An Australian local council has concluded a multi-year initiative to rename a suburban park after determining its original title was offensive, outdated, derogatory, and racist. Blackboy Park, located in the coastal suburb of Mullaloo within Perth's northern metropolitan area, will now be officially known as Koolyanga Park, as announced by the City of Joondalup.
Embracing Indigenous Language and Culture
Koolyanga is an Indigenous word that translates to child or children in the local Aboriginal language. This meaningful term is also used for an adjoining street, creating a cohesive and culturally respectful naming convention within the neighbourhood. The decision to adopt this name followed an extensive and thorough process that included significant community consultation and active engagement with First Nations groups and representatives.
Council's Commitment to Respectful Place-Naming
Mayor Daniel Kingston emphasised that this change reflects the city's dedicated commitment to respectful place-naming practices. He acknowledged the profound cultural significance of Aboriginal language within the local area and stated that the former name, which was prominently displayed on park signage, is no longer considered appropriate for contemporary community standards.
"Koolyanga Park represents a respectful and locally meaningful choice and is a name our community can be proud of," Kingston declared. "This renaming initiative underscores our ongoing efforts to honour Indigenous heritage and foster inclusivity within our public spaces."
Historical Context and Community Consultation
The term blackboy was historically used as a common name for the plant species Xanthorrhoea, which are now more appropriately referred to as grass trees. However, beyond its botanical reference, the term has carried deeply racist connotations and associations throughout Australian history.
The City of Joondalup first raised the possibility of renaming the park in 2019, citing that the use of the term was no longer considered appropriate within modern societal contexts. The council invested more than $27,000 in consultant fees and comprehensive community consultation processes to ensure thorough deliberation on the matter.
Public Feedback and Divergent Perspectives
Public consultation concluded in March 2025, revealing that 55 per cent of local residents supported changing the park's name. Advocates for the renaming consistently argued that blackboy was offensive, outdated, derogatory, and racist, aligning with broader national conversations about reconciliation and cultural sensitivity.
Conversely, 43 per cent of respondents expressed a desire to retain the former name. Some opponents of the change labelled it as "woke" and "politically correct," highlighting the ongoing cultural debates surrounding historical naming conventions and identity.
Implementation and Park Features
Fresh signage will be installed at the park in the coming weeks to reflect this significant change. The recreational facility boasts multiple amenities including tennis courts, basketball courts, a children's playground, and barbecue facilities, making it a popular community hub for residents and visitors alike.
This renaming represents a tangible step toward acknowledging and respecting Indigenous cultural heritage within urban planning and public space management. It follows a growing trend across Australia where local governments are reassessing place names to ensure they reflect contemporary values of inclusivity and historical accuracy.
