A park in Perth's northern suburbs has been officially renamed after its former name was deemed racist. The City of Joondalup council voted to change the name of Blackboy Park in Mullaloo to Koolyanga Park, following a years-long debate.
The new name is derived from an adjoining street with an Indigenous name. The council spent $26,000 on the renaming process, which included community consultation, engagement with First Nations groups, and approval from Landgate, the state's land titles registry.
Joondalup Mayor Daniel Kingston said the former name was no longer considered appropriate. 'Council first raised this matter in 2019 and since then the City has undertaken a careful process to identify a suitable replacement,' he said. 'Koolyanga Park represents a respectful and locally meaningful choice, and is a name our community can be proud of.'
The original name, Blackboy, referred to the Xanthorrhoea plant species common in the area. However, some community members argued the term was offensive, outdated, and derogatory. Community consultation in 2025 showed majority support for the change.
The council will now begin installing new signage at the park. News.com.au has contacted the City of Joondalup for further comment.
