Australind playground’s symbolic new name

The new Australind foreshore reserve play area could soon have a symbolic name that captures the essence of its location.

Karragarup Play Space was the suggested name for the Ridley Place playground and was discussed at the Harvey shire briefing session last week.

Karragarup is the Noongar word for “the place of crabs” and was chosen to incorporate the Leschenault Estuary’s history and recognise the setting as being an important source of crabs for the Noongar people.

Aboriginal elder Dennis Jetta was asked to review the concept design for the new play space. He also wrote a letter of support for the project.

There will also be a sign to showcase the locality’s heritage and educate residents and visitors about the play area’s design and the estuary itself.

Harvey shire president Paul Gillett added his support to the new name.

“I like the name, it is important to recognise the cultural and natural heritage of the area,” Mr Gillett said.

“The Leschenault Estuary was an important source of crabs for the Noongar people and is still important to the people who enjoy this wonderful region today.”

Mr Gillett revealed the centrepiece for the play area wouldbe a big crab.

The estuary is home to one of the South West’s major blue swimmer crab populations, although commercial crabbing in the estuary ceased in 2001.

The play area is expected to open in mid March with councillors voting on the new name at a Shire council meeting this week.