Nobbys is not being renamed – it will still be called Nobbys.

The suggestion for dual names – Nobbys and Whibayganba – came after a discovery by The Coal River Working Party in September when it found the first printed mention of Nobbys’ Awabakal word Whibayganba in Thomas Mitchell’s 1828 field book.

The party has since put in a submission to the State Government’s Geographical Names Board to have Nobbys indigenous heritage recognised with dual names.

A decision has not yet been made and there will be a chance for community feedback.

Newcastle City Council’s Guraki Indigenous advisory committee chairperson Richard McGuinness said it was a good intention but one that was rushed into without an understanding of the ramifications from the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community.

He said, while people had a right to express their views, a lack of respect and appreciation of Newcastle’s indigenous heritage and cultures had been shown.

Mr McGuinness said there were currently no dual names of Newcastle places or landmarks.

However, there was potential for dual naming of geographical features including Nobbys, the Hunter River, Ironbark Creek, Sugarloaf Mountain, Hexham Swamp, Glenrock Lagoon and Newcastle Beach.

However, Mr McGuinness said community consultation was a must, before any dual naming could be fully realised.

Unfortunately, he said, this was not the case with the current dual naming of Nobbys, which was widely reported in the local media.

However, the idea that the indigenous community wanted to change every site or place to an Aborginal name was ridiculous, Mr McGuinness said.

“Whibayganba is the Awabakal word for the landmark of Nobbys.

“I agree Nobbys is Nobbys.

“People embraced Rudd’s apology but then they easily forget when something like this comes up.

“We’d like to see people embrace the idea that landmarks and significant sites can have dual names.

“The community needs to recognise Aboriginal heritage and culture.”