Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Weldon –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the City of Sydney is progressing plans for the future Town Hall Square - a major new public space to be located between George and Pitt Streets, opposite Sydney Town Hall;

(ii)        the site sits within the traditional lands of the Gadigal of the Eora nation and offers an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal culture and history at the heart of the city’s civic precinct;

(iii)      the City has a strong record of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through public art, design, and place naming, consistent with its Eora Journey, Reconciliation Action Plan, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols;

(iv)      many City of Sydney policies and protocols emphasise the importance of embedding Aboriginal culture and heritage within Sydney’s built environment; and

(v)       the City’s Naming Policy outlines a clear process for naming that prioritises using Aboriginal language, especially for parks and open spaces, and requires meaningful engagement with the local Aboriginal community, including seeking advice from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel; and

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         commence the process for exploring naming Town Hall Square using a local Aboriginal language word in line with the principles and guidance on Aboriginal place naming set out in the City’s Naming Policy, in consultation with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel; and

(ii)        bring a report to Council outlining the proposed name and its justification. 

Carried unanimously.

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