Warrnambool City Councillors voted unanimously to support the proposal and will submit the name Point Ritchie/Moyjil to the geographic names register.

The dual name was recommended in a draft conservation management plan for the area and had the backing of traditional owner groups. 

There is evidence of indigenous activity at the site dating back over 35,000 years, making the headland one of the most significant indigenous sites in Australia. 

One shell deposit is thought to date back 80,000 years, which would make it the oldest known human site in Australia. 

The council called for community feedback about the dual name and received four submissions, all in favour of the renaming. 

Councillor Kylie Gaston said she could remember the “incredible excitement” when they were first told of the site’s significance. 

“It’s been preserved virtually as a natural time capsule,” she said. 

​”I think it’s a reminder to the residents and visitors alike, by making the name Moyjil recognised, of the first people of our region and of the rich abundance of culture, Aboriginal history we have here in Warrnambool.” 

Cr Rob Askew said a lot of residents did not realise the history on the headland. 

He said, despite there being different spellings, Moyjil was a common name for the site among local indigenous groups. 

“It’s good to see the different (Aboriginal) groups are on board with the renaming as well,” Cr Askew said. 

Cr Jacinta Ermacora said it was important as a community we acknowledged the local Aboriginal community. 

“It’s important we recognise their history, their pre-settlement history and to not avoid the realities post settlement has impacted upon our local community,” she said. 

“It does feel like a good thing that we’ve taken this small but symbolic step to rename. I look forward to further leadership from council in collaboration with local Aboriginal communities.”

Mayor Michael Neoh said the renaming provided a link to the heritage of the site and he was more than happy to support the renaming. 

Aboriginal elder Rob Lowe senior said the renaming went some way to recognising the significance of the site. 

“It is a very precious place,” Mr Lowe said.

“It’s part of our history and not many people realise how fast our history is disappearing.

“We need to preserve it and be able to tell our stories. I’d like to see people understand everything that’s on it.” 

Council received $70,000 to develop promotional tools to explain the headland’s cultural and scientific significance, resulting in the Point Ritchie/Moyjil project which was launched in June. 

The project includes a purpose built website (moyjill.com.au), a 30-minute documentary and design of onsite signage, which will be installed later this month.