In keeping with tradition we have worked with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to incorporate the original language of this area throughout our Civic Precinct.

Learn more about the new names of the Civic Precinct in this stunning animation by Traditional Owner Billy-Jay OToole and local animation studio Pillowfort Creative.

In fact ‘Djilang’ is actually a Wadawurrung word that means ‘tongue of land’. In Central Geelong Wadawurrung language is all around us in street names like Moorabool Corio and Gheringhap.

Our home for the City’s employees and services is named ‘Wurriki nyal’ - that’s ‘Wurriki nyal’ - which means to ‘speak and talk together’ as we want it to be a place where community will do just that.

Wurriki Nyal - Pronunciation and meaning only.

The taller proposed building owned by Quintessential Equity will be named ‘Ngytan Koriayo’ - that’s ‘Ngytan Koriayo’ - which means ‘look over the water see all around Corio Bay’ to describe the amazing view that welcome visitors and employees.

In Wadawurrung culture yarning circles are places of ceremonial business gathering and celebration. The Civic Precinct’s public space features a yarning circle named ‘Gayoopanyoon Goopma’ - again ‘Gayoopanyoon Goopma’ - meaning ‘gather’ honouring the Aboriginal tradition of storytelling as a place where our community can come together in respect and harmony on Wadawurrung country.

We are proud to celebrate Wadawurrung history and culture here in Geelong.