The name "Mildura" comes from Aboriginal language, most likely Latji Latji, and is generally interpreted as "red earth", referring to the area's distinctive red soil, though some theories suggest it could mean "sore eyes" from flies or "water rock," as the name combines words like mill (red/water) and dura (earth/rock/sand).
The name Mildura is believed to mean “red earth” in Lajti Latji language. Alfred Deakin (a Minister in the State Government) chaired a Royal Commission on water supply and visited California to view the irrigations areas there.
Local people recognise the Latje Latje and Barkindji (also known as Paakantji) peoples amongst others as being original inhabitants of present-day Mildura. In the Latje Latje language, the name Mildura has been taken to mean 'red earth'.
Yes, "Koori" (or Koorie/Goori) is an appropriate regional term for Aboriginal people from southeastern Australia (NSW/Victoria), but it's always best to ask an individual their preference or use broader terms like "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" or "First Nations people" if you're unsure, as "Koori" is specific to a region and not all Indigenous Australians identify with it. Using specific nation names (like Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara) is even better if known, but "Koori" is a respectful, reclaiming term for its specific area.
The name Sunraysia derives from a contest that entrepreneur Jack De Garis held in 1919, as part of a promotion on behalf of the Australian Dried Fruits Association. The public were invited to submit a name to describe the dried fruits grown in the Mildura area.
The word Koorie or Koori is a word used to describe Aboriginal people of South Eastern Australia (in Victoria and New South Wales). The word comes from the Awabakal word for 'man' or 'people. '
Mildura a 'hot spot' for retail crime
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, in the 2024/25 financial year there were 927 incidents of retail crime in Mildura, up 24 per cent from the previous year's total of 745.
'Aborigine' is generally perceived as insensitive, because it has racist connotations from Australia's colonial past, and lumps people with diverse backgrounds into a single group. You're more likely to make friends by saying 'Aboriginal person', 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander'.
The standard three-part test for Aboriginality in Australia requires a person to meet three criteria: descent (biological ancestry), self-identification (identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), and community acceptance (being recognized as such by their Indigenous community). This definition, adopted by the Commonwealth government, is used for many government programs and services, although the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses a simpler two-part test (descent and self-identification) for general data collection.
LAMBRUK: a homestead. LANGI: dwelling. LARNOOK: habitation. LARUNDEL: camp. LUMEAH: here I rest.
There were so many different tribes that there wouldn't be one single name. In a lot of the Dreamtime stories that have survived, individual islands have been named, but Australia as a whole tended to be referred to as "the land", rather than having a name.
Mildura is popular due to its sunny Mediterranean climate, stunning Murray River setting, and proximity to national parks, offering a blend of outdoor adventure (skiing, boating, hiking) and vibrant food, wine, arts (like Bruce Munro's light installations), and rich agricultural heritage (fruit/wine bowl). Its lively city center, cultural events, and friendly, diverse community, combined with a high quality of life and lower cost than major cities, make it a top destination for both tourists and residents seeking a regional lifestyle, boosted further by recent increased regional tourism trends.
Coodanup is believed to mean place of the cooing swans in Noongar.
"Straya" is a colloquial, affectionate, and humorous slang term for Australia, representing a shortened, phonetic pronunciation of the country's name, often used in a casual context to show national identity and a laid-back attitude. It embodies the Australian tendency to shorten words and can be heard in phrases like "G'day, Straya!".
It is known as Australia's first 'irrigation colony' and is also referred to as an 'oasis in the desert'. The city's central business district is located just a short distance from the banks of the Murray.
The Murray River has several Aboriginal names, with prominent ones including Millewa, Tongala, Dhungala (or variations like Dunghala), and Indi, often meaning "big water," "mighty river," or referencing specific sections of the river, reflecting the diverse languages of the Traditional Owners like the Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri peoples along its vast length.
The Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme provided ex-gratia payments to Stolen Generations survivors. The reparations aimed to acknowledge historical injustices faced by Stolen Generations survivors. The amount provided to each recipient was $75,000.
No, standard Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker, Age Pension, etc.) are the same for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians with identical circumstances, but Indigenous Australians have access to specific, targeted programs and extra support, like enhanced child care subsidies and dedicated services, that can provide additional financial or service benefits.
Proof of Aboriginality in Australia typically requires demonstrating you are of Aboriginal descent, identify as Aboriginal, and are accepted by an Aboriginal community, often through a letter from an incorporated Indigenous organization or a statutory declaration supported by family history (genealogy, birth records), community endorsement, and sometimes a signed declaration by elders or a representative of an Aboriginal organization on their letterhead.
To be respectful of the cultural significance and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, terms such as 'mob', 'Aunty/Uncle', 'tidda', etc should only be used by First Nations peoples or by those who have been given explicit permission from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
This month's word is 'kudnawardli', which means 'toilet'. Image description: Text is overlaid on a black, red and yellow background echoing the Aboriginal flag. The text reads: Kaurna language sharing. kudnawardli.
Did you know Bondi or Boondi is actually an Aboriginal word meaning "water breaking over rocks" or "noise of water breaking over rocks." ?
The coldest month in Mildura, Victoria, is typically July, with average low temperatures around 4°C (39-41°F) and highs near 15°C (60°F), making it part of the region's cool winter season that extends from May to August.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the #1 safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI), a position it has held for over a decade due to extremely low crime, no standing army, high social cohesion, and minimal conflict, though some other reports might place Switzerland or the Netherlands first based on different survey criteria.
Top 10 most dangerous cities in Australia