First Nations Information
Dhumaan ngayin ngarrakalu kirraanan barayidin
We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country.
Ngarrakalumba yuludaka bibayilin barayida baaduka
It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters.
Lake Macquarie City Council dhumaan Awabakala ngarrakal yalawaa, yalawan, yalawanan
Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.
Our Libraries
Aboriginal people of the Awabakal nation have lived in the Lake Macquarie area for more than 8000 years. The name Awabakal is derived from the Lake, meaning people of the calm surface.
In 2021, in partnership with Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre, Council introduced cultural names for all of our libraries to recognise the City’s indigenous heritage.
As part of this, our libraries will now be known as Lake Mac Libraries, kawumalyikilba. The word kawumalyikilba means "gathering place" in Awabakal.
The cultural information for each individual branch – including audio interpretations - is available below.
Wording by Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre.