The Houses acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, learn and work. We listen to their stories about Country and strive to be respectful stewards of the land and waterways.
Kembla is named after Mount Kembla near the suburb of Dapto and Unanderra. The name “Kembla” is believed to be derived from the word “Jum-bulla” or “Djenbella” which is how colonial Europeans recorded the name local people used to refer to the mountain. It is thought to mean a place of good hunting where wallaby or “Djembla” can be hunted.
Keira is named after Mount Keira which derives from the Wodi Wodi name for the mountain meaning High Mountain. Mount Keira is part of the Illawarra escarpment, featuring dense green eucalypt and subtropical rainforest. It is associated with Dreamtime creation stories and is used for Women’s business, education and ceremonies for the Dharawal people.
Marshall is named after Marshall Mount, a beautiful old settlement within our local area. It is located between Albion Park and Dapto. It is a centre for community and has always been a place of storytelling.
Macquarie named after Macquarie Pass, which was opened July 4th 1898 as a dirt road that curved its way up the Illawarra escarpment. It is a windy drive past lush rainforests where you can glimpse amazing views of the coast through the trees. The warrior Tullimbar an Aboriginal Elder and noted leader associated with the Macquarie Valley and Tongarra at the foot of Macquarie Pass. In local history, figures such as Tullimbar are remembered as leaders/warriors who protected people and Country in the early contact period—hence the link between “Warrior” and the Tullimbar story.
Warrigal is named after Mount Warrigal near Lake Illawarra. Originally inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people, who were part of the wider Dharawal-speaking group of Aboriginal people in the Illawarra region. The name "Warrigal" is believed to be a reference to the wild dog or dingo, which was once common in the area.
