- New name is Nguraren Kalleep, meaning ringtail camp in the Wadandi language
- Official ceremony for renaming to take place 27 March 2021
- Submission was approved by Landgate in 2020
Margaret River, three hours south of Perth, is famous for its surf, wine, national parks and for Western Australians in the know – the chocolate factory.
The local shire is currently in the process of naming a suburb after local indigenous hero Yebble, pending a council meeting on 24 March 2021 and subsequent state government approval.
In the meantime, the council has renamed a nature reserve Nguraren Kalleep, meaning ringtail camp in the Wadandi language. Ringtail possums are common in the reserve.
“The name fits beautifully to acknowledge the Indigenous connections to the site and reflects the importance of the bushland in preserving its unique native wildlife, most notably the Critically Endangered Western Ringtail Possum (‘Nguraren’).”
Ian Earl, Shire of Augusta Margaret River President
Previously and unceremoniously called “A Class Reserve”, the area is a hidden local gem north of the township and underwent bush regeneration activities conducted by locals a decade ago.
It’s now a popular area for bushwalkers and cyclists, the area conveniently located close to the main town for those not wanting to wander too far.
The naming process first started in consultation with Wadandi Elders, later a community consultation was conducted by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
A submission was made to Landgate in 2020, the name change was officially accepted in August of the same year.
The formal naming of the nature reserve will take place later this month, the official ceremony to take place at Rotary Park, neighbouring the reserve on Saturday 27 March 2021.
