Towns with Aboriginal Names

[Tjupurula]

Thanks for the info.  People from that country that I've talked to in the past have told me that it is Noongar.  I'm not saying you're wrong by any stretch, just pointing out the info I was given.

Cheers
Shane

It is pronounced Noongar, another case of a silent letter in there.
Tjupurula

[Tjupurula]

Except for when they are ready for a fight. Don't know about your way, but over here when someone is ready for a fight they take their top off (male or female) and if they are really cranky they take all the clothes off. Having said that, in 5 years I have only seen 2 naked bods

Cheers
John

Yes, I saw that recently in Alice Springs.  Not the nicest sight by any means, and they were more than slightly intoxicated, a disgrace to teh Aboriginal race.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Tjupurula]

I was born in Wagga Wagga which I understood to be "Place of many Crows". I am currently working with the Yalanji people in Far North Queensland who taught me that any name said twice means plural. Therefore, more than one Crow would be said twice. Same goes for Wujal Wujal, meaning waterfalls instead of one. I was disappointed to grow up in Wagga with everyone asking why they say it twice and never to know this about Aboriginal language. In fact I did Australian History all the way through high school and the ignorant teachers thought Australian history started in 1788. At least now I am surrounded by some outstanding Indigenous people who are forever sharing great parts of their culture.

In 1788 a new chapter in Australian history started, some not so good, and some great.  I personally believe that the fat that this country has become so cosmopolitan is fantastic.  The skills that have come in, especially medically, means that the average tribal life has increaed in length, as well as the wonderful skills that now allow me to communicate all over Australia from my house in the desert.
Enjoy yourself with the people there, and hopefully learn from them, and share your knowledge with them as well.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Garfish]

I am from Bundaberg originally and believe this is made up from Bunda after the local people and berg being English / German for town. 

The below is copied from Wikipedia and as such can not validate, but is generally in line with discussions with some of the locals that I was lucky enough to work with for years.   


Tha first white man to visit the region was James Davis an escaped convict from the Moreton Bay Penal settlement in 1830. Davis was referred to as Durrumboi by the local Kabi people. (Rev Dunmore Lang 1861, William Ridley 1866). Another man named Alfred Dale Edwards was adopted into the Kalkie speaking clan Yongkonu (Thyeebalang Roth 1910, Archibald Meston 1892) and was given the moiety name Bunda which was part of the four class matrilineal (female descent) moiety system used by the Kabi people whose territory spread from the Caboolture river in the south to the Kolan river in the north. The Kabi moiety names were Balgoin, Barang, Bunda, Derwain and Tandor (Durrumboi in Ridley 1866), the phratry names were Kupaiathin and Dilbai. Gooreng (Gurang) and Wakka inland or wa'pa (slow speech) utilised the moiety name Banjurr in Balgoin's stead (Mathew 1910). Bunda was not a clan sub-tribe or tribe only one of the moiety names ( Dr T H May 1892 Brisbane Courier). Kabi headquarters is in Bundaberg (Kamarangan 2012). The boundary between the Wahr and Kalkie peoples of the Kabi tribe is the Burnett River. The six dialects spoken were Nhulla, Cabbee, Kalkie, Wahr, Gubbi and Karbi (Batjala) as cited by Curr 1886 and Meston 1901. Durumboi referred to the Kabi as the Dippil people.

[Tjupurula]

Thanks for that Garfish.  It cnfirmed fio me something that I hd known about for years, but could never find triubes where the female lineage was closely followed, learning that has given my wife some satisfaction.  Our skin law system is usually patromonial (spelling - male dominated), but that can lead to family clashes, so there had to b the alternative in other places.
My grandchildren will be fascinated by the mening of "Berg", as they often get into n atlas, it will give them another rerason to travel into Europe in the atlas and find towns ending in "berg".
Regards
Tjupurula

[03hilux]

Parramatta, in western Sydney
Quote from wiki
" The Darug people who lived in the area for many generations regarded the area as rich in food from the river and forests. They called the area Baramada or Burramatta ('Parramatta') which means "head of waters"  "the place where the eels lie down", or "eel waters"

Not really an Aboriginal name but some interesting history i learned in high school. The western Sydney suburb of BLACKTOWN was originally called Blacks Town. Because of racial divisions in early settlement, the government set a village "over ther hill" from the original Farm Cove and Sydney settlement in now what is known as DOUBLE BAY, for the Aboriginal persons who helped with the settlement, so when the free settlers arrived they wouldnt "see the natives" As Sydney grew, the government needed this space back, so shifted the Aboriginals to a space between the Parramatta and Hawkesbury settlements as it was fairly central. This areas was dubbed "Blacks Town" in the early 1800's, as this is where the government had decided to help the Aboriginal childeren by relocating their school from Parramatta, hence promoting " cultural" blending.

