The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has named its new building Djeembana, a Boon Wurrung word for gathering place.

RANZCOG CEO Vase Jovanoska says the naming is both symbolic and significant, recognising and acknowledging the Bunurong Land upon which RANZCOG sits as well as the importance of embracing Indigenous languages.

“When RANZCOG relocated to 1 Bowen Crescent, it marked an exciting era for the College. Naming the building Djeembana reaffirms and strengthens RANZCOG’s commitment to recognising and acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and communities across Australia, on which our members live and work, and to their Elders, past, present and future,” Ms Jovanoska.

Various meeting rooms and breakout areas at 1 Bowen Crescent have also been named thanks to the College’s Australian State and Territory committees and Aotearoa New Zealand committees.

Where appropriate, RANZCOG consulted with relevant Traditional Owner group(s).

Dr Marilyn Clarke, Chair of RANZCOG’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Health Committee, says, “It is fitting that the recent International Mother Language Day on 21 February reminds us all of the crucial importance of language to culture. I am thrilled that RANZCOG is celebrating our rich Indigenous cultures, both here and in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the inclusion of Indigenous language, and I thank the local Aboriginal elders for their gift and permission to use their words.”

1 Bowen Crescent | Djeembana
Djeembana means gathering place.

Level 1 Reception | Girrem
Girrem means a ‘big mob of women’ or ‘large group of women.’ They say ‘Ngali-ngalim-boorroo jarrag-girrem’ which means ‘Women’s taking place.’

Level 1 Family Room | Banksia

Level 3 meeting room | Daintree

Level 3 breakout and kitchen area | Jacaranda

Level 3 Bowen Crescent-side breakout space | Eucalypt
He Hono Wāhine gifted names for the Level 5 seminar rooms that highlight different aspects of ora or wellbeing.  He Hono Wāhine Chair Leigh Duncan (Taranaki Tūtūru, Ngā Mahanga a Tairi) says, “These rooms symbolise Aotearoa New Zealand and the bi-national culture of RANZCOG and emphasise the importance of Māori, and Māori health, in our country and to RANZCOG.”

Level 5, Seminar Room 1 | Mauri Ora
Mauri means alive or life force.  Mauri is about wellbeing of life force or drive. 

Level 5, Seminar Room 2 | Whānau Ora
Whānau is family and whānau ora represents the importance of family and community health. It also represents the importance of cultural values in a person’s health journey.

Level 5, Seminar Room 3 | Pae Ora
Pae ora means healthy futures. Pae ora includes sustainability, healthy environments, and the connection of land to health.

Level 5, rear breakout space | Waratah

Level 5, Council Room | Euroka
A word originating from NSW, Euroka means ‘sun’ – the sun is rising on a new chapter for the College.

Level 6, function area | Kunanyi
RANZCOG is the pillar for women’s health in Australia, so the name of the beautiful Tasmanian mountain is quite fitting.