Parents at Lake Monger Primary School in Perth are expressing concerns about the financial implications of a proposed name change. The school is considering altering its title to reflect the recent renaming of the nearby wetland, which was officially designated as Galup in June 2023. Estimates for the total cost of the rebranding process have reached at least $50,000, raising questions about who will bear the financial burden.
The anticipated expenses for the name change include new uniforms, signage, stationery, website updates, and additional administrative support. According to records from a recent school board meeting, costs could break down to approximately $10,000 for signage, $2,000 for website modifications, and around $40,000 for staffing needs.
Pania Turner, the president of the Western Australia Council of State School Organisations, voiced her concerns, stating that the school’s Parents and Citizens (P&C) association should not be expected to raise funds for this initiative. “We would not expect families to bear the burden of any costs associated with a name change,” she remarked.
The school board documents indicate that the Education Department’s regional office supports the name change, although discussions within the school community have been limited. If the change is pursued, the school must first apply to the director-general of schools, followed by community consultation and the submission of three proposed names. Any name derived from Indigenous culture would require approval from a local elder.
The Education Department confirmed that it does not have a designated budget for name changes. “If the name change is approved, the school will likely incur costs for administration, new signage, stationery, and uniforms,” a spokesperson explained. “If funding is required for a name change, it is drawn from school funding at the principal’s discretion.”
The process to change a school’s name is governed by the Department of Education’s Naming of Public Schools and Facilities Policy and Procedure. After community consultation, the principal must recommend a preferred name, which is then submitted to the Minister for Education for consideration.
Historically, Lake Monger Primary School has undergone name changes before. Originally established as Wandarra Primary School in 1954, the institution was named after the lake that has significant cultural importance for the Whadjuk Noongar people. The lake was named after John Henry Monger, a prominent landowner in the early 19th century, but its traditional name, Galup, was officially restored in June 2023 by Landgate, following endorsement from the State’s Geographic Names Committee.
This site holds historical significance, as it is believed that between 30 and 40 Noongar individuals were killed there in 1830. The ongoing discussions about the name change highlight the intersection of education, culture, and community identity, as stakeholders navigate the implications of such a significant shift.
