Pemulwuy lives, say hundreds who attend Block protest

The Vigil acted as a form of protest against the NSW Minister for Planning Frank Sartor's rezoning of The Block which renders the Pemulwuy Project unachievable, despite the

AHC's ownership of 22 houses in the area and the rights it has to develop its own land.

Gatherers in Lawson Square were serenaded by Richard Green's stirring Gadigal chant before former Redfern Anglican minister, Bishop John McIntyre, who had travelled from his current post in Victoria, described Sartor's actions as discriminatory against Aboriginal people and therefore a 'racist act'. REDWatch speaker Geoff Turnbull confirmed that Sartor's draft plans to have lower density housing in The Block relative to higher density housing in other areas was in fact discriminatory.

The Vigil then made its way from Lawson Square to The Block to greet organiser of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Isabell Coe, who currently inhabits The Block in support of the commercially and culturally researched Pemulwuy Project. Isobell told the enthusiastic audience, "We're not going anywhere!", and alongside Aunty Madre Woodword, an elder from the Central Coast, led Vigil participants in a ceremonial burning of gum leaves to promote peace and justice.

In homage to Block dwellers, the Vigil then toured the neighbourhood, settling outside the Redfern Community Centre to hear a number of speakers including Pemulwuy Project director Peter Valilis. who pointed out, "It is no longer an Aboriginal issue, it's a community issue". AHC CEO Mick Mundine asked Aboriginals to stand together as one race. Then, legendary Aboriginal boxer Lionel Rose spoke and was followed by a current Aboriginal legend in the sport, Anthony Mundine.

Anthony did not confirm he would run as a candidate for the seat of Marrickville in support of the Pemulwuy Project, with The Block to become a part of the electorate) in next March's election. He did, however, speak more broadly about what he considers to be an injustice to his people.

"Aboriginal people can be the best of the best, we just need a little light," said Anthony. "The Pemulwuy Project will do good for the community".

A legend of a different kind, Tom Uren, the former Minister for Urban and Regional Development in the Whitlam Government, described Frank Sartor as "a man of excessive arrogance" who had been in the Labor party "only five minutes, yet seemed to be making all the decisions".

While Sydney's Gird Mayor Clover Moore could not attend the vigil she did arrive later in the evening and spoke with The South Sydney Herald. "I have come to show my support for the AHC and the company's right to develop its land, just as every other NSW citizen has the right to develop their own land," explained Clover. "The NSW Government has not consulted the community. They are acting as judge, jury and developer and it's simply outrageous."

A number of Greens, Labour and Liberal members attended the night as a show of support for the AHC's Pemulwuy Project.

Photo: Aboriginal activists lead leaf-burning ceremony

[South Sydney Herald September 2006]