Anil Fred’s ‘Coolamon’ if selected could end up creating history for Indian-Australian contribution to Australian space history.
‘Coolamon’ which pays homage to the Aboriginal people is one of the four finalists in the competition to name Australia’s Lunar Rover.
More than 8,200 people and schools from across Australia entered the competition to name the Lunar Rover.
Anil said in a Facebook post that he is grateful for being selected: “What a Cool name is this Cool-a-mon!”
“Out of 8000 entries, I won the prize for the top four. The Australian public will decide the final name which will be etched to the Rover. The conditions was to name which reflect creative and Australian sprit.”
According to Anil, Coolamon “captures the essence of our Indigenous heritage and connection to the land.
It is a traditional object, often made from carving out a piece of wood, used by Aboriginal peoples as a multi-purpose vessel, usually a shallow dish.
In Aboriginal culture, Coolamons have a variety of uses, such as carrying water, fruits, and nuts.
Anil adds:
“These items are significant not only for their practical uses but also for their cultural and spiritual importance. They are often decorated with intricate designs, which can have symbolic meanings or tell stories. The crafting and design of coolamons are unique to different Aboriginal groups and regions across Australia, reflecting the rich diversity of Aboriginal cultures.”
Lunar Rover is the Australian Space Agency’s project to venture on a lunar expedition as part of a future Artemis mission by as early as 2026.
NASA is working with Australia’s space industry to design and build an Australian-made rover. It’s part of the Trailblazer program under the Moon to Mars initiative.
The other shortlisted names include Kakirra, Mateship, and Roo-ver. The voting period is open until 11:59 PM (AEDT), Friday, 1 December 2023. The winner of the competition will be announced on Wednesday, 6 December 2023.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
