Melbourne council to change name to Indigenous word, ending slave labour association

A council in Melbourne's inner-north is prone to change its title to the Indigenous phrase "Merri-bek" to finish its affiliation with a Jamaican sugar plantation that used slave labour.

Moreland Metropolis Council has introduced it'll contemplate Merri-bek changing into its new title at a particular assembly on Sunday, after the title was favoured by residents in a vote.

Merri-bek, which suggests "rocky nation" within the native Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, was chosen by 59 per cent of the 6315 residents who voted for the council's new title.

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A tram headed for Coburg is seen on Sydney Highway in Brunswick, which is within the council of Moreland in Melbourne.(Getty)

Moreland Mayor Mark Riley mentioned many citizens had mentioned "they felt most related to Merri-bek because it linked to the enduring Merri Creek and the rocky nation the place (they) dwell".

The title was considered one of three choices introduced by Wurundjeri Elders.

"Jerrang", which means "leaf of tree", was chosen by 22 per cent of voters, whereas 13 per cent most popular "Wa-dum-buk", which means "renew".

The title change has arisen after Elders from the Conventional Homeowners group in November drew the council's consideration to the historical past of the Moreland title, which the council has operated beneath for 28 years.

It's believed the land was named Moreland after a Jamaican slave property its founder's father and grandfather operated.

Riley mentioned altering the title was "an necessary step in our reconciliation and therapeutic journey with the Conventional Homeowners of this land".

Most individuals voted for Merri-bek.(Provided)

Uncle Andrew Gardiner, deputy chair of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Company, mentioned the change acknowledged that the group needed to maneuver on to "one thing that brings individuals collectively".

"We thank the individuals for his or her responses and we're proud to stroll with them with their new council title that displays the imaginative and prescient of 'one group, proudly numerous', and a council that backs up its assertion of reconciliation with motion and respect," he mentioned.

If councillors endorse the title on Sunday, it will likely be submitted to the Minister for Native Authorities for consideration, with remaining approval by Governor in Council

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elder Uncle Andrew Gardiner addressed a gathering of the Moreland Metropolis Council on Monday, December 13, 2021, when it voted to vary its title.(Moreland Metropolis Council)

It's anticipated that council will start altering its company title on digital supplies and main signage later this 12 months.