The fast-growing Peel Business Park has now taken on dual-name to include the Noongar language, in recognition of the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area.
The dual name, Nambeelup Kaadadjan, combines the estate’s location in Nambeelup with the Noongar word for knowledge and information, in recognition of its role as a centre for innovation and learning.
The dual naming project, led by the Peel Development Commission and DevelopmentWA, worked closely with local Bindjareb Noongar Elder Mr George Walley of Mandjoogoordap Dreaming. Engagement was held with Bindjareb Elders across Murray and Mandurah to capture their life experiences and memories through storytelling.
These important insights created a cultural narrative of the local area and informed the new Noongar name for the park.
The precinct was recognised as a place where business, industry, training, research and development come together to invigorate the region. This philosophy mirrors the Bindjareb Noongar people’s beliefs and values in the sharing of information and knowledge.
Two other key sites within the park have also been given Noongar names – the Shire of Murray’s Food Innovation Precinct WA, also known as Mereny Bidi Boodja (food, pathway, country) and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Bushfire Centre of Excellence, known as Karla Katitjin (fire knowledge).
A key part of the Peel Development Commission’s $49.4million Transform Peel project, the 1,000ha Peel Business Park is a strategically-located industrial estate supporting a range of sectors including manufacturing and fabrication, transport and logistics, wholesale storage, warehousing and agri-innovation.
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
“The Peel Business Park continues its exponential growth and is creating significant economic growth and employment opportunities.
“I’m deeply proud to announce the dual name for Peel Business Park, now known as Nambeelup Kaadadjan.
“I’d like to acknowledge Mr George Walley and the other Bindjareb Elders for their willingness to share their knowledge and stories throughout this process.
“The Noongar name for this innovative and forward-thinking precinct perfectly encapsulates its vision and the role it has to play in advancing industry knowledge.
“This new dual-name ensures we acknowledge and respect the long history and ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people in the region.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The dual naming project is a positive development for the precinct; we continue to celebrate the connection this gives us all to over 60,000 years of human history on the site.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting cultural identity and connection to country through place naming, which honours Aboriginal language.
“All throughout Western Australia, we’re increasingly seeing places named or renamed in the traditional language of locality.
“This can only help raise cultural awareness, connection to country and facilitate education about our First Nations people.”
