After nearly seven years of deliberation and community engagement, a park in Perth's northern suburbs has officially received a new name. The former Blackboy Park in Mullaloo will now be known as Koolyanga Park, marking the conclusion of a lengthy process initiated by the City of Joondalup council.
Extensive Consultation Leads to Meaningful Change
The City of Joondalup has confirmed the installation of new signage bearing the park's updated name. This change follows an extensive process that included thorough community consultation, engagement with First Nations groups, and formal consideration by both the council and Landgate.
Joondalup mayor Daniel Kingston emphasized the significance of this renaming, stating that the new name acknowledges the cultural importance of Aboriginal language in the area. "Koolyanga Park represents a respectful and locally meaningful choice, and is a name our community can be proud of," Mr Kingston declared.
Community Support for the Renaming
Community consultation conducted by the City of Joondalup in early 2025 revealed majority support for the name change. Approximately 55 percent of around 1,800 submissions backed the renaming initiative.
Those advocating for the change described the former name as "offensive, outdated, derogatory and racist." Many community members expressed that a new name would make the park feel "more respectful and welcoming" to all visitors.
A Complex Journey to a New Identity
The park originally received its name due to the presence of Xanthorrhoea plants, commonly known as grass trees, within the parkland. However, concerns about the appropriateness of this name were first raised by the council back in 2019.
The renaming process encountered several challenges along its seven-year journey. In early 2024, an Aboriginal-led consultancy selected the name Koorlangka Park, meaning "children's park" in Noongar language. Unfortunately, this option could not proceed after Landgate determined it sounded too similar to a nearby street name.
Frustration Over Delays and Costs
Councillor Russ Fishwick, who initially proposed the renaming motion in 2019, expressed significant frustration about the prolonged timeline during a council meeting last July. "When I first raised this notice of motion some 6½ years ago, I didn't really believe it would take this long, and it still hasn't been resolved," Cr Fishwick remarked at the time.
He drew a striking comparison to historical achievements, noting that "President Kennedy said that at some stage 'I want to lob a man on the moon within 10 years', and that was done within about nine, so for us to take 6½ years is really an issue with me."
The city has invested more than $26,000 in the renaming process, which included consultancy fees and administrative costs. Last July, the Joondalup council voted to halt any further spending on consultancy for the renaming, instead endorsing three potential options, with Koolyanga Park ultimately receiving approval.
This significant change reflects evolving community values and demonstrates the importance of respectful place-naming practices that honor Indigenous heritage while creating inclusive public spaces for all residents.
