What is the background to the proposed naming?

    The reserve is a community green space within the Vista Park Estate, Wongawilli which is located in the West Dapto - Land Release Area (See location map on the last page).

    In late 2016 Council considered a proposal to name this area Bankbook Park.  Based on community feedback this proposal was not supported by Council.

    The community feedback further suggested that Council consider a traditional aboriginal name for the reserve. This is in keeping with Councils Policy for the Naming of Community Facilities and Parks and is encouraged by the Geographical Names Board.

    Wollongong City Council is now seeking community comment on the proposal to name the reserve Karreuaira Reserve. Karreuaira is the local Dharawal name for the Moreton Bay fig. Karreuaira is pronounced –“Garreu Aira”


    Why call it Karreuaira Reserve?

    The Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus Macrophylla) is a native of most of the eastern coast, from north Queensland, to the Shoalhaven River, on the New South Wales south coast. In the hills of West Dapto near Wongawilli massive fig trees were once part of local rainforest.

    There is a significant Moreton Bay Fig (Karreuaira) located within the reserve that is subject to this naming proposal (Karreuaira Reserve).

    This tree has been identified in the “Dapto Community Heritage Study” and is listed within the 2010Wollongong Local Environment Plan (LEP) for West Dapto, as an item of local significance.The base of the tree within the reserve was a popular picnic location in the 1920s -1940s.


    What sources were used to confirm the name Karreuaira?

    The following sources were used to confirm the origin of the name Karreuaira:

    • Office of Environment and Heritage publicationMurni Dhungang Jirrar “Living in the Illawarra”.

    • Illawarra and South Coast Aborigines, 1770-1900 Report to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, published by Michael K. Organ, Canberra, 1 December 1993.

      The Aboriginal Reference Group and the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council have indicated they are supportive of the proposed name.

    The proposed naming of this reserve – as Karreuaira Reserve would recognise and acknowledge cultural, natural and heritage connections with the site.

    How is the decision made by Council on whether the proposed name is endorsed?

    The proposal is exhibited by Council and the community provide feedback. Then a report on the feedback provided is considered by Council. If Council decide to support the proposal they endorse a submission which goes to the Geographical Names Board. The Geographical Names Board make the final decision.

    What is the Geographical Names Board process?

    Council sends a submission to the Geographical Names Board (GNB) with an application to use the proposed name. Applications are added to GNB Board meeting agendas, which are prepared two weeks in advance of meetings.

    If the Board approves the public exhibition of the naming proposal, it is advertised by the GNB for public comment for one month. If no objections are received during the exhibition period, Council is notified and the name is officially assigned in the NSW Government Gazette.

    Where can I get more information?

    For information about the community consultation for this proposal,please call 42 27 7111 or email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au.

    For information relating to the Geographical Names Board, visit www.gnb.nsw.gov.au to obtain fact sheets on Place Naming and the Guidelines for the determination of place names.


    How can I have my say?

    The easiest way to provide your feedback on the Proposed Naming of Karreuaira Reserve, Wongawilli is to complete a feedback form available on Council’s website, or at the Customer Service Centre or Dapto Library.

    Visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

    Email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

    Fax 02 4227 7580

    For more information, please phone 4227 7111