Honouring a Giant Legacy: Help Name a Woronora Reserve

"Dulumunmun Dreaming Place" should be the name of a Woronora reserve to honour the late First Nations Elder Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison.

This week you can submit your support for this important naming process by making comment online to the NSW Geographical Names Board.

Where is the reserve?

The reserve is located adjacent to the Woronora River, off Liffey Place (Lots 13R &15R) in Woronora.

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Who is Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison?

Max Dulumunmun Harrison was a deeply respected and revered Elder of the Yuin Nation, which extends from Wollongong down the east coast of Australia to Gippsland and out to the Southern Tablelands of NSW. 

Born in 1936, he grew up moving with his family from camp to camp to escape the dreaded Welfare. He had little formal education and taught himself to read and write. Despite this, his life was one of giving back, teaching and caring for others. 

He worked in various occupations, including Aboriginal health services, where he worked tirelessly with those affected by alcohol and other health issues. In recent years his charity Back to Country has helped many young men to discover their culture. He taught in schools and universities and advised government ministers as well as Australia’s leading architects. 

His books, My People’s Dreaming, and also Gurawul the Whale, reflect his profound cultural knowledge and connection to Country.

In December 2021 Uncle Max passed into the Dreaming, leaving behind a huge legacy.

Why name a reserve in Woronora?

Uncle Max founded the much-loved annual Sunset Cultural Ceremony in Woronora. He also generously volunteered as a cultural guide, leading walks and talks along Woronora River and led whale watching and singing-up ceremonies across the Sutherland Shire.

Uncle Max was deeply connected to Country and devoted his life to sharing First Nations’ culture, spirituality and wisdom. He was widely known for his engaging storytelling at local schools where he shared knowledge of Creation Dreaming, bush lore and cultural practices.

The proposal is supported by Uncle Max’s partner, Marelle Burnum Burnum, as well as community leaders Aunty Dolly, Aunty Calita, Rhonda Wainwright, Aldo Sesta & Mary Hayman; pictured by the Woronora River below.

What stage is the naming process up to?

Earlier this year, many in the community wrote submissions to the Sutherland Shire Council to have Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison honoured with a named reserve. 

As a result of this effective local support, on 25 September, the Sutherland Shire Council submitted a naming proposal to the NSW government’s Geographical Names Board. Submissions are due before Sunday 25 October 2026.

Make your urgent submission by making comment online here.