Published on Friday, 24 April 2020 at 3:24:08 PM
Council has endorsed supporting the renaming of Leap Park to Strike Park, with the CEO now able to refer the proposed naming to the Geographic Names Committee for approval.
The proposed renaming recognised the significance of the 1946 to 1949 Pilbara Strike when over 800 Aboriginal pastoral workers from 23 different language groups walked off stations to protest low pay and living conditions.
The strike was led by Dooley Bin Bin and Clancy McKenna, two Aboriginal lawmen, and Don McLeod, a white union activist. Their actions formed a crucial stepping stone in the national path towards greater Aboriginal rights and recognition.
The current name of Leap Park refers to the “Landcare and Environmental Action Plan”, a 1995 project sponsored by Hedland Job Link in conjunction with Pundulmurra TAFE. The project involved 18 participants undertaking on-the-job botanical training at the site. Importantly, the park’s current name is colloquial with no record of the name’s formal application.
Hon. Commissioner Fred Riebeling said the park’s proposed renaming recognised the critical role the 1946-1949 strike played on the national stage.
“I’m pleased the CEO is now delegated to refer the park’s proposed name change from Leap Park to Strike Park to the Geographic Names Committee for approval.
“The bravery of the three men who led the strike influenced other Aboriginal workers on stations across the nation to walk off stations, instead setting up their own mining and pastoral companies and stations.
“Changing the park’s name recognises their struggle and helps their legacy live on through current and future generations. Reflecting and understanding our region’s history is paramount when participating in civic life and making decisions.
The official renaming of the park will take place during NAIDOC Week 2020. Please follow the Town of Port Hedland Facebook page for further details.
For Media Enquiries:
Laura Hawes
Manager Marketing Communication and Events
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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