What’s in a name? What does it tell us about a person or place? In Noongar language, the name Yanchep refers to the ‘native flax or bulrush reed’ commonly found in wetlands throughout the area. 

To recognise the traditional and ongoing connection of Noongar people to Country, the station at Yanchep will retain its Noongar name. In fact, all stations on the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension will be known as their Noongar names. 

As METRONET Aboriginal Engagement Strategy Lead Brenton Turner explains, Noongar place names help educate the community about the spiritual significance, cultural practices, native animals, and endemic plant species of the areas where stations are located. 

“By acknowledging Noongar place names and integrating them into each new station, we are recognising and celebrating the special relationships between the people, Country and language,” Brenton said.

Noongar consultants have been engaged to help identify place names and their meanings by reviewing existing information and consulting with Elders on the METRONET Noongar Reference Group. Where appropriate, place names have also been confirmed with local community groups.

The first stage of the METRONET Noongar Place Names Initiative has been released and the second stage will include place names and meanings for Alkimos and Eglinton stations.