Place Names Melville

Walk alongside John Hart as he reveals how Noongar people map Country; not with coordinates and lines, but with living landmarks – rocks, rivers, trees, and hills – as guides. From the special vantage point of Yagan Mia (Wireless Hill), learn the stories behind placenames and the powerful connection to ancestors like Yagan and Fanny Balbuk, who navigated by knowledge, not fences. John reflects on...

Walk Bidi Katitijiny (the pathway of knowledge) with Narelle Ogilvie as she reflects on balancing Noongar and Western worlds, listening deeply to Elders, and the power of patience and respect in cultural learning. Discover how workshops at the Bidi Kaatajiny Centre brought together generations – young, old and even the animals – for truth-telling, sharing stories, laughter and belonging. Through p...

Discover the exciting revival of the Noongar language as the younger generation breathe new life into an ancient and endangered tongue. Explore the complexities and importance of place naming and dual naming – how families come together with respect and protocol to interpret traditional names, often lost or altered over time. Hear how Elders’ knowledge guides this process, using stories and langua...

Travel along ancient songlines with Ben Ugle as he brings to life the rich tradition of Noongar gatherings, ceremonies and meeting places across Melville. Discover how sacred sites like Marrandungup (Alfred Cove) and Dyoondalup (Point Walter) served as hubs for clans to come together, trade, share lore and celebrate with dance and song. Hear the stories behind placenames rooted in land and culture...

Step on Country with Geri Hayden and discover how the plants of Melville’s banksia woodlands, jarrah forests and wild bush teach us, feed us and connect us to Noongar knowledge. Learn what makes Noongars the “sweet water people”, how every plant – banksia, jarrah, peppermint, kangaroo paw, zamia, balga – was woven into culture, daily life and survival. Hear how burning, bush care and seasonal move...

Journey back to kura kura – when everything began. Trevor Walley invites you to discover the Nyitting (Dreamtime), where all land, water, sky and living beings are woven together by ancient stories. Meet the Waugal (Rainbow Serpent), the great spirit who carved the rivers and shaped the Country, and learn how every place and name carries wisdom from the Noongar past. Walk along the Derbarl Yaragan...

Kaya Wanjoo! (Hello and welcome!) Are you ready to discover hidden stories embedded in Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, the traditional land of the Noongar people of the southwest of Western Australia? Then come walk with us through the Place Names Melville podcast. Each episode invites you to listen deeply as Noongar Elders and community members share the rich spirit, memory and meaning woven into the pla...