At its meeting on Wednesday (April 20), Council unanimously approved a resolution to rename Jim Crow Creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk. Council will recommend to Geographic Names Victoria that the Creek be renamed.
The current name of the creek is considered offensive and derogatory.
The name was proposed by the local traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung. “Larni Barramul” means “home or habitat of the Emu” and “Yaluk” means “creek”. The proposed name recognises Aboriginal heritage and promotes the reinstatement of the Djaara language of the traditional owners into the landscape. The original name of the creek has been lost because of the decimation and removal of the local Indigenous population after European settlement.
For most of its length, the creek passes through Hepburn Shire but the last part of the creek before it empties into the Loddon River is in neighbouring Mount Alexander Shire. A similar resolution was passed by Mount Alexander Shire on Tuesday evening (April 19).
Council conducted a community consultation process in keeping with the requirements of Geographical Names Victoria. The consultation found that while a range of views exists within the community, there was clear overall support for the proposed name change.
Council conducted a survey on the issue from 30 September to 12 November 2021 and took an additional step of holding a Special Council Meeting on 22 March 2022 to hear presentations from survey respondents both supporting and objecting to the proposal.
Council contacted people in the immediate vicinity of the Creek and received 21 objections to the name change and 65 residents in support. From the wider community, Council received 83 submissions in support and 8 objections.
Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie said that Council is committed to reconciliation and working positively with the Dja Dja Wurrung, our Traditional Owners. “The name Larni Barramal Yaluk reconnects our landscape with the Dja Dja Wurrung culture and language. Council strongly believes it is important to learn, acknowledge and move forward together,” said Cr Drylie.
Council will recommend the name change to Geographic Names Victoria. The final decision to accept or reject the recommendation will be made by the Registrar at the Office of Geographic Names (OGN).
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Special Council Meeting Hears from Community Residents about Creek Renaming
