Statement in relation to the Electors General Meeting Motion to rename the City of Stirling

On Monday 17 May 2021, electors at the City of Stirling 2019/20 Elector’s General Meeting (EGM) moved and passed a motion that the City of Stirling change its name ‘to reflect the long standing and relevant history of this land in such a way that is inclusive and in recognition of the Nyoongar community’.
 
All motions passed by electors at an EGM are subject to consideration and decision-making at an upcoming Ordinary Council Meeting. City Officers will now prepare advice and a recommendation for Council to consider at the Council Meeting on 8 June 2021.
 
Mayor Mark Irwin reaffirmed that the City of Stirling acknowledges and respects the Wadjak people of the Nyoongar nation as the traditional owners of the land.
 
“The City has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to reconciliation, and indeed Council endorsed the City’s third Reconciliation Action Plan just last week following extensive consultation with Elders and a Working Group including local Aboriginal community members.
 
“We recognise that reconciliation is a journey. Through our Reconciliation Action Plans we remain committed to the naming and dual-naming of public spaces, and the inclusion of Nyoongar language and artwork in the City’s entry statements, however, changing the City’s name has not been identified as a priority to date.”
 
The City understands that any proposed renaming will be of significant interest to our community, however given the state-wide influence of Admiral Sir James Stirling, advice and direction will also need to be sought from the State Government.
 
This is particularly relevant given that any renaming of a local government district must be approved by the Minister for Local Government and an order be made by Governor as per the Local Government Act 1995.

Background

An Electors General Meeting (EGM) is held to receive the annual report, annual financial statements and the auditor’s report, or for electors to raise any other business.

An elector is someone who voted in the State Election and lives in the City of Stirling.

As Council has not yet considered the matter, it is too early for Council and the City to have a position and there has been no decision.