Keepers of Lake Eyre
Walking the Land- for Our Ancient Right
Thursday July 27, 2000
Adelaide, South Australia
In this update:
1. Walking the Land- for Our Ancient Right
- now in Moree, NSW
2. **Melbourne benefit gig for walk tomorrow (Friday July 28)
3. 26/7/00: Sydney Morning Herald article on Sydney Aboriginal Tent Embas=
sy
- City Council getting tough
- sounds like Genocide Corner all over again!
4. 25/7/00: Grass roots briefing on Sydney Aboriginal Tent Embassy
and City Council problem.
5. Adelaide candle light peace walk Friday August 4, 8pm.
- Genocide Corner, Cnr King William St and North Terace.
6. assorted media coverage- WMC:
- =93Mining giant wants trespass reviewed in pastoral areas=94
- =93Mining giant drops lawsuit against protesters=94
- =93Big end of town wines and dines Djerrkura=94
- including WMC
___________________________________________________
1. Walking the Land- for Our Ancient Right
- now in Moree
** report from walk due soon- keep posted.
Walking the Land has arrived in Moree, in north eastern New South Wales, to
a traditional welcome.
They will leave for Narrabri on Saturday (July 29), heading south, and are
due in Dubbo 1/2 August.
1620 km has been walked so far, 47 days after leaving the Arabunna Going
Home Camp, at Lake Eyre South, in South Australia.
Due in Canberra by 21 August, Sydney by 3 September, 2000
Quick route and date check:
JULY 27; Moree
JULY 30; Narrabri
AUG 1; Coonabarabran
AUG 3; Dubbo
AUG 6; Wellington
AUG 8; Orange
AUG 11; Bathurst
To BE CONFIRMED; Oberon, Taralga, Bungendore,
Queanbeyan
AUG 21; Canberra
SEPT 3; Sydney
Don't take these dates as gospel, coming up here and following the Darling
was a change of plan thanks to the invitation of Robbie from the Kamilaroi
people. If you head out to join us for a day, or a weekend or for the whole
trip you can call the Keepers of Lake Eyre where this walk started on (08)
8232 8595 or email; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check the website at:
www.come.to/lakeeyre
____________________________________________________
2. **Melbourne benefit gig for walk - tomorrow.
From: "Yael Winikoff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Melbourne: benefit gig
**MELBOURNE BENEFIT GIG FOR
WALKING THE LAND- FOR OUR ANCIENT RIGHT
Gday
Could you please post this out, even though its only relevant to melbourne
punters...
MUSIC FOR WALKERS
Friday July 28th.
start 6pm
1a little gold street
Brunswick
Bucketrider, Lucie Thorne, Penelope Swales, Chris Saray, Wren and Gilian +
more
Also, food, chai, info, footage, photos, art....
_______________________________________________
3. 26/7/00: Sydney Morning Herald article on Sydney Aboriginal Tent Embassy
- City Council getting tough
- sounds like Genocide Corner all over again!
The Sydney Morning Herald
Council pegs back Aboriginal tent embassy
Date: 26/07/2000
>
South Sydney Council yesterday formally notified leaders of the growing
20-tent Aboriginal tent embassy now occupying Victoria Park for the
Olympics that it must shrink to one tent, contain its campfire in a metal
drum and take out $10 million in public risk insurance.
Describing the council's move as an attempt to create a "concentration
camp" like the Cowra mission on which she grew up, Ms Isabell Coe said
yesterday the embassy protesters were determined to stay in numbers and
that the camp was bound to grow.
There was no money to pay for insurance, said Ms Coe, an embassy
co-ordinator whom the newly elected Mayor, Councillor John Fowler, and
other council members have arranged to meet this morning in an attempt to
negotiate a deal.
The protesters would not "imprison" the "fire for peace and justice", which
had been lit ceremonially from ashes brought from Canberra as part of
sacred rites more "real" and ancient than the Olympic torch relay.
"It's a ceremonial fire. They have no respect," Ms Coe said. "You can't put
it in a drum."
The embassy, an offshoot of the 28-year-old Canberra hub of indigenous
protest, has occupied a corner of the park for the past 12 days. It now has
two furnished public marquees and about 18 small living tents.
