Tongue-twister name for Cowes Cultural Centre

EVERYTHING it seems, in 2023, is about the ‘Voice’ and the Bass Coast Shire Council has come to the party by proposing that the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre be named from a choice of four names in the local Boon Wurrung language.

But at least one of the names, ‘Mogarmarlarly Murk’ meaning ‘Lead Me’ might prove a little tough to pronounce.

”We’re going down to the Mogarmarlarly Murk to watch a movie  want to come?”

On second thoughts it kind of rolls off the tongue!

The full list of names provided by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) as First Nations naming options for the building are:

• Barmewoon Meaning: Only My Strength
• Mogarmarlarly Murk Meaning: Lead Me
• Berninneit Meaning: Gather Together
• Kummargee Meaning: Rise Up.

And at this Wednesday’s council meeting, it is proposed that councillors endorse a plan to call on the Bass Coast community to vote on which of the First Nations’ names they prefer.

The reason why the council wants to go with a First Nation’s name is set out in the council agenda:

“The naming of public buildings with First Nations language is a visible act of reconciliation and as such, naming a prominent cultural landmark presents Council with an opportunity to acknowledge First Nations communities in a meaningful and lasting way.

“It is clear that Council has a strategic direction and imperative to seek acts of reconciliation. Council’s Community Vision 2041, developed by a deliberative panel of community members states that: “We live proudly on Bunurong Country and build on learnings from our First Peoples and their knowledge. We co-exist in harmony with our environment and are prepared for future challenges and changes.”

Council’s Acknowledgement of Country, represented in all key strategic documents states that: “Bass Coast Shire Council will create opportunities for future recognition and respectful partnerships that will honour the Traditional Owners and Custodians, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

It is also a key strategic action in our Council Plan 2021-2025. Naming the new cultural centre with a First Nations name delivers is consistent with our stated intentions.

The only issue with settling on building or place names without a geographic reference is that those coming to the place from outside the area may have trouble finding it, although Google maps and other GPS devises have largely bypassed that historic problem.

So, should it be the tongue-twisting ‘Mogarmarlarly Murk’ or the more likely favourite ‘Berninneit’ meaning ‘Gather Together’ or will the community back something more obvious like the Phillip Island Cultural Centre, although that’s not an option being presented by council?

A page will soon be published on the Engage Bass Coast website announcing the First Nations language word options, seeking feedback, and gauging community preference.

The poll will be open for a minimum of 30 days, as per Naming rules, and ask participants to select their preference, indicate why it resonates with them, and offer the opportunity to make comments, suggestions and objections.

Each respondent must provide a name and address for their preference to be recorded as valid by GNV.

Other forms of engagement including a media release and direct mail to relevant community groups will encourage community participation in the poll. After the engagement period has closed, data from community submissions will be collated and a report brought to formally endorse a name at a future Council Meeting.

Fill out the Sentinel-Times indicative survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3LPP3J3