Fremantle Moves to Rename Stirling Street Over Historical Massacre Links
The City of Fremantle is taking significant steps toward reconciliation by considering the renaming of Stirling Street, a move aimed at addressing historical injustices tied to the 1834 Pinjarra massacre. The city's reconciliation action plan working group has voted overwhelmingly to investigate this change, reflecting a broader push for truth-telling and healing in the community.
Formal Submission Planned for Street Renaming
The working group intends to make a formal submission to Landgate, the Western Australian land authority, to rename Stirling Street. This street is currently named after Captain James Stirling, the former Governor of Western Australia, who led an attack that resulted in the deaths of between 15 and 80 Bindjareb Noongar people in what is now acknowledged as the Pinjarra massacre. In October, Governor Chris Dawson formally apologized for Stirling's actions, describing the event as a massacre rather than a battle, a shift that has fueled calls for change.
Community Support and Historical Context
During a council meeting on March 25, Mayor Ben Lawver expressed support for the renaming initiative, noting the working group's enthusiasm. "Given the Governor had recently declared that there was a massacre and Governor Stirling massacred some people," he said, "so that may be coming to us at some point soon to discuss as a council, but the working group was really excited about that." The group voted 7-1 in favor of investigating the renaming, with one member highlighting that it would help restore a sense of belonging to the Noongar community.
Broader Reconciliation Efforts and Past Actions
This move is part of a larger reconciliation effort in Fremantle, which includes submitting a list of 21 Noongar road names to Landgate via the Fremantle council. It follows previous actions, such as a 2019 petition calling for the renaming of Stirling and Canning highways and the vandalism of a statue of Stirling outside the Perth Town Hall in 2020. Mayor Lawver also emphasized the importance of acknowledging traditional owners, opening the meeting with a statement that the land was never ceded and supporting campaigns for truth-telling and justice.
Implications for Local Governance and Indigenous Inclusion
The working group's efforts signal a growing commitment to Indigenous inclusion and historical accountability in local government. Mayor Lawver noted the approval of an Indigenous elder and emerging leader to join the group, underscoring the city's dedication to diverse representation. As Fremantle moves forward with this proposal, it joins other Australian communities in reevaluating historical symbols to foster a more inclusive and reconciled society.
