Steven Strong
On Sunday, December 2, a cultural gathering was held at Cedar Point Hall. This was never meant to be a protest or occupation, but a day dedicated to Original culture and lore. It was held at a place very close to a sacred Githubal men’s ceremonial site where young boys were initiated into manhood.
Flanked by 15 scarred trees and sitting above a lucrative lode of high-quality basalt rock, there now exists a dreadful conflict of interest. According to Githubal Elder Kevin Boota this place is both their ‘cathedral and university’, a special place to ‘teach their young language’ and reconnect ‘with the spirits of the site’. According to the non-Original authorities and registers, it has no legal standing and is a profit-in-waiting.
Close to 80 came, sat, talked and shared in culture, friendship and a men’s smoking ceremony. The elders spoke about how essential this place is to their future wellbeing, not only in soul but body. As Rob Williams Snr pointed out, the ‘ongoing men’s health is linked to the preservation of that site’. Despite an open acknowledgment in the Cultural Heritage Assessment, commissioned by Grahams Quarries, conceding that this place was a men’s ceremonial ground, development to mine has been approved and soon what was sacred will become a massive gaping hole.
Rob Williams Snr thanked those who came to join in their struggle to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. He voiced his frustration that what had taken place was legal, and despaired at being ‘tired of being bullied by councils and by government in regards to our culture’.
But this meeting was merely a beginning; after discussion amongst the elders it was decided that they meet again at this place, and continuing doing so until justice prevails. On December 23, a day that has many layers and untold potential, the Githubal and their supporters will meet once more at Cedar Point Hall at 9.30am.
On that day we invite any who join us to stand in support in formalising their commitment through signing an Expression of Support. This document acknowledges the Githubal as the rightful custodians of their tribal estate and ‘hidden history’, and this connection to their land NEVER ceased. This statement affirms that the Githubal will make the final decision whenever their land or people are threatened, and that they are the sovereign people of their land.
They need help, they need support, and they demand that their heritage be protected. We invite you to join us in this struggle against another group of miners and another hole in the ground.
For further information contact [email protected] or 6628 1749.
Filthy, dirty, greedy mining companies at it again. They are the scum at the bottom of the gene pool.