Paddington’s Gugara ‘Kookaburra’ Park renaming reaches Geographical Names Board

By ERIN WALKER

Woollahra Council is asking the community to give their opinion in renaming a park in Paddington. Formally known as Dillon Street Reserve, the proposed new name for the park is Gugara, the Dharawal name for kookaburra. 

Woollahra Council submitted the name change to the Geographical Names Board, where the change is currently up for public comment.

After an upgrade facilitating a better play environment, better footpaths, picnic settings, seating and new garden beds the council consulted with a local aboriginal organisation for the rename. Kookaburra as a name is fitting as the reserve is known to be home to many of the iconic birds, and according to Woollahra Council, the park is always filled with laughter.  

Geographical Names Board Chairwoman Narelle Underwood said that place naming means “communities have the opportunity to unlock past stories, preserve traditions, reawaken language and provide a sense of belonging and identity”. 

Local organisation weighs in on Gugara Park name

The new indigenous name for the park was chosen with the help of the Gujaga Foundation, a local organisation that leads language, cultural and research activities in the La Perouse Aboriginal community.

Underwood said she wants to “make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name”. 

Details of the proposal and the option for new submissions can be found on the Geographical Names Board’s website, with a closing date of June 2nd. 

After the name is approved by the Geographical Names Board, council will replace the signage at the park.