Town of Cambridge officially endorses renaming Lake Monger to Galup (29 Aug 2024)
Article summary: The Town of Cambridge has endorsed renaming Lake Monger to its traditional Aboriginal name, Galup, following strong community support. The decision to rename the urban wetland was unanimous at a council meeting on Tuesday night. The final step involves submitting an application to Landgate for official approval. If accepted, the renaming process will span five years, during which the site will be referred to as Galup, meaning “place of fire” in the Whadjuk Noongar language. Mayor Gary Mack highlighted that extensive community consultation was conducted, resulting in 1,128 survey responses that showed strong support for the name change and other proposed actions. The lake’s draft management plan and masterplan were developed with input from traditional owners and knowledge holders.
Ballardong woman and Whadjuk elder Lois May has been a key advocate for restoring the lake's original name. She emphasised the importance of sharing cultural heritage and protecting it for future generations as part of truth-telling and healing. Galup has been a significant site for Whadjuk Noongar families for thousands of years, serving as a home and community hub long before British settlement. The site is also a place of historical significance, where between 30 and 40 Noongar people were reportedly killed in 1830.
The renaming effort has garnered support from both state and federal representatives, including Churchlands MLA Christine Tonkin and Curtin MHR Kate Chaney, reflecting a broader commitment to reconciliation and cultural preservation.
