Walk alongside John Hart as he reveals how Noongar people map Country; not with coordinates and lines, but with living landmarks – rocks, rivers, trees, and hills – as guides. From the special vantage point of Yagan Mia (Wireless Hill), learn the stories behind placenames and the powerful connection to ancestors like Yagan and Fanny Balbuk, who navigated by knowledge, not fences. John reflects on bush skills learned from Elders, and how sun, stars and memory were the true guides on Country. Discover why Noongar maps are living, colourful and rooted in reciprocity; built from stories, responsibilities and connection, inviting us to see the land through fresh eyes.

Walk Bidi Katitijiny (the pathway of knowledge) with Narelle Ogilvie as she reflects on balancing Noongar and Western worlds, listening deeply to Elders, and the power of patience and respect in cultural learning. Discover how workshops at the Bidi Kaatajiny Centre brought together generations – young, old and even the animals – for truth-telling, sharing stories, laughter and belonging. Through placenames like Margamangup (place where they catch fish by hand from a fish trap), Narelle uncovers indigenous traditions and reconnects to family, Country and culture. She closes by sharing a heartfelt poem about her own link as a grandmother, reminding us that cultural strength lives on through connection, love and storytelling by the riverbanks.

Discover the exciting revival of the Noongar language as the younger generation breathe new life into an ancient and endangered tongue. Explore the complexities and importance of place naming and dual naming – how families come together with respect and protocol to interpret traditional names, often lost or altered over time. Hear how Elders’ knowledge guides this process, using stories and language to reconnect with Country. Through examples like Niergarup (place of salmon), learn how names reflect the richness of Noongar heritage. This episode highlights why honouring language and culture with integrity is vital for both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous communities, fostering awareness, respect, reconciliation and a deeper connection to the land.

Travel along ancient songlines with Ben Ugle as he brings to life the rich tradition of Noongar gatherings, ceremonies and meeting places across Melville. Discover how sacred sites like Marrandungup (Alfred Cove) and Dyoondalup (Point Walter) served as hubs for clans to come together, trade, share lore and celebrate with dance and song. Hear the stories behind placenames rooted in land and culture – like Willagee, named for the prized red ochre (wilgee) used in ceremony – reminding us that these places are still sacred today. This episode reveals how knowledge, connection and belonging are passed on when Noongar people gather, and why keeping these places – and their stories – alive matters for everyone.

Step on Country with Geri Hayden and discover how the plants of Melville’s banksia woodlands, jarrah forests and wild bush teach us, feed us and connect us to Noongar knowledge. Learn what makes Noongars the “sweet water people”, how every plant – banksia, jarrah, peppermint, kangaroo paw, zamia, balga – was woven into culture, daily life and survival. Hear how burning, bush care and seasonal movement fostered a deep relationship between people, plants and animals. Geri invites you to think about giving back to Country – just as the old people did – and to see new generations stepping up as caretakers, ensuring boodja flourishes for all.

Journey back to kura kura – when everything began. Trevor Walley invites you to discover the Nyitting (Dreamtime), where all land, water, sky and living beings are woven together by ancient stories. Meet the Waugal (Rainbow Serpent), the great spirit who carved the rivers and shaped the Country, and learn how every place and name carries wisdom from the Noongar past. Walk along the Derbarl Yaragan and let language, land and story reveal the lessons and purpose still alive in every step. Listen closely – our footsteps, culture and creation stories are forever imprinted on this land.

Kaya Wanjoo! (Hello and welcome!) Are you ready to discover hidden stories embedded in Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, the traditional land of the Noongar people of the southwest of Western Australia? Then come walk with us through the Place Names Melville podcast.

Each episode invites you to listen deeply as Noongar Elders and community members share the rich spirit, memory and meaning woven into the placenames of the City of Melville, located in Western Australia’s capital city Perth. From ancient trails to familiar streets, you’ll hear voices that bring Country to life, reconnecting us all to culture and history in ways both heartfelt and powerful.

Created by Luisa Mitchell, the Place Names Melville podcast is more than an exploration of names; it’s an invitation to be part of a journey of healing, recognition and shared respect.

This podcast was recorded during Place Names Melville, a two-year Noongar-led community arts project that revived the traditional names and cultural significance of prominent locations in the City of Melville, a local government area in Perth.

Curious to know more? Visit placenamesmelville.com.au for an opportunity to engage with these stories further with an interactive map of the City of Melville.

If these voices and stories move you, help them travel further – share this podcast with your friends, family and community.

Place Names Melville is produced by Community Arts Network in partnership with the City of Melville, Moodjar and the Noongar community, with support from Lotterywest.

Presenters: Michelle White, Trevor Walley, Geri Hayden, Ben Ugle, Joseph Collard, Narelle Ogilvie, John Hart

Creator: Luisa Mitchell

Producer: Nduta Gathoga

Editor: Luisa Mitchell

Recorded at Magic Studios Perth

Theme music: Phil Walleystack