Place Names Protocols Workshop

In October, the Central Queensland Language Centre (CQLC), First Languages Australia and Queensland Department of Resources met to workshop community protocols for including Taribelang, Gurang and Goreng Goreng place names in the Queensland government database.

Workshop participants shared their experiences and knowledge on approaching the sensitive issue of using traditional place names and ensuring cultural protocols are respected. The workshop followed a review of the current information in the Queensland database for their region by language centre staff, and was funded by the Queensland Department of Resources.

CQLC will now document the protocols identified for sharing with the Queensland government and First Languages Australia. First Languages Australia will invite discussion of the protocols with other communities working in the place names space to assess whether they are of value nationally.

Place Names Protocols Workshop attendees. Photo: Gidarjil Central Queensland Language Centre