In the letter signed by the general manager, Mr John Bourke, and delivered
yesterday, the council told Ms Coe that the occupation was unlawful, but
said occupation may be approved with 11 conditions. These include occupying
only 100 square metres with one tent, allowing a maximum of four people to
stay overnight, moving vehicles off-site and banning drugs and alcohol.
Ms Coe said that as a ceremonial centre, there was already a ban on drugs
and alcohol, but because of the nature of the tent embassy, which was set
up to tell Olympics visitors and media about indigenous oppression, it
could not be contained to 100 square metres.
"I can't give numbers on the Aboriginal tent embassy. Today it could be
four people, tomorrow it could be 500,000. That's the way it grows," she said.
South Sydney Council was supposed to be one of the most progressive
councils but the letter revealed that it may be among the most racist, she
said.
Cr Fowler said councillors intended no disrespect and were "not trying to
put a fence around them. However, we remain concerned at the broader
motives of other participants." He said the council had legal
responsibilities includingpublic safety, noise complaints from locals, park
damage from speeding vehicles and the loss of amenity for daily park users.
Debra Jopson
______________________________________________
4. 25/7/00: Grass roots briefing on Sydney Aboriginal Tent Embassy
and City Council problem.
From: "Natasha Verco" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Briefing on tent embassy and refugees
Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 08:22:07 GMT
COUNCIL THREATENS ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy has been set up to assert Aboriginal
Sovereignty and in particular highlight how the Aboriginal people are
regarded as "aliens" in our own land. We call upon the Australian
community to respect our universal right to life.
We welcome the dialogue that has transpired between the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy and the South Sydney Council and call for full co-operation in
achieving a peaceful coexistence whilst the Aboriginal Tent Embassy carries
on our aims and objectives which are safeguarded by the United Nations
Human Rights Instruments. The Tent Embassy believes that common sense can
only prevail in this regard.
For the last two mornings the Mayor of South Sydney Council and the Newtown
Police had arranged meetings with representatives of the Embassy at 10 am
each day. The Mayor and representatives of the Police did not show up for
these meetings and this morning the Council sent a couple of minor
representatives around to deliver a letter that outlined the conditions of
agreement for occupation of Victoria Park. This seems unusual to us since
we have been here from Friday 14 July, the 28th anniversary of the
Aboriginal Tent Embassy. We are enclosing a copy of this letter.
The Embassy=D5s responses to the conditions imposed are listed hereunder:
1. "only one tent and caretakers accommodation may be set up in the 100
square meters defined by council" This condition reinforces past policies
and interferes with our ancient right to assemble and have a corroboree.
2. "the site must e vacated within one week of the Olympics" That
decision will be decided at the time.
3. "A maximum number of four people specifically nominated by name
occupying
the campsite overnight" This interferes with the camp function as a
community and it is not safe to have a Maximum number of 4 people.
4. "the business of the campsite be only conducted during sunrise to
sunset"
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy since its inception in 1972 as always operated
on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis.
5. "No vehicles being parked in the campsite or driven on the park"
Interferes with supply vehicles and the function of the Embassy.
6. "the campsite fire being contained within a metal drum" The campfire
is a ceremonial fire and the spirit of the fire cannot be imprisoned in
a metal drum.
7. "A porta-Loo being provided and maintained for the use of the
occupants of the campsite" Not applicable as the Sydney University has
provided more hygienic and cleaner facilities for us to use.
8 "That no public address system or amplification equipment shall be
used." The Aboriginal Tent Embassy uses these facilities to get our message
across and to welcome people to the site.
9 " No alcohol or drugs being consumed" This is Embassy Policy.
10 " offensive behavior of persons not being tolerated by the campsite
personnel" This is Embassy Policy.
11 " That the council and Minister for conservation shall be
indemnified against any claims for injury to persons or damage to property
arising out=
of such approval and such indemnity shall be expressed in the form of
public risk insurance policy in the minimum amount of $10,000,000 for any
individual claim" This is legal jargon and has nothing whatsoever to do
with Aboriginal Sovereignty.
Isabell Coe said "The document from South Sydney Council reminds me of the
past genocidal policies of the Aboriginal Welfare & Protection Board". And
we invite all press to the meeting with South Sydney Council tomorrow
morning Wednesday at 10 am.
