The wetland in Perth’s western suburbs has undergone a name change to its Whadjuk Noongar title, after receiving approval from an independent advisory body.
The Town of Cambridge has changed the name of Lake Monger to its Whadjuk Noongar title “Galup”, after receiving support from an independent advisory body to Landgate and the state government.
The endorsement from the Geographic Names Committee comes into effect today, signifying the final step in the Cambridge council’s initiative it began in August last year.
Galup, meaning ‘place where the home fires burn’, is a part of the town’s plan to recognise the site’s importance as a meeting place and campground for Whadjuk Noongar people, while acknowledging the 1830 colonial massacre.
Initially, the council endorsed a five-year transition for the popular walking spot to be called “Galup (Lake Monger)”, but the transition period was deemed unnecessary.
The Town of Cambridge said the name change process was guided by community discussions and consultation with traditional owners.
Mayor Gary Mack said the move showed the town’s respect for its Whadjuk Noongar heritage and desire to preserve its cultural identity.
“This is a proud and meaningful moment for our community,” Mr Mack said.
“The name Galup holds deep cultural significance. By formally recognising it, we acknowledge the enduring connection of Whadjuk Noongar people to this land and take another step forward on our reconciliation journey.”
The name restoration is endorsed by the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, its Cultural Advice Committee, and Reconciliation WA.
Planning Minister John Carey said the state government was in full support of the change.
“The Cook government understands that place naming is a powerful way to recognise Aboriginal heritage," Mr Carey said.
“We commend the Town of Cambridge for their commitment to reconciliation through this significant initiative.”
WA not-for-profit organisation Same Drum has played a large role in raising awareness of the site’s cultural and historical significance through the Galup Arts Project since its establishment in 2020.
Whadjuk woman Glenda Kickett, who has been working with Same Drum on the arts project, said she is happy with the name restoration and feels this is a step towards healing from colonisation.
“It is important for our people to be acknowledged as the First Peoples of the land, and for our connection to Galup since before colonisation to be recognised,” Ms Kickett told Business News.
“I am happy with the future plans for Galup which have been made in consultation with elders and community, and I'm especially happy that the original custodians will be part of the future management and care of the lake.”
Ms Kickett welcomed 80 community members at Galup in May last year for a smoking ceremony and acknowledgement of the massacre. Photo: Matt Lau/Town of Cambridge
The name restoration follows the council’s unanimous decision in April this year to adopt the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
“Restoring the name Galup is one of many steps the town is taking to embed respect, recognition, and truth-telling into our work,” Mr Mack said.
Last year, the town conducted community consultation, receiving 1,128 survey responses.
Almost 80 per cent of respondents were in support of the name change to Galup, while about 14 per cent supported a variation of a combination of Lake Monger and Galup, and around 8 per cent did not support any change.
The Galup Arts Project’s interactive on Country walking performance and virtual reality experience have been shared to communities and organisations around Perth.
Same Drum director Poppy van Oorde-Grainger said its advocacy through the Galup VR Experience has reached an audience of more than 10,000 and the making of the experience has been covered by SBS.
In 2023, the experience was created with assistance from Creative Australia and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
“The project's impact campaign has been largely self-funded by Same Drum through Galup VR Experience screenings fees,” Ms van Oorde-Grainger said.
The western suburbs wetland was previously called Large Lake, then Triangle Lake, before being named after settler John Henry Monger in 1831.
