Media Release – Thursday 1 August 2013
The University of Canberra Village, a dedicated student accommodation facility located in the University of Canberra campus, will formally rename its buildings in the Ngunnawal words for a variety of native birds and animals at a renaming ceremony on Monday 5 August 2013.
The new names were selected with the assistance of the University’s Ngunnawal Indigenous Higher Education Centre and endorsed by local elders.
“Since Campus Living Villages took over the operations of the residences in 2008, we have invested $45 million into adding more accommodation and upgrading the existing residences,” said Steve Nobbs, Director of Operations for Campus Living Villages.
“Renaming the residences reflects something of a rebirth for the accommodation on campus and I’m particularly pleased we can acknowledge the traditional owners of this land with names that are both unique and beautiful,” he continued.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said the renaming complemented the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan and would also enhance life on campus.
“Acknowledging the traditional owners of the land we call home is an important step towards reconciliation and I’m pleased our Ngunnawal Centre and Campus Living Villages have worked together to develop these new names,” Professor Parker said.
“They also help make getting around the campus a bit easier by solving such eccentricities as students who live in ‘Globo’ having a far newer home than residents of ‘New Ressies’,” he continued.
The new names will be featured on new signage to be erected later in the year.
PHOTO/FILMING OPPORTUNITY
WHAT: A ceremony to rename the University of Canberra Village Residences in the local Ngunnawal language
WHO: The ceremony will be officiated by Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Professor Stephen Parker
WHERE: Village Green, University of Canberra (beside the Globo Café)
WHEN: 11:00am, Monday 5 August 2013
UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA VILLAGE: NGUNNAWAL NAMES
| Original name | Ngunnawal name | English translation |
| New Build (Globo) | Guginya | Kookaburra |
| College House | Mulleum | Eaglehawk |
| International House | Gurubun | Koala |
| New Ressies | Wagan | Crow |
| Old Ressies | Buru | Kangaroo |
| University Village | Dyara | Bowerbird |