For more information contact Laura Lee at Sydney Uni on 96605222 There is a
forum + food + videos at the Tent Embassy in Victoria Park 5:30
This Wednesday 26th July.
__________________________________________________
Refugee Update
150 Riot Police storm Villawood Refugee Detention centre.
Villawood Refugees yesterday embarked on a hunger strike to free themselves
and all refugees coming to Australia from inhumane conditions and mandatory
detention.
Aproximately 60 refugees have commited to not eating "until they die" in a
desperate attempt to get the Australian government to stop breaching our
international human rights obligations to asylum seekers.
Just before 9:30 this morning, in response to the hunger strike, riot
police were sent into the Villawood detention centre. Verbal threats were
issued to the detainees that force would be used to break up the hunger strike.
The refugees convened a meeting to discuss their response and were
surrounded by walls of riot police. There are also riot police circling all
sides of the detention center.
"This gross act of intimidation will not be tolerated." said Natasha Verco
of the Refugee Action Collective.
The refugees in Villawood have signaled their determination to continue
with their protest. And the Refugee Action Collective re- affirms our
support of their action. The refugee community is convening emergency
meetings to discuss their response.
For more information call Sultan (inside the detention center) on 96443411,
or Cyrus on 0413 486 231 or Natasha Verco at Sydney Uni SRC 96605222 or
0407 668016.
Thanks heaps luv tashxoxoxo
_________________________________
5. Adelaide candle light peace walk Friday August 4, 8pm.
Subject: Justice & Peace Candlit Walk(inc.stop any nuclear
waste dump):Government House, Nth Tce, Adelaide - 8PM
Support the Justice and Peace Candlelight Walk at 8PM on FRIDAY 4 AUGUST
2000 around Government House, Adelaide.
Supporters are welcome to gather with candles from 7PM before walking
at 8PM.
Mark this date in your diary-organiser NOW ! Come along and show you
support a Treaty with Australia's original Indigenous peoples. Let's
stand together and walk carrying candles alight for justice and peace
advocating a Treaty. This will protect Ngarrindjeri culture, spiritual
beliefs, lands and waters, and to stop any nuclear waste dump on
traditional lands which affects the unique Australian environment and wetlands.
There will be further ongoing Justice and Peace Candlelight Walks around
Government House, Adelaide, assembling with candles at 7PM to walk at 8PM
on the first Friday of every month throughout the year.
For further information contact the organisers. To get a flyer register
your fax number or e-mail address.
Ngarrindjeri Contacts:
Victor Wilson - Kalparrin Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Farm at Murray
Bridge - email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
{W} 85 324 940 / FAX 85 325 511 / mob. 040 718 2353;
Pastor Ken Sumner - Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress -
{W} 8212 4066 / {H} 8396 3934;
Tom Trevorrow - Narrindjeri Land and Progress Association - e-mail:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
{W} 85 751 557|657 / FAX 85 751 448 / mob. 040 996 1933.
OTHER ACTION:
LOBBY - lobby the pollies - get your local MP to participate & ask for
the use of her/his office to lobby MP's
GET INFORMED - see or speak to Ngarrindjeri contacts
SPREAD THE WORD - tell the world how much Australia needs Justice and
Peace - Spread this email
PROMOTE THE WALK - flyers are available now to be plastered
everywhere!!!
GET YOUR ORGANISATION TO ENDORSE THE RALLY
>
SPREAD THIS EMAIL THROUGH YOUR NETWORKS! JUSTICE AND TRUTH
HAVE NO BORDERS!
(cut & paste,
customise if you prefer; don't use the fwd button - we don't want people
mistaking this for a virus).
There's no reason why we can't achieve a better result than our last
five walks if we make a stand together.
>
PEOPLE WALKING IN UNISON IN SUPPORT OF THE TREATY THEME CAN
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!
SEND THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW IS SYMPATHETIC. ASK THEM TO
JOIN IN...AND DO THE SAME.
>
Even if you have received this previously pass it on, this way everyone is=
kept
informed and less will forget!!!!!
