Almost eight months after Hornsby’s popular Warada Ngurang Community Nursery was given a new name recognising traditional owners the Darug and GuriNgai Peoples, the name has been formally reaffirmed in a National Reconciliation Week tree planting ceremony.
GuriNgai Custodians Uncle Neil Evers opened the event with a Welcome to Country. He then joined Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock in planting a Waratah.
“It’s pleasing to see us go back in time by naming things in the way our ancestors would have. Waratah meaning strength. Just look at how proud and bold and beautiful it is. A fitting name for the nursery,” Uncle Evers said.
Following correspondence from community member and nursery volunteer, the late Ted Angelo, and as recommended by members of the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC), Hornsby Shire Council renamed the former Britannia Street, Pennant Hills community nursery in August last year.
A combination of Darug and GuriNgai language words, the new name which means ‘Place of Waratah’ was endorsed by a HATSICC sub-committee comprised of Traditional Owners.
“Following the challenges of 2021, we are delighted that we can finally formally recognise this important development in acknowledging Hornsby Shire’s Aboriginal heritage,” he said.
“We thank the HATSICC, traditional Aboriginal Elders and language and knowledge holders for making this possible.
“Council also acknowledges the significant contribution that Ted Angelo made in the renaming of his beloved nursery. As we mark National Reconciliation Week, with this year’s theme of “Be Brave. Make Change”, it is fitting that Ted Angelo’s legacy is remembered here today.”
The Warada Ngurang Community Nursery is managed by Council’s Natural Resources Branch, assisted by many dedicated local volunteers. It produces more than 45,000 plants each year, many of which are given away to residents.
Adopted in April 2022, Hornsby Shire Council’s Dual Naming and/or Renaming Policy outlines how Council will assess naming and dual naming proposals for Council facilities, with names to be drawn from the Darug and GuriNgai languages of the Shire’s Traditional Owners.
