The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is inviting community feedback on a proposal by Glen Innes Severn Council to officially assign the name ‘The Australian Standing Stones’ to one of the region’s most treasured landmarks.
Located in Glen Innes’ Centennial Parklands and accessed via Watsons Drive, The Australian Standing Stones consist of thirty-eight towering megalithic stones, aligned with the sun in an awe-inspiring circle. Created to celebrate and preserve the rich Celtic heritage of the region, the monument has stood as a powerful symbol of cultural pride since its official opening in 1992.
This long-overdue formality seeks to ensure the name is correctly recorded on maps and in databases, providing recognition for a site that has played a significant role in honouring the area’s deep Celtic roots. It has long been a focal point for education, tourism, and celebration of Scottish, Welsh, Irish, and Cornish traditions, reflecting the settlement history of Glen Innes since the 1840s.
Beyond its impressive physical presence, the Standing Stones serve as the beating heart of the beloved Australian Celtic Festival, an annual event that transforms Glen Innes into a magical realm of music, dance, history, and camaraderie. Each May, the town comes alive with the haunting sounds of bagpipes, the rhythmic beat of Celtic drums, and the vibrant swish of tartan kilts. Visitors from across Australia and beyond gather to honour their heritage, reconnect with their ancestral traditions, and experience the warmth of a community deeply proud of its roots.
NSW Surveyor-General Narelle Underwood emphasised the importance of formalising the name, saying the Geographical Names Board is committed to formalising established names that are in use by the local community.
“Place names are not just labels; they tell the stories of their community, and it is important that they reflect the character and history of the local area.”
“Community consultation on the proposed name is an important step to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback and ensures that each voice has a chance to contribute.”
The proposal has also been met with strong support from Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis, who encouraged people to add their support via the consultation process.
“This monument has developed over the years into a major tourist attraction and the site for the Australian Celtic Festival.
“I encourage people to support the official naming of the Australian Standing Stones as it has been known for quite some time.”
Community members are invited to have their say, with details of the proposal available on the Geographical Names Board’s website.
Submissions can be made online or sent in writing to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795. The closing date for submissions is 14 March 2025.
With such a rich history and a name that has been spoken with pride for decades, the formal recognition of The Australian Standing Stones is not just a bureaucratic step—it is a long-awaited tribute to the region’s cultural heritage and the generations who have celebrated it.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email newsletters.