New locality in South-West ‘Yebble’ honours local Noongar hero

• Local Noongar hero from 19th century honoured with new place name
• New locality created in the South-West near Margaret River
• A portion from existing localities of Gracetown and Burnside to honour Yebble

Yebble has been formally approved by Landgate as the official name of a new locality along WA's South-West coastline.

Lands Minister Tony Buti announced the creation of Yebble in honour of local Noongar man, Mr Samuel Isaacs.

Yebble, Mr Isaacs Aboriginal name, was pivotal in a heroic rescue in 1876 where, together with Ms Grace Bussell, they rescued 54 passengers from the shipwrecked SS Georgette at Redgate Beach.

Having only received a bronze medallion for his efforts, in contrast to Grace Bussell's silver medallion, he was later awarded 100 acres of land in Margaret River for his efforts - the first land grant to an Aboriginal person in Western Australia.

The new locality is excised from the existing localities of Gracetown and Burnside which is mostly covered by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and not far from the land gifted to Mr Isaacs.

The Undalup Association with support from Dr Robert Isaacs, Yebble's great-grandson, initiated the proposal to have Mr Isaacs rightfully recognised for the significant role he played in the sea rescue.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River endorsed the creation of the new locality following overwhelming public support during the consultation period.

The new locality includes the Ellensbrook Homestead and Meekadarribee Falls, which are both of historical and cultural significance to the local Noongar people.

Comments attributed to Lands Minister Tony Buti:

"I am honoured to announce the creation of Yebble to rightfully recognise Mr Samuel Isaacs for his part in this historic event in Margaret River.

"I would also like to acknowledge the great work undertaken in reawakening Aboriginal languages through place naming by the former Lands Minister, the Hon Ben Wyatt MLA, who supported the creation of Yebble.

"Aboriginal naming provides a gateway to respect, acknowledge and promote Aboriginal peoples' connection to the land.

"The creation of Yebble helps preserve and promote the Aboriginal people who have contributed to Western Australia's rich and diverse history."

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The McGowan Government strongly supports the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage and recognises that place names and language are an important link to history and identity.

"The new locality of Yebble is a nod to a local hero, and I'd like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this special naming project to fruition.

"I look forward to seeing more Aboriginal place names adopted throughout Western Australia in the future."