Tjupurula, Im most appologetic if that little bit of history is offensive to you and your culture. I will remove it if you wish.
My family move from the U.k in 1979, and I lived in the blacktown area for 30 years. I am 37,and I have always been facinated with the history of australia, and try to learn as much as possible about where I live.
I enjoy reading this topic you have started,as it give a sort of history lesson, as well as teach a bit of linguistics (the meaning and origin of words).

Cheers
Roger

[Tjupurula]

Parramatta, in western Sydney
Quote from wiki
" The Darug people who lived in the area for many generations regarded the area as rich in food from the river and forests. They called the area Baramada or Burramatta ('Parramatta') which means "head of waters"  "the place where the eels lie down", or "eel waters"

Not really an Aboriginal name but some interesting history i learned in high school. The western Sydney suburb of BLACKTOWN was originally called Blacks Town. Because of racial divisions in early settlement, the government set a village "over ther hill" from the original Farm Cove and Sydney settlement in now what is known as DOUBLE BAY, for the Aboriginal persons who helped with the settlement, so when the free settlers arrived they wouldnt "see the natives" As Sydney grew, the government needed this space back, so shifted the Aboriginals to a space between the Parramatta and Hawkesbury settlements as it was fairly central. This areas was dubbed "Blacks Town" in the early 1800's, as this is where the government had decided to help the Aboriginal childeren by relocating their school from Parramatta, hence promoting " cultural" blending.

Tjupurula, Im most appologetic if that little bit of history is offensive to you and your culture. I will remove it if you wish.
My family move from the U.k in 1979, and I lived in the blacktown area for 30 years. I am 37,and I have always been facinated with the history of australia, and try to learn as much as possible about where I live.
I enjoy reading this topic you have started,as it give a sort of history lesson, as well as teach a bit of linguistics (the meaning and origin of words).

Cheers
Roger

Not offensive at all Roger, history is just that, history.  The fact is that the majority of the people whpo lived in the area at some stage were black, hence the name came about, Blacktown.  It is nic to learn the background of places, and back then people tried to keep things simple.  Apparently a lot of cities have a Chinatown, where people can eat and find oriental items to buy, good geographynin my books.
Regards
Tjupurula

[KingBilly]

A bit off topic but following on from the Blacktown comments.  Many cities and towns have a Boundary Street or Road.  In Brisbane, these roads, there is more than one suburb with a Boundary Street/Road, were the boundaries or limits for Aborigines.  They couldn't come any closer into the main town.

A year or so ago, the local Aboriginal Community had a celebration, and as part of the celebration, they marched down Boundary Street West End, as it held such significance for them.

Sorry back to the topic.

KB

[Tjupurula]

A bit off topic but following on from the Blacktown comments.  Many cities and towns have a Boundary Street or Road.  In Brisbane, these roads, there is more than one suburb with a Boundary Street/Road, were the boundaries or limits for Aborigines.  They couldn't come any closer into the main town.

A year or so ago, the local Aboriginal Community had a celebration, and as part of the celebration, they marched down Boundary Street West End, as it held such significance for them.

Sorry back to the topic.

KB

Hi KB
I cannot speak for the Eastern States, never been there, but I know that was the case here.  I held a pass under the Flora and Fauna Act which allowed me in town after sunset for  2 hours, and could not go past Boundary Street and North Street, if I went any closer than that to town, I would have been automatically imprisoned for 7 days, and would have lost my rations for 14 days.  We didn't get paid any money back then (70's), we received flour, tinned beef, tea and sugar as our rations for working, as we were considered as too child-like in mentality to understand money.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Foo]

Hi KB
I cannot speak for the Eastern States, never been there, but I know that was the case here.  I held a pass under the Flora and Fauna Act which allowed me in town after sunset for  2 hours, and could not go past Boundary Street and North Street, if I went any closer than that to town, I would have been automatically imprisoned for 7 days, and would have lost my rations for 14 days.  We didn't get paid any money back then (70's), we received flour, tinned beef, tea and sugar as our rations for working, as we were considered as too child-like in mentality to understand money.
Regards
Tjupurula

That is hideous that that happened and only a short time ago Tjupurula. I was only in my teens back then and could never understand that treatment then.

