Nyalling proposed name for final nature reserve in Warragul estate
Published on 25 June 2026
Nyalling (pronounced 'nah-ling') is being proposed as the new name of the final unnamed nature reserve located at the east end of Warragul’s Waterford Rise estate, with community feedback now welcome for the proposal.
Meaning 'boggy place' in Kurnai language, the proposal was provided by Kurnai Elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton following consultation with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) who are the Registered Aboriginal Party for the Gunaikurnai people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the estate now sits.
Community feedback on the proposal is now open via Council’s online engagement platform Baw Baw Connect, with submissions closing at 5pm on Saturday 25 July.
Deputy Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Suzanne Allen is encouraging the community to get involved in the place naming process.
“Traditional Custodian languages are often based on location, and these languages are deeply rooted to the land. This place naming proposal offers a unique opportunity to connect a name to a place and celebrate our region’s rich Aboriginal history”, said Cr Allen.
At its meeting on 28 April 2021, Council considered a report seeking endorsement of names submitted by the estate developers for the two remaining reserve areas. Rather than endorsing the proposed names, Council resolved to refer the matter back to the Place Names Advisory Committee and requested that alternative names be identified, with a preference for women’s or Indigenous names with a connection to Baw Baw Shire.
Consistent with this approach, in March 2024 Council formally named another park within the estate “Kelly Koochew Park” honouring the late community leader with support and endorsement of her family and friends.
The current proposal relates to the final unnamed reserve within the estate.
The recommended name has been considered and supported by Council’s Place Names Advisory Committee. Following the feedback period, a final decision on the name is expected to be made at a Council meeting towards the end of the year.
Council is the naming authority for roads, parks and features within the municipality and is responsible for determining naming proposals in accordance with the Naming rules for places in Victoria 2022. All naming proposals are reviewed by Council's Place Names Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to Council to assist with its decision-making process.
To find out more about this project, go to Nyalling Naming Proposal
Images: Nyalling proposed as the name for the final unnamed nature reserve area in Warragul’s Waterford Rise estate.