Place Names Register Extract

Ilparpa

Extract date: 15/05/2024

Name Ilparpa
Type Designation Suburb
Place Id 22297
Place Type Administrative Area
Status Registered
Date Registered 3 April 2007
Location (Datum GDA94)  
Latitude: -23° 44' S (Decimal degrees -23.7449)
Longitude: 133° 49' E (Decimal degrees 133.828)
Locality / Suburb  
  (None Found)
Local Government Area  
  Alice Springs Town Council
History/Origin This Alice Springs suburb is named after Ilparpa Road which passes through the suburb and the Ilparpa Swamp.

The named goes back to 1957 when Ilparpa Camp, near Alice Springs, after being referred to for many yaers as "The Commonage Camp" or "The Welfare Camp", was officially named Ilparpa by the Commonwealth NTA District Officer in Alice Springs, R K McCaffery, at the suggestion of the then Administrator.

There are a number of versions as to where Ilparpa originates from
1. It is believed the name is the native word for Mount Blatherskite, in the vicinity of the camp, and means a round stone.
2. Incorrect translation of "Irrparle" - Aranda word for food source by Petrick, Jose - "the History of Alice Springs",
3. Incorrect translation by Olive Pink of Illaba, as mentioned by Spencer and Gillen for a claypan SW of Alice Springs
4. Incorrect translation of "Irpalpa", the Arrente (Aranda) name for the area between Mt Blatherskite and Temple Bar Gap, including the swamp and range.

The suburb boundary, as approved on 8 March 2007, is deliniated on CP 5075.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
03/04/2007 Date of Registration
04/04/2007 NTG 14 Notice of Naming

The Northern Territory Gazetteer is maintained by the Place Names Section,
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics.
GPO Box 1680, Darwin NT 0801. Ph 08 8995 5333.
place.names@nt.gov.au

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