Mandurah students and local government representatives have joined Aboriginal elder Harry Nannup and George Walley at the recently renamed Yaburgurt Kaaleepga Reserve to celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage and the identities behind it.
Formerly known as Winjan's Camp, Yaburgurt Kaaleepga Reserve is located within "Reserve 45814" at McLarty Road, Halls Head.
It was the first site to be identified for differential naming approval after the local government decided to undertake the mammoth task of renaming the parks and reserves within its boundary.
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The new name honours elder Yaburgurt (George) Winjan, who was born and lived in the area.
Yaburgurt was born in Koolyininap (Halls Head) in 1824, he was a survivor of the Pinjarra Massacre and became a significant influential Noongar leader in the region.
Settlers gave him the name 'George' so he was also known as George Winjan.
Halls Head is widely recognised throughout the local community as being the birthplace and home of Yaburgurt, who was commemorated by the City in 2015 as part of the Yaburgurt 100 Year Commemoration.
Yaburgurt worked with early settler families in Mandurah and was well respected by his own people and the new settlers.
City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams said the naming of Yaburgurt Kaaleepga Reserve was to honour his legacy.
"The [City of Mandurah] has received requests from the community over a number of years to officially acknowledge the reserve as a significant site," Mr Williams said.
"Winjan's Camp is also listed on the State Heritage Registry under the Local Government Municipal Inventory as a place of local significance.
"This is also part of the City's important commitment to raising the visibility of Noongar language and culture in community."
