Perth School Renamed Online by Viral Meme; Staff in Dispute with Google

Staff at Bob Hawke College in Perth’s inner-west have found themselves in a dispute with Google after a prankster changed the school’s name online to “Bob Hawk Tuah College.” The incident came to light when the school receptionist reported the problem earlier this week.

The school, located in the suburb of Subiaco, was named after the former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke and has been open since February 2020. However, recent digital tampering has caused embarrassment and concern among the school’s administration.

The renaming appears to have been inspired by a viral video featuring 22-year-old American, Haliey Welch. In the video, Welch humorously exclaims, “hawk-tuah, spit on that thing,” a phrase that quickly gained online traction, becoming a meme.

Welch has since capitalized on her viral fame by launching a podcast titled “Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch,” and a merchandise line promoting the “hawk-tuah” catchphrase. Despite the notoriety, she has faced criticism, particularly from those associated with Bob Hawke College.

The school officials have formally requested Google’s intervention to rectify the online alteration. However, according to the receptionist, the issue remains unresolved as of Wednesday afternoon.

Bob Hawke College was named in honor of Bob Hawke, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991. The statesman passed away in 2019, shortly before the Federal election.