Council recommends that Jim Crow Creek be renamed Larni Barramal Yaluk

Published on 21 April 2022

At the meeting last night, Council resolved to request Geographic Names Victoria torename the Jim Crow Creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk.

Council has worked closely with project partners, Mount Alexander Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation trading as DJAARA, on the proposed renaming of Jim Crow Creek for some time.

Larni Barramal Yaluk means ‘Home or habitat of the Emu Creek’. The decision to recommend the renaming has occurred in recognition of Aboriginal heritage, the importance of reinstating Dja Dja Wurrung language, and the removal of a name that is offensive and derogatory.

Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie said that Council is committed to reconciliation and working positively with the Dja Dja Wurrung, our Traditional Owners.

“The term ‘Jim Crow’ has its origins in racial segregation and racism.  The name Larni Barramal Yaluk reconnects our landscape with the Dja Dja Wurrung culture and language.  Council strongly believes it is important to learn, acknowledge and move forward together.”

There are strict protocols which Council has observed in relation to informing and engaging with the community about the proposed renaming, in line with the Naming rules for places in Victoria – statutory requirement for naming roads, features and localities 2016.

“Council conducted significant community engagement on the renaming, and it was clear that there was overwhelming support for the new name,” said Cr Tim Drylie.

The total overall result of the feedback during the consultation period of the period of 30 September to 12 November 2021 was 187 in support (including 41 tacit approval) and 30 objectors.

The next step for Council is to inform all participants in the survey of the outcome and recommend to Geographic Names Victoria that Jim Crow Creek be renamed Larni Barramal Yaluk.

Mount Alexander Shire made the decision at its Council meeting this week to endorse the renaming of the creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk.  It will notify Geographic Names Victoria of this decision. 

Pending the decision of the Registrar following a review of the recommendations of both councils, the name “Jim Crow Creek” will be reserved in the state’s geographic names register as a historic name and will remain a part of the region’s history.

For information on the background and process involved in the renaming visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/proposed-renaming-jim-crow-creek.