This morning, hundreds of people from across the country have joined a rally on the road to Pine Gap, near Mparntwe/Alice Springs, on Arrernte Country, demanding the closure of the controversial US-run military facility.
The action is part of the Close Pine Gap Sacred Land Back Convergence 2026, organised by Mparntwe for Falastin and Anti Militarism Action Network, the biggest event of its kind since 1987.
The Hayes family – Traditional Owners of Kuyunba, the sacred land that Pine Gap occupies – lead the rally, with a list of four demands:
- Return of Kuyunba
- The closure of Pine Gap
- Compensation for the years Kuyunba has been occupied
- Compensation to the families in Gaza for the lives lost there.
These actions have been echoed by other rallies across the country.
Organisers say today’s action follows two days of learning and discussion about militarism and colonialism. Experts from around the country addressed the violent reality and risks of Pine Gap.
‘If ever there was a message to end the world, it would come through Pine Gap. We would be the handmaidens of that,’ said Senator David Shoebridge.
‘US bases have never made us safe, but right now they are especially making us a target.’
Sacred site
Felicity, Wyonna and Jacquita Hayes, Arrernte Apmereke-artweye Traditional Custodians, said earlier to supporters, ‘We want people to support us to close down Pine Gap. We want them to know it’s a sacred site. We don’t want to be feeling guilty all the time when bad things are happening overseas to little ones.
‘We’re not the ones controlling that facility, but we feel guilty that it’s coming from our land.’
Further developments are expected on this story later today, and will be added.
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