The naming process for Dubbo’s new bridge is intensifying as community opinions emerge. Following a consultation period that concluded on May 4, 2025, the clear frontrunner for the bridge’s name appears to be Auntie Pearl Gibbs, despite some contention regarding the final decision. The results from the community voting revealed a noteworthy preference for this name, alongside significant support for honoring the city’s first mayor, James Samuels.
From March 27 to May 4, residents of Dubbo were invited to choose from a shortlist of four Wiradjuri names: Wambuul (“Macquarie River”), Nguluway (“meeting each other”), Bunglegumbie, and Auntie Pearl Gibbs. Additionally, community members had the opportunity to submit their own suggestions. The initiative drew a total of 474 submissions, with 32 contributions made online.
The results showed that Auntie Pearl Gibbs received 102 votes, equating to 35 percent of the total. Gibbs was a prominent figure in Aboriginal and women’s rights movements in New South Wales for over four decades, passing away in Dubbo in 1983. Following her, the name Wambuul garnered 91 submissions (31 percent), while Bunglegumbie and Nguluway received 23 and 11 percent, respectively.
Despite Auntie Pearl Gibbs leading the results, the push to name the bridge after James Samuels complicates the matter. Support for Samuels has been substantial, with 106 submissions advocating for his name, bolstered by a petition that collected 2,474 signatures. This brings the total support for naming the bridge “James Samuels Bridge” to at least 2,579.
Roland Samuels, a descendant of the former mayor, addressed the Dubbo Regional Council during a special meeting on September 9. He emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “The petition demonstrates consultation, participation, civil engagement, and strong community support… it cannot be dismissed and it cannot be overlooked.” He highlighted that his ancestor’s contributions were instrumental in shaping Dubbo’s development.
Former Dubbo mayor and current member of the Legislative Council, Stephen Lawrence, expressed his support for naming the bridge after Samuels during the same meeting. In light of the divided opinions, the council unanimously decided to postpone the naming decision until the next ordinary council meeting scheduled for September 23.
As this decision looms, progress on the bridge itself continues. The final girder was installed as of September 10, with substantial advancements made in the installation of parapets and the road surface. The Daily Liberal has been documenting these developments, reinforcing public interest in both the bridge’s construction and its naming.
The outcome of the naming contest will not only reflect community values but also honor the legacy of significant local figures. As residents await the council’s decision, the debate serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement in shaping public infrastructure.