Foo

[Tjupurula]

That is hideous that that happened and only a short time ago Tjupurula. I was only in my teens back then and could never understand that treatment then.

Foo

It has never worried me Foo, it is something that occurred in the past, and if I dwell on something like that, I would be denying my children and grandchildren the future that is rightfully theirs.  The current Federal Govenment has paid out a lot of compensation monie to people who were working and denied wages, but I have not claimed, as I do not believe that the taxpayers today should pay for what happened 40 years ago.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Jeepers Creepers]

My old man (RIP) use to tell us.....

If you can change it, then whinging about it do it and do it now.

If ya can't change it, deal with it and move on and don't look back.

To be fair, its easier said then done, but its a good rule of thumb to work with.

It would appear Tjupurula, you have a similar attitude to life and good on ya for it.

[Foo]

It has never worried me Foo, it is something that occurred in the past, and if I dwell on something like that, I would be denying my children and grandchildren the future that is rightfully theirs.  The current Federal Govenment has paid out a lot of compensation monie to people who were working and denied wages, but I have not claimed, as I do not believe that the taxpayers today should pay for what happened 40 years ago.
Regards
Tjupurula

My feelings also but I guess that's easy for me to say, as it was not me or my family affected. I take my hate off to you Tjupurula, you have the right attitude for moving on in a positive way, I only wish that the ones causing so much angst now would. I can't change the past and what happened, but by dwelling on the past, it won't make the future any better. You have my respect Tjupurula.

Foo

[gclan]

On another note if the community has a "G" as the second letter you dont pronounce it. Eg Ngukurr is pronounced Nukurr

It must be a commonality across Australia.

My hubby has done some work with an Indigenous group here near Wollombi who run education programs and tours to the local Aboriginal sites.
The organisation is 'Ngurra' Bu, and the Ngurra part is pronounced 'Noora'.
http://www.ngurrabu.org/

[Noughts]

I grew up in a town on the south coast of NSW called Ulladulla meaning safe harbour


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[Tjupurula]

I grew up in a town on the south coast of NSW called Ulladulla meaning safe harbour


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Thankyou Noughts for bringing the thread back on topic, now I hope it stays there.
Tjupurula

[Crisp Image]

I live in the Kurnai Tribal area (east of Melbourne in Gippsland).
The town name is Traralgon which is river of little fishes.
Regards
Crispy

[Tjupurula]

My old man (RIP) use to tell us.....

If you can change it, then whinging about it do it and do it now.

If ya can't change it, deal with it and move on and don't look back.

To be fair, its easier said then done, but its a good rule of thumb to work with.

It would appear Tjupurula, you have a similar attitude to life and good on ya for it.

Hi Jeepers
Actually my outllook on life is a lot simpler, I treat others as I wish to be treated.  Even people who seem to have extreme difficulty with the colour of my skin, I simply reply that my blood is the same colour as theirs, and I walk away, refusing to get into an argument.  I am not a violent person, whether that be verbally, physically, psychologically or emotionally....I dislike any form of aggression.  If that makes me a wimp, so be it, but I am a very large wimp.
Now back to the topic please.
Regards
Tjupurula

[areyonga]

Hi TJ, I live in Jerrabomberra in NSW which is situated near the ACT order and is part of southern Queanbeyan.  The aboriginal meaning for Jerrabomberra is "boy frightened by storm".  and is pronounced Jerabombra, it can be a tongue twister for those who have trouble with those types of names.

Trevor

[johnyd]

I've been told that both Goolma and Gulgong are derived from Wiradjuri words roughly meaning "Endless Waterhole". There are certainly plenty of spring fed creeks around that no one living has ever seen dry in both areas.

I believe there is some contention around the meaning of Dubbo.  I've heard that is is a mispronounced Aboriginal word "Thubbo", but two theories I've heard that it is either "Red Earth" after the colour of the soil or "Head-covering" as the house of the first settler may have looked like a hat.  I was told both by the same elder in Dubbo.

