1890 and has now been largely subdivided for housing.

The Baum family still have a connection to the property through a grandson of Gottfried.

The name change was advertised during August and September, and received no objections.