A new name – which is, in fact, a very old name – has been bestowed upon south-west landmarks to recognise their significant history.
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Mount Eccles and Mount Eccles National Park will be renamed Budj Bim and Budj Bim National Park respectively.
The dormant volcano’s new name will take effect immediately, but altering the national park’s name requires a change to the National Park Act, expected to occur later this year.
Gunditjmara elder Denis Rose said restoration of the name was an important recognition of the site’s history.
“We have that long-term historical connection to the place,” Mr Rose said.
“The name Budj Bim has been handed down over the years and it’s important to recognise.
“We need to look back prior to the 1830s to recognise that there was a rich history in this area for many, many thousands of years prior to some of the written history.”
The volcano was the source of the significant Tyrendarra lava flow that extends more than 50km to the south-west.
Mr Rose said the move recognised both the “deep history” of the site and that Gunditjmara Aboriginal people are still around.
“We don’t necessarily maintain a traditional lifestyle but we certainly have to maintain our cultural connections to country and language is an important part of that,” Mr Rose said.
The park is jointly managed by the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria.
The change was marked by a ceremony held at the national park on Thursday, attended by Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings, who delivered a speech. About 120 people attended the event, which featured a smoking ceremony and speeches by Gunditjmara representatives.
The day also marked the 10 year anniversary of 2007 Federal Court consent determinations that recognised Gunditjmara people’s non-exclusive native title rights in Victoria’s western district.
Public consultation on the change took place in 2016.
We need to look back prior to the 1830s to recognise that there was a rich history in this area for many, many thousands of years prior to some of the written history.
- Denis Rose