Council seeking feedback on proposed names for QCCP building

Published on 18 March 2024

Council is seeking feedback on proposed names for Council’s new office and the surrounding public spaces.

‘In February, Council agreed that naming the Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct building and the surrounding public spaces was an opportunity to acknowledge and pay respect to First Nations history and language,’ Mayor Kenrick Winchester said.

‘As part of the process, we agreed to some principles to guide the naming of the spaces. We wanted names that have meaning, such as Ngunnawal and Ngambri language words, or names that honour a First Nations person from the Queanbeyan region.’

‘A list of four names from both the Ngambri-Kamberri Family Group and Winanggaay Ngunnawal Language Group were referred to Council’s First Nations Advisory Committee.’

‘We would now like to hear feedback from the whole community on the proposed name for the building, the Nellie Hamilton Centre; and for the public spaces - Djara Gardens for the rooftop gardens; Malunggang Walk for the forecourt and connection between the new building and The Q and The B; and Onyong Park for the public domain and open recreational space at the back of the building,’ Kenrick said.

Nellie Hamilton

Nellie Hamilton was born in the Queanbeyan/Canberra region circa 1837 and died 1 January 1897 in Queanbeyan Hospital. Nellie was a prominent resident of the Queanbeyan district, who had strong connections with neighbouring Aboriginal groups and to the European world. She was awarded a brass plate in 1888 showing she was well liked and highly regarded by the Europeans, and she is recorded as speaking out in support of Aboriginal people.

Djara

The rooftop garden is an open-air space and the Ngunnawal word for stars, djara, is seen as an appropriate name. Djara evokes the canopy above, mirroring the vibrant community under protection of QPRC. Djara represents Aboriginal ancestors keeping watch over all.

Malunggang

The forecourt and Q-Link has stone paving laid in a design that depicts the Queanbeyan River and so the Ngunnawal word for platypus, Malunggang, is considered an appropriate name for this area.

Gumbiyan (Queanbeyan) was more than a picturesque landscape; it was a source of life, a lifeline for the community. The Malunggang, with its sleek and mysterious appearance, symbolized the health and vitality of the Gumbiyan Nganga (Queanbeyan River). Its presence indicated the purity of the water, and the Ngunnawal people believed that the platypus was a guardian, ensuring that the waters remained clean and pristine.

The Ngunnawal community has a deep connection with Gumbiyan Nganga. They see it not only as a provider of life but also as a sanctuary for hunting and gathering. The crystal-clear waters teemed with an abundance of aquatic life, offering sustenance and nourishment for the people. The lush surroundings provided a rich tapestry of resources, from plants to animals, supporting the community’s physical and spiritual well-being.

Onyong

Onyong (Allianoyonyiga) also known as Jindoomung, was a prominent warrior and leader, born circa 1798 at Allianoyonyiga Creek at Weereewaa (Lake George) and died in 1852. Local Europeans referred to him as 'Onyong' as they were unable to pronounce his full name. Onyong was mentioned in the records of the first Europeans who visited the Queanbeyan and Canberra regions from the 1820s onwards. Accounts from the time agree that he was a leader amongst the local community.

Feedback can be provided until 12 April at yourvoice.qprc.nsw.gov.au