A Sydney primary school has decided to go ahead and rename longstanding sport houses with the names of great Indigenous figures, despite major backlash from the school community.
The sports houses at Appin Public School, located around 75km from Sydney’s CBD, had been named after historical figures: former NSW Governor Lachlan Macquarie, Australian explorer William Hovell, Hamilton Hume, a pioneering figure in the exploration of New South Wales and Victoria and James Tyson, a legendary Australian pastoralist.
However, they will now be changed to honour four famous Indigenous personalities – Cathy Freeman, Eddie Mabo, AFL great Adam Goodes and singer Jessica Mauboy.
The school first announced on March 20 that they would be changing the sporting factions, in an announcement that was met with swift backlash and uproar from the community.
The change was first revealed to parents and students via a Facebook video in which Freeman was praised for her “strength, determination and greatness,” Mabo his “justice, courage and change,” Goodes his “leadership, pride and excellence,” and Mauboy her ‘inspiration and brilliance”.
Many commented on the decision, labelling it “woke” and “ridiculous” before the school disabled comments on the post.
One parent wrote to 2GB’s Ben Fordham to express their concern, with the email read out on air.
“They’ve told us our local school has recently changed its longstanding sports house names Hume, Hovell, Macquarie and Tyson, and they’ve been changed to new names including Eddie Mabo, Cathy Freeman, Adam Goodes and Jessica Mauboy,” the email to Fordham last month said.
“The criteria for eligibility were Indigenous Australians who had made a, quote unquote, significant difference.
“It’s a typical education department woke decision. My kids can’t remember the names of the new houses, let alone what the people are famous for.”
Such was the backlash and messages of concern, school principal Cheny Collins sent a follow-up email to families stating the school had decided to reconsider the decision.
“Thank you to those in the community who’ve taken the time to share their feedback regarding the proposed house names,” the message said.
“In light of the feedback received, we see this as an important opportunity to pause and ensure the process is inclusive.
“We will be taking this decision back to our students to reconsider, allowing space for further reflection and broader representation.”
Yet, in an update on 2GB on Monday, a parent of the school revealed to the radio show that they had decided to proceed with the name change anyway, with the decision announced in the school newsletter sent out at the start of the school holidays.
“The newsletter says thank you to the many members of the community who have engaged thoughtfully and respectfully in recent conversations regarding our school house names,” James Willis revealed on Monday, filling in on Ben Fordham Live.
“As previously shared, the pause in finalising the names was intentional. It ensured the outcome was inclusive, considered and informed by broader community perspectives.
“After careful consideration, I am delighted to confirm that the student-selected house names will remain Mabo, Freeman, Mauboy and Goodes. We thank our community for their continued support.”
The news was shared on 2GB’s social channels, and it had the public divided.
“Parents should take their kids out from that school if the name of school gets changed,” one person wrote on 2GB’s Facebook page.
“Ridiculous,” a second commented.
“Could they at least have kept 2 original names and made the other 2 indigenous?” a third commented.
“It is awesome having all these names changes. Should have been implemented years ago,” a fourth said.
While amid the overly negative reaction, journalist Scott Bailey took aim at those kicking up a stink about the change.
“At high school all our houses were named after people of Anglo descent. Likewise at my child’s school, I believe. Should I complain about that?” he wrote on X.
“Imagine actually kicking up a stink about names of houses at your kid’s school based on race. How utterly embarrassing for the parents.
“If you have issue with a sports house at a school being named after Cathy Freeman, who literally provided Australia with one of its greatest ever sporting moments, I can’t help you.”
