Residents of an upmarket suburb are divided over calls to change the name of a beach following claims the current title is offensive to the Chinese community.
Osmand Chiu, a second-generation Chinese-Australian, wants Chinamans Beach in Mosman on Sydney’s Lower North Shore to be renamed.
Mr Chiu, who is a researcher at the independent public policy think tank PerCapita, said the term “Chinese” was disrespectful and used as a racist slur.
“It’s shocking to have a place called ‘Chinamans Beach’ in the town where I was born and raised as if there was nothing wrong with it,” he said. Mosman Collective.
“Nowadays we would never name a place or refer to someone as ‘Chinese,’ which says a lot about the term.”
The name of the beach was associated with the nearby orchards that were managed by people from the Chinese community during the 19th century.
The beach was known as Rosherville Beach but was renamed in 1977 according to University of Sydney history professor Sophie-Loy Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson said SBS Perspective The name was changed to refer to Chinese fishermen who liked to go fishing in the surrounding areas.
Calls are underway to rename iconic Chinamans Beach in the harbour suburb of Mosman, which was named after an offensive term used to describe people of Chinese descent (file image)
“Before the advent of refrigeration, Chinese fishermen were very important in Australia because they knew how to cure, smoke and preserve fish,” he said.
This popular tourist destination, surrounded by a 250-metre-long stretch of sand, is now home to some of Australia’s most expensive real estate.
Locals are divided on the issue, with resident and real estate consultant Rob Klaric saying the picturesque beach should not be renamed.
“Many wealthy mainland Chinese love the fact that the beach is called Chinaman’s Beach,” he said.
Other residents defended the name on social media.
“Well should it be called Australianman beach? Let’s see what happens. I’m sick of people getting offended by words, yawn, yawn,” wrote one.
Another added: “Absolutely not. It’s history with a wonderful story. When will this madness end?”
Mr Chiu said the people he had spoken to had wanted to change the name a long time ago.
He said the decision to change the name should be aimed at recognising people of Chinese and East Asian descent who have contributed to Australia.
“While it may be uncomfortable for some people, this is about having an open and frank discussion about the term (Chinaman) and its history,” he said.
The name of the beach (pictured) was associated with the nearby orchards that were managed by people from the Chinese community during the 19th century.
Mr Chiu suggested the beach should be named after Cho Hi Tick, who created the historic orchards after purchasing a lease.
There are 253 places across Australia that include the names ‘Chinaman’ or ‘Chinamen’ according to The Composite Gazetteer of Australia.
The database, which is a collection of place names from across Australia, shows that New South Wales accounts for the largest number of places, with 83, the most of any state.
Victoria has the second highest number at 58.
A Mosman Council spokesman said they were not aware of any plans to change the name of the beach and that renaming was a matter for the Geographical Names Board of NSW.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the council, Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales for further comment.