In Mullaloo, a coastal suburb of Perth’s northern corridor, the park known as Blackboy Park has undergone the Blackboy Park name change, with a new official designation now in place after years of council review.
The City of Joondalup confirmed the change following a lengthy process prompted by concerns about the term and broader conversations about inclusive naming in public spaces. The move is presented as part of ongoing efforts to adapt public naming conventions to contemporary standards while acknowledging local history.
Signage, maps and official records will be updated gradually as authorities coordinate the rollout. While the administrative steps are advancing, residents may notice a period of transition as the new designation becomes reflected in park signs, online maps and printed materials used by the council and visitors alike.
The broader trend toward revisiting place names has gained momentum across Western Australia, with councils weighing terms that may be offensive or outdated and considering alternatives that better reflect modern community values without erasing local memory.
As the process unfolds, questions remain about the specifics of the new designation and the timeline for full implementation. The following sections outline what is known for certain and what remains unclear as the park’s evolving identity takes shape.
What we know
- The park has an official name change now in place. The change has been approved by the local authority and entered into formal records.
- Future updates to signage and maps are planned. Physical signs and digital references will be updated in due course.
- The change aligns with broader naming reforms. Regional and national discussions about offensive or outdated terms have influenced this decision.
- Public discussion contributed to the outcome. Community input played a role in shaping the process and eventual designation.
- Renaming is framed as preserving memory while improving inclusivity. Officials emphasise that the change does not erase history, but reflects contemporary standards.
What we don’t know
- The exact new name has not been publicly disclosed yet. Official signage details are still forthcoming.
- Timeline for complete rollout remains unclear. When all references will reflect the new name is not yet published.
- How long community sentiment will take to adjust is uncertain. Public response may evolve as the change becomes routine.
- Whether other nearby parks will undergo renaming is unknown. There are no announced plans for parallel changes at this stage.
- Costs and resource implications have not been disclosed. Financial details of the rollout have not been made public.
