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Cambridge Mayor Champions Lake Monger Renaming

Published on 29 February 2024

From left: Mayor Gary Mack (Town of Cambridge), Gordon Cole (Co-Chair, JTSI Aboriginal Business, Investment and Trade Advisory Board), Linda Dawson (JTSI Deputy Director General Industry, Science and Innovation), Whadjuk Elder Aunty Elizabeth Hayden, Rebecca Brown PSM (JTSI Director General), Whadjuk Elder Aunty Glenda Kickett, Hon Fred Chaney AO, Jody Nunn (CEO, Reconciliation WA), Poppy van Oorde-Grainger (Director, Same Drum).

Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack showed his support for restoring Lake Monger's Whadjuk Noongar name, Galup, during the keynote presentation "Truth Telling and Healing at Galup" which was part of Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation's Aboriginal Engagement and Partnership's Workshop on Friday, 16 February, at the Bendat Parent and Community Centre.

Whadjuk Elders Aunty Liz Hayden and Aunty Glenda Kickett, alongside Same Drum Director Poppy van Oorde-Grainger, centered their keynote around the Galup arts project which raised awareness of the colonial massacre that happened at the lake in 1830. Their talk aimed to increase understanding of the history and significance of the area and explain why restoring its Whadjuk name, Galup (meaning place of fires), is an important part of healing.

Mayor Mack put forward a motion to Council at the March 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting to initiate the renaming process, which was carried unanimously. A Reconciliation Action Plan is currently in development.

“Backing the renaming of Galup is a tangible commitment to recognising and respecting the traditional owners of this land,” Mayor Mack said. “It's about acknowledging history and taking steps towards reconciliation. We must comprehend the historical context to work together towards a shared future."

The Elders, Aunty Liz Hayden and Aunty Glenda Kickett, view the name change as a meaningful step towards collective healing. Mayor Mack's vocal support exemplifies the Town's commitment to reckoning with historical injustices and fostering unity.