Central Queensland creek has racist name removed

The creek will be renamed to honour its possible past as a significant site for women.

A creek near Longreach in central Queensland has had its racist name removed. Source: Tourism Queensland

Local Bidjara and Kara Kara woman Kerry Thompson says she has always felt uncomfortable travelling over the creek near Longreach in cental Queensland. 

"I've travelled across those creeks many times," she told NITV News. 

"Every time I do, it makes me sick. Just to think that those derogatory names are still around."

Known as Black G** Creek for her entire life, efforts by Ms Thompson mean it will change its name to Watyakan, meaning 'women's creek' in Iningai language.

Ms Thompson says her old people would be proud of the name change.

"I think it's a step in the right direction."

Ms Thompson met with the Longreach Council to begin the process of changing the creek's name, and sought out Gamilaroi man Des Crump, for his language expertise.

"I wanted a name that reflected and respected the Aboriginal women," Ms Thompson said.

Kerry Thompson said she can now cross the creek with pride. Source: Supplied

Des Crump said choosing the name Watyakan reflects the creek's history in a respectful way.

"When that offensive name was selected, by whoever, back in the 1800s, we felt that there must have been some association with women at that creek," he said.

"We thought, if we could come up with a name that reflected that history (and) that cultural connection to that site, that would have a lot more meaning and relevance..."

'Reclaim the names'

Mr Crump said it's important for First Nations people across the country to be able to not just remove racist and derogatory names, but to be involved in the re-naming of these places.

"It's really important for the local community to reclaim those names," he said.

"There's been a concerted effort over the past five to 10 years where traditional names are being restored."

Now, when Ms Thompson crosses Watyakan Creek she said she'll be able to travel with pride.

"You know, sometimes you can go back in time and reflect, take your mind back to all those years ago," she said.

"You can picture the Aboriginal women down by that creek, gathering water or having a women's business meeting.

"When I used to go across I just couldn't look over the sides, it was such a disgusting name, I felt sick.

"Now, because the name has meaning, there's respect there so I'll be able to look down there and see those women by the creek."