Outback Road Sign Graffiti Sparks Debate Over Whether Traditional Names Should Be Used

A seemingly harmless bit of graffiti on a road sign in outback Australia has sparked a national debate about place names.

Aboriginal-led not for profit group Common Ground Australia uploaded a photo of the road sign that is found at Larapinta Drive in the Northern Territory.

The places of Alice Springs and Hermannsburg have been crossed out with white spray paint and the traditional names of Mparntwe and Ntaria have been etched into the sign.

Common Ground said it's representative of the campaign to have place names returned to First Nations languages out of respect.

The group argues it's more appropriate than the names given to the region by colonial settlers.

They wrote on Facebook: "Across Australia there is a growing movement of reclaiming traditional place names in First Nations languages.

"Using traditional place names in conversation, on signs and any other references is an amazing step towards recognising the sovereignty First Nations people still hold across Australia. When we recognise and embed language, we centre First Nations people, culture and Country."

The post was shared, liked and commented on by hundreds of people and it sparked a debate about whether we should transition away from colonialist names and replace them with traditional ones.

One person wrote: "I love this, as it acknowledges how western culture conveniently used the traditional greater landscape to fuel their expansion across the country. Exactly how modern religious beliefs stole and integrated older thoughts to incorporate older cultures.

"As a sign of respect for original history these names should remain with their first identifications."

Another added: "They have changed signs in Scotland to have the name of the place in both English and Gaelic. Should be the same here, then everyone learns the original name. Then eventually the sign can change to remove the Colonial name as the original name becomes known so no one gets lost."

An opponent of the idea said: "Not something to be applauded it's vandalism pure and simple or at best an attempt to demonstrate dominance over a group of pacifists."

It's similar to the campaign that was sparked last year around the naming of places and things.

Coon Cheese changed its name after decades of brand recognition after activists said it could conjure up racist notions.

Other brands also listened to consumer feedback both here in Australia and overseas.

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie