Published on Wednesday, 19 December 2018 at 9:21:11 AM
Picture Caption: The promenade along Beresford Foreshore will be named the ‘Jambinbirri Walk’.
One of Geraldton’s most prominent and loved promenades will be named to pay respects to the first peoples of Geraldton.
At last night’s Council meeting, Councillors supported a motion to name the walkway along Beresford Foreshore the ‘Jambinbirri Walk’.
In the book Jambinbirri — Champion Bay by local author Howard Gray, recently passed highly respected elder Clarrie Cameron and Vaso Elefsiniotis, gave insight into the background of the word.
They are quoted in the book saying, “The name given to Champion Bay by the Aboriginal people who lived on its shores before European settlement is not known, lost in the cultural destruction that followed. ‘Jambinbai’ was adopted phonetically from the colonists’ name.”
The word ‘Jambinbirri’ was then later derived to adapt to the linguistic conventions of the Wajarri language groups.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the newly named promenade on the restored Beresford Foreshore, reflects on the connections to the Geraldton coast.
“I see this name as one that brings together both the English language and Wilunyu language, in a word consented to by a recently passed, highly respected, elder,” he said.
“The name Jambinbirri also accurately describes the location of the walk.
“This has created a great opportunity to increase awareness of the Wilunyu language as well as to pay our respects to the first peoples of our City.”
The naming of the promenade also keeps in line with the City’s Reconciliation Action plan and there has communication with a Wilunyu spokesperson.
In the motion, Council also supported the opportunity for local Aboriginal artists to provide an artistic installation to mark the start and end of the walk with the addition of interpretative signage.
Consideration will be given by Council in the 2019-20 Budget for funding for an appropriate artwork to be commissioned.
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