Arnhem land delegation decends on hinterland
By Sonia Isaacs
A 12-person strong Arnhem Land delegation is heading to the Glass House Mountains to campaign against the proposed Hanson quarry expansion.
The group will be meeting with local residents, community members and local elders on Sunday April 28 as part of a ticketed event organised by Save Our Glasshouse Mountains (SOGHM).
The gathering is aimed at raising awareness about the controversial issue.
Councillors and the Mayor have been invited to a separate meeting on Monday April 29, regarding the quarry and its effect on the Mountains.
Event co-organiser, Megan Standring, said the April 28 event was being sponsored by SOGHM with all proceeds covering the cost of bringing the 12-person delegation out to the Sunshine Coast, with any additional funds being put back into the SOGHM campaign. She said approximately 75 tickets had already been sold.
Tickets range in price from free for under 16s to $123 for adults, including lunch.
The Arnhem delegation includes Aboriginal elder Djinang man, Don Weluk and Walpiri desert woman Jenny Timms, who will be raising awareness about traditional ways and culture, and the significance of ‘keeping Country sacred’ in contemporary society.
Ms Standring said the Arnhem land delegation had been inextricably drawn to visit the Glass House Mountains because of deeply-held concerns that the traditionally sacred land was under threat.
Ms Standring said Don and his family were concerned that people were not “listening to Country”, and that the traditional lore surrounding the protection of sacred sites was not being upheld.
“Traditional lore down here is being diluted because people have not protected these sacred sites,” she said.
“Arnhem Land elder, Don Weluk, and his delegation group have been compelled to come to our region to share their deep understanding of culture, and the crucial importance of protecting our sacred sites,” said Megan.
The invitation to Sunshine Coast Councillors and the Mayor to meet with the Arnhem Land elders and local traditional custodians and elders the following day was specfically organised to raise awareness of the cultural significance of the Mountains, and the impact of the quarry.
“The expansion plans by Hanson poses significant concerns for our community,” she said.
“That’s especially given its location in the heart of the National Heritage, culturally-rich Glass House Mountains and its proximity to the township.”
Ms Standring added that the proposed meeting with council representatives would allow the elders and locals to share the significance of preserving culturally significant sites.
“We hope this meeting will empower our local councillors to make culturally informed decisions when representing their community,” she said.
The Arnhem Land elders will be welcomed by local elders with Kabi Kabi and Jinibara connection, with Uncle Alan Parsons, Aunty Zeitha Murphy and Aunty Dinawan amongst others expected to be in attendance.
It is understood Hanson Quarry recently met with representatives of Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation (JPAC), native title holders of the land surrounding the quarry site.
When asked for comment by GC&M News regarding attendance and outcomes of the meeting, a Hanson spokesperson declined to answer specific questions.
“We continue to have conversations with the relevant stakeholders in our community and encourage others to connect with us directly to answer any questions they may have,” the Hanson spokesperson said. Over 100 submissions have been lodged in just over a week.