Author: amanda mahomet

MEDIA RELEASE –

24 Aug 2019

Unions show solidarity at the Djab Wurrung Embassy

Union Convoy shows Daniel Andrews is out of step with the labour movement.

A Victorian Trades Hall convoy of 26 vehicles with approximately 100 union members arrived early Saturday afternoon in solidarity with the Djab Wurrung people’s struggle against the Western Highway Duplication between Ararat and Buangor. The eviction notice at the Djab Wurrung protection embassy is live and but support at the Embassy has continued to grow.

“We’ve been standing here peacefully, stamping our spiritual authority on our country for 15 months. To have our union brothers and sisters behind us only strengthens our position.” Says Embassy representative Amanda Mohamet

“We’re not going to thank people being here, because while we uphold this fight we have no freedom. But we welcome everyone who comes to show their respects on our country.”  

The union convoy arrived lead by a blue ute flying the Indigenous flag and was described as beautiful by supporters on the ground.

“The union movement understands what struggle is, right now we have no justice on our country. We stand proud of all our mobs right across this beautiful continent, all over the landscape and we stand united with their struggles and their wars.” Says Amanda Mohamet

“At the end of the day, all we’re asking is for our country, our homelands to be safe. We’re asking for Daniel Andrews to follow this demonstration from the unions, to come and show his respect on our country, cancel the eviction notice and conduct an open dialogue with our First Nations People.”

MEDIA RELEASE –

21 Aug 2019

Numbers flock to Djab Wurrung Sacred Land

Over 500 people on site as State sanctioned eviction looms

Numbers at the Djab Wurrung Protection Embassy are at an all time high as the Major Roads Victoria’s eviction noticed draws to a close. Traditional Owners were given 14 days to vacate their sacred landscape on the 8^th of August after they have camped on Country for 15 months in opposition to the Western Highway Duplication just outside Ararat.

Since the protest camp was set up thousands of people have passed through the Embassy, but the show of support on the eve of eviction demonstrates the broad base of people that want this landscape protected.

“We’ve seen over 500 people journey to Country to stop this road and protect sacred Djab Wurrung song lines once and for all.” Said Amanda Mohamet, Embassy Representative

“The numbers we’ve seen today make clear that Premier Daniel Andrews will be on the wrong side of history if the Victorian Government pushes ahead to desecrate this sacred Women’s Country.”

The Embassy has been opposing the duplication of a 12.5 kilometre stretch of the Western Highway, on the basis that the Victorian Government failed to consulte with the Djab Wurrung people and give Tradition Owners the opportunity to make a free, prior and informed decision on the future of their land.

“If this eviction notice has done one thing, its shown that we have Australians from all walks of life behind us. We are the traditional custodians of this part of country, and we have a cultural obligation to be here,” said Amanda

The Djab Wurrung people have been pushing for the road project to take the alternative northern route, which would protect the sacred trees and have the saved millions of dollars the Government has wasted by failing to consult with the Djab Wurrung people.

“At the end of the day we’re not going anywhere until our sacred Women’s Country is safe. Daniel Andrews needs to intervene and stop the destruction of our heritage. The eviction notice must be lifted and Major Roads Victoria needs to restart planning for this project, with Djab Wurrung at the centre of any negotiations.”

MEDIA RELEASE –

08 Aug 2019

Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Daniel Andrews issues eviction order to Traditional Owners on Djab Wurrung Country.

Traditional Owners at the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy are furious this morning after police issued the Embassy with an eviction notice, giving the Djab Wurrung people 14 days to vacate their sacred landscape to make way for the Western Highway duplication between Ararat and Buangor

Since the protest camp was set up 14 months ago by the Djab Wurrung people, thousands of people have passed through the Embassy, expressing their support for the Traditional Owners in their efforts to protect country, sacred song lines and culturally significant trees.

“This notice says one thing, the Andrews Government wants to pick a fight with the Traditional Owners of this Land” says Zellenach Djab Mara, Lore Man at the Djab Wurrung Protection Embassy.

“We have lived here on Country for 14 months now, and at the end of the day we’re not going to put up with it, we’re not going to tolerate it. We’re not moving until our sacred lands are protected. Sovereignty was never ceded.”

The Embassy has been opposing the duplication of a 12.5 kilometre stretch of the Western Highway, on the basis that it will destroy the Djab Wurrung song lines and hundreds of significant trees, including a 350 year old directions tree.

“This country belongs to the women and children of the Djab Wurrung people, our ancestors and our future generations. We are the traditional custodians of this part of country, and by not engaging with us, Daniel Andrews is asking for this to get ugly.”

The Djab Wurrung people have suggested an alternative route that would protect the sacred trees, and recommend that safety on the road can be maximised by lowering the speed limit. “At the end of the day there’s nothing to negotiate. This is women’s country we’re not going anywhere. Daniel Andrews needs to intervene and stop the destruction of our heritage. The eviction notice must be lifted and Major Roads Victoria needs to restart planning for this project, with Djab Wurrung at the centre of any negotiations.”