Australia is a vast land that welcomes all cultures and people from different walks of life.

However, a TV network's recent nod to diversity stirred up a controversy.

This decision sparked a significant debate among viewers and ignited discussions on cultural recognition in modern media.


SBS, a major Australian TV network, has introduced Indigenous names for cities on its weather maps.

In its new set-up, SBS's World News Bulletin would now display Australian weather maps with the English names of each capital city first, then transition to show the Indigenous titles.

Key cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth donned their Indigenous names—Warrang, Meanjin, Naarm, Tarndanya and Boorloo.


This change has been implemented since February 2023 and was part of an initiative to reflect Traditional Custodianship and acknowledge the country's history.

However, the new practice met strong criticism broadcasted on-air.

A 2GB radio listener named Peter voiced his confusion and concern during Ben Fordham's show.

Peter stated that the Indigenous names might only resonate with some of the television viewers.


Indigenous leader Warren Mundine weighed in on the topic.

Despite his appreciation for the recognition, Mundine cautioned against its use.

'It's like the idea of Welcome to Country. People think it is a nice thing, but now you have to do it before meetings, before conferences, before you give a speech, or on an aeroplane,' Mundine said.

Mundine recalled a time when the Indigenous names confused him on his travels.

'I was at the airport the other day, and I was trying to find what flight I was on, and the names are popping up all over the place, and I didn't have a clue what they were,' he said.

'If I am having a problem, the general public would have a problem and be annoyed at this stuff.'


Mundine's comments also highlighted another sentiment felt by some Australians.

They believe that the push for recognition could overshadow practical considerations and can lead to feelings of being labelled unjustly.

'We have not done anything wrong. We are the generation who got rid of the race laws and got full voting and citizen rights. We are the people who raise millions every year that goes into Aboriginal education, so why are we being abused?' Mundine asked.

'When you look around, most Aboriginals are doing OK. They are getting into universities and becoming doctors and lawyers and doing quite well.'

'It is only in the remote areas that they are struggling, but that is because of economic issues and crime that we have to deal with,' he reiterated.


The debate about the weather map extended to social media, where responses to the 2GB radio segment were divided.

'What are they trying to prove by shoving that down our throat? Virtue signalling at its finest,' a commen read.

Another dismissed the initiative as 'token silliness'.

On the flip side, many applauded the move, praising it as 'cool' and 'educational'.

'I love this. The languages of the lands are so diverse,' another praised.


SBS has defended its decision to keep the weather map.

Elder-in-Residence and Widjabul Wia-bal woman Rhoda Roberts AO emphasised the importance of revitalising First Nations' languages as a means of healing the nation.

'For me, it's a time of a new awakening that informs us all,' Ms Roberts shared.

'Behind every word, you will find information about the seasons, the place and the ecology of our wonderful country. It's more than education; it's also the science and the realisation that words can enlighten us all.


SBS's Director of News and Current Affairs, Mandi Wicks, echoed Ms Roberts' sentiment.

Ms Wicks stated that the network was proud of taking a step in representing First Nations in Australian media.

'The power of language to foster inclusion can't be understated, and this initiative will further share First Nations languages and cultures with all Australians,' Ms Wicks concluded.

SBS's weather map showed a microcosm of Australia and how it continues to grapple with its Indigenous history.

It also raised questions about how best to honour the past while navigating the present.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you feel about the inclusion of Indigenous names in public media? Is it a valuable educational tool, or does it create unnecessary confusion? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.