Google has launched a pilot program to add Traditional Place Names on Google Maps across 10 Australian cities. The move comes after Apple began showing Indigenous Lands on its maps app in March 2025. As a proud Indigenous Man from the Kamilaroi Nation I welcome Google’s efforts to recognise traditional custodians.
And like Apple, Google has carefully managed the program with a leading First Nations owned and managed communications agency, 33 Creative. 33 Creative led an in-depth collaborative research and consultations process, working directly with Traditional Owners, Elders and language experts to ensure proper representation and protocols were followed.
“It has been an honour and privilege to connect with Aboriginal communities alongside the Google team to bring this exciting project to life’’ says Mayrah Sonter (Wiradjuri), Director, 33 Creative.
”We understand and respect the power of language and are proud to see Traditional Placenames visible on the immense platform that is Google Maps. Thank you to the Google team, and especially the Custodians of Language and Country that we engaged with, for centring and honouring these knowledges.”
The project will feature Traditional Place Names on Google Maps across 10 Australian cities. The Indigenous names for these cities are now appearing in Google Maps, in the header of the city’s placesheet and within its description.
The 10 cities in the pilot are below:
- Adelaide: Tarntanya (Kaurna Traditional Custodians)
- Alice Springs: Mparntwe (Arrernte Traditional Custodians)
- Brisbane: Meeanjin / Magandjin (Turrbal & Yuggera Traditional Custodians)
- Broome: Rubibi (Yawuru Traditional Custodians)
- Cairns: Gimuy-Irukandji (Yidinji Traditional Custodians)
- Darwin: Garrmalang-gwa (Larrakia Traditional Custodians)
- Hobart: Nipaluna (Palawa Traditional Custodians)
- Melbourne: Naarm (Wurundjeri-Woi Wurrung Traditional Custodians)
- Perth: Boorloo (Whadjuk – Noongar Traditional Custodians)
- Sydney: Warrang (Gadigal Traditional Custodians)
This is complex and sensitive subject and it’s pleasing to see Google approach the project with respect as stated on the company’s Australian blog:
“We recognise that place naming is complex, continuous and deeply important. Guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments, this pilot is a meaningful step in our efforts to listen to Indigenous Australians perspectives, honour their custodianship, and make Australia’s histories visible and accessible to everyone.”
