An unnamed laneway in Avalon, previously referred to as ‘rear lane of Bellevue Avenue ‘or ‘rear lane off Kempbridge Avenue’ may soon be called Murradjulbi Lane, the Aboriginal term for ‘Singing Bushlark.‘
Read: Keoride On Demand Transport Now Permanent in Avalon, Northern Beaches
The Northern Beaches Council had proposed a name for the laneway, following a request from a resident to name the road after suffering minor property damage in a car accident and seeking clarity regarding her exact location at the time.
The proposed Murradjulbi Lane provides access to the driveway of the residential property at 47 Bellevue Avenue, Avalon; access to Chakana Day Spa at the rear of 45A Avalon Parade; and is used by businesses from 47-55 Avalon Parade as a loading zone.
When naming or renaming a street, Council is required to follow the guidelines of the Geographical Names Board (GNB) of NSW Property Addressing Policies, Guidelines and Standards and Council’s Policy for the Naming of Reserves, Facilities and Roads.
Suitable road names, according to the GNB guidelines, are Aboriginal names and/or names of early settlers, war servicemen and women, and other persons who have contributed to the heritage of an area, local history themes, flora, fauna, and ships.
Location of ‘Murradjulbi Lane’
“Whilst the laneways are used to access various business premises for deliveries, the lack of street names hinders wayfinding. It is unlikely that businesses are able to refer to the unnamed laneways as a business address, or publish it on business correspondence such as letterheads, however there are a small number of instances referencing Rear Lane of Bellevue Avenue or rear lane off Kempbridge Avenue,” the Northern Beaches Council has stated on a report.
The name was put forward by the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO) and is in the local aboriginal language for road naming purposes within the Northern Beaches Local Government Area.