ABC News: Ashleigh Abram
)For many decades, a popular stretch of sand on the edge of Darwin's CBD was named after a cattle baron from England.
But Vesteys Beach has now officially changed to Bundilla Beach to acknowledge Darwin's traditional owners, the Larrakia people.
"I am happy about it because this is my place," said Larrakia elder Barbara Mills-Raymond, who was leading the charge for the name change.
Bundilla, which means "young girl", has significance in the Larrakia language and culture.
ABC News: Peter Lacey
)The beach's previous name recognised Lord William Vestey, whose company set up a meatworks on a nearby headland in 1914.
Lord Vestey's company also controlled Wave Hill Station, 700 kilometres south of Darwin, where the Gurindji people, led by Vincent Lingiari, initiated their historic walk-off in 1966.
Ms Mills-Raymond's son, Kootji Raymond, said he was glad his mother's country was finally being recognised on official signage.
"The previous [Vestey] sign, obviously it has issues with us," he said.
"It's a sign that symbolises domination and control, and it's outdated.
ABC News: Peter Lacey
)The renaming of the beach is part of a government push to better recognise traditional owners across the Northern Territory.
"The Territory and its people are unique, with a rich and lasting culture that is thousands of years old with many stories to tell," Planning Minister Eva Lawler said.
The Lord Mayor of Darwin, Kon Vatskalis, said the council supported the name change.
"We are always looking at new and innovative ways to revitalise our land areas, to make them culturally friendly and appealing," he said.