_________________________________________
6. assorted media coverage- WMC:
- =93Mining giant wants trespass reviewed in pastoral areas=94
- =93Mining giant drops lawsuit against protesters=94
- =93Big end of town wines and dines Djerrkura=94
Sat, 22 Jul 2000 18:00 CST
Mining giant wants trespass reviewed in pastoral areas
Mining giant WMC Resources will approach the State Government with
concerns about problems in carrying out trespass orders in remote parts
of the state.
The company yesterday withdrew an application for an order to remove
trespassers on a pastoral lease 100 kilometres north of its Olympic Dam
operations.
WMC Spokesman Richard Yeeles says the order was withdrawn as the group
who had been camped on the land had moved on.
But he says the process highlights difficulties in dealing with
trespass issues in isolated pastoral areas.
"It is clear that there are problems for police in dealing with these
issues in isolated areas," he said.
"There are problems with interpretation of current laws in relation to
who has the right under current law to be on pastoral leases."
"We would like to review these issues with relevant government
agencies."
=A9 2000 Aust'n Broadcasting Corp.
-------->
Fri, 21 Jul 2000 12:17 CST
Mining giant drops lawsuit against protesters
Mining company WMC has withdrawn a Supreme Court action aimed at
removing protesters it claimed were camped on its pastoral lease in
South Australia's north.
WMC claimed the protesters were trespassing on the land, 100 kilometres
north of its Olympic Dam site.
It also claimed there had been attacks on its security officers and
vandalism of its property.
But the company withdrew the action this morning, saying the
individuals involved had now left the lease, and the proceedings had
therefore achieved their objective.
=A9 2000 Aust'n Broadcasting Corp.
___________________________________________________
Saturday, July 22, 2000
Big end of town wines and dines Djerrkura
By MICHELLE GRATTAN
Gatjil Djerrkura might have been unceremoniously dumped last year by
his fellow ATSIC board members, but recently he has been assiduously
wooed by leaders of the corporate and political worlds.
The chief executive officer of the mining giant WMC, Mr Hugh Morgan,
took him to dinner on Melbourne's South Bank and, over a good red,
persuaded him to join the company's external community advisory
committee.
Mr Morgan's executive group had suggested Mr Djerrkura's name. It had
proposed writing to him. But Mr Morgan thought a letter was not good
enough.
"I said, 'I need to meet him.' There was a meeting of ATSIC in
Melbourne about a month ago. I arranged to have dinner," Mr Morgan said
last night.
[edited......]
This week Mr Djerrkura, after announcing he was quitting the ATSIC
board, revealed he was considering standing for Country Liberal Party
preselection for Nhulunbuy. He also attended his first meeting of the
WMC advisory committee in Melbourne.
[edited......]
When he went to dinner with Mr Morgan, Mr Djerrkura took with him the
acting general manager of ATSIC's economic division, Mr Colin Plowman.
He consulted Mr Plowman on the WMC offer, and confirmed it was a
request to him personally, rather than in his position as an ATSIC
board member.
The advisory committee deals with environment, health, safety and
community matters. Other members include Ms Tricia Caswell, with a long
record in the environmental and union movements, Professor Ian Lowe,
prominent on greenhouse issues, Mr Alister Maitland, formerly of the
ANZ Bank, Mr Francis Grey, a green economist, and Mr John Hyde, former
Federal Liberal politician.
Members of the committee are paid $1,200 a day, plus expenses. The
groups meets at least four times a year, sometimes for two days, and
tours sites.
Over dinner, Mr Djerrkura said he liked the idea of joining the
committee. Mr Morgan said Djerrkura had told him"it seems right".
He left the dinner with a written offer from Mr Morgan. He still does
not have a contract but has agreed in principle to membership.
He took an active part in this week's meeting and attended the dinner
on Wednesday night, which was addressed by the former Labor environment
minister Ms Ros Kelly.
"We expect the advisory group to be challenging to us," said Mr Morgan.
" Gatjil was impressed with what we've done. We've never done anything
but seek to have the most proper and encouraging relationships with
those who have traditional responsibilities."
=A9 2000. SMH
_________________________________
THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
________________________________________________________
Keepers of Lake Eyre, in South Australia:
Web: www.come.to/lakeeyre Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tel: (08) 8340 4401 / Fax. (08) 8232 2490
Post: C/- Conservation Council, 120 Wakefield St, Adelaide, S.A. 5000
________________________________________________________
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