Mudgee I think has something to do with a resting or nesting place in the hills.

[Tjupurula]

Hi TJ, I live in Jerrabomberra in NSW which is situated near the ACT order and is part of southern Queanbeyan.  The aboriginal meaning for Jerrabomberra is "boy frightened by storm".  and is pronounced Jerabombra, it can be a tongue twister for those who have trouble with those types of names.

Trevor

No problems for me saying that one, but then I have a black fella tongue.  (Jeepers Creepers, leave that comment alone.)
Regards
Tjupurula

[Tjupurula]

I've been told that both Goolma and Gulgong are derived from Wiradjuri words roughly meaning "Endless Waterhole". There are certainly plenty of spring fed creeks around that no one living has ever seen dry in both areas.

I believe there is some contention around the meaning of Dubbo.  I've heard that is is a mispronounced Aboriginal word "Thubbo", but two theories I've heard that it is either "Red Earth" after the colour of the soil or "Head-covering" as the house of the first settler may have looked like a hat.  I was told both by the same elder in Dubbo.

Mudgee I think has something to do with a resting or nesting place in the hills.

Hi JohnyD
I cannot help much there, as I am not familiar with the area, and I am certain (but could be wrong) that these says most bigger places have some kind of factual history available.  I have only found that out in the last couple of days though, so I do not know if it is true.
Regards
Tjupurla

[Flemo]

My home town Yamba... I was always taught it was headland reasoning and can't say I've ever seen oysters the size of my hand...know a few yaegl words from the local boys...
There are two theories as to the meaning of Yamba, one being that it is the local Aboriginal word for "headland". However, J.S. Ryan, following R.L. Dawson's early Recollections and Records of the Clarence Aborigines, believes the most likely derivation is an Aboriginal word yumbah meaning a rough edible shellfish the size of a man's hand that clings to rocks and is similar to an oyster.
Aboriginal Culture
The Yaegl and Bundjalung people are traditional custodians of the coastal areas around Yamba, Iluka and Maclean. The ancestors of the present day Yaegl people lived around the mouth of the Clarence River and spoke the language Yaygirr. This language was closely related to Gumbaynggirr. There is evidence the Yaygirr had permanent settlements and a developed material culture. Matthew Flinders (1799) described large bark huts with rounded passageway entrances which protect dwellers from wind and rain. Similarly Captain Perry (1839) described canoes of a superior construction.

[johnyd]

Hi JohnyD
I cannot help much there, as I am not familiar with the area, and I am certain (but could be wrong) that these says most bigger places have some kind of factual history available.  I have only found that out in the last couple of days though, so I do not know if it is true.
Regards
Tjupurla

I was told all of them by locals that can speak and teach Wiradjuri and found them in records.  I was looking into learning it at the time as I thought it could be useful if I decided to stay in the area and teach in schools.  Curiosity got the better of me and I didn't think I'd find anyone much more knowledgeable about it all.

[Tjupurula]

My home town Yamba... I was always taught it was headland reasoning and can't say I've ever seen oysters the size of my hand...know a few yaegl words from the local boys...
There are two theories as to the meaning of Yamba, one being that it is the local Aboriginal word for "headland". However, J.S. Ryan, following R.L. Dawson's early Recollections and Records of the Clarence Aborigines, believes the most likely derivation is an Aboriginal word yumbah meaning a rough edible shellfish the size of a man's hand that clings to rocks and is similar to an oyster.
Aboriginal Culture
The Yaegl and Bundjalung people are traditional custodians of the coastal areas around Yamba, Iluka and Maclean. The ancestors of the present day Yaegl people lived around the mouth of the Clarence River and spoke the language Yaygirr. This language was closely related to Gumbaynggirr. There is evidence the Yaygirr had permanent settlements and a developed material culture. Matthew Flinders (1799) described large bark huts with rounded passageway entrances which protect dwellers from wind and rain. Similarly Captain Perry (1839) described canoes of a superior construction.

Thankyou so much Flemo, my younget two grankids were totally mesmerised when I told them about that as best I could.  They are really enjoying learning about other places and how they got their names from other tribal people.
Regards
Tjupurula