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Tag: walk
Urgent support needed in November
Hi Everyone..
We don’t usually put out the urgent call for support but there is some really special and important events coming up in November.
There will be some community members coming to Perth to talk about the struggles to protect community and culture against the threat of uranium mining.
Many of them will be traveling great distances to get here and it would be great if we can all come together and show those at the forefront of the struggle to stop uranium mining in Western Australia that they have a huge amount of support from people in the city.
On November 16th please come and join with community representatives from the Pilbara and Goldfields who are fighting against uranium mining projects, come and hear about the struggle to protect country and culture against nuclear threats. We will also have a private screening of the short film “Walking for Country.” There will be bar and nibbles.
This is a great opportunity to hear first hand from the communities most under pressure and under threat from this toxic trade. Register here
Take action and support Aboriginal Communities fighting against uranium mining in WA.
Friday, November 18th
10.30am – 12.00
10 Kings Park Rd, West Perth
This Action will start at the Annual General Meeting of Vimy Resources (behind plans to mine uranium at Mulga Rock) and will finish at Parliament House of WA.
There are three uranium proposals currently going through environmental assessment – in November we expect that the Office of the Appeals Convenor and the Environment Minister will be reaching their decision. Now more than ever we need your support out on the street to show support for a nuclear free WA.
Facebook event (please share)
Film Update
The Walking for Country film has been screening as part of the Environmental Film Festival Australia.
Next screening in Sydney.
- Saturday, October 22, 2016
- 2:30pm 4:15pm
- Palace Chauvel 249 Oxford Street Paddington
More info http://www.effa.org.au/sydney-program/2016/10/22/australian-shorts
Walking for Country will also be screening at the Noosa International Film Festival on Saturday 5th November, at 5pm at the Eumundi School of Arts Hall
More info here: http://www.niff.com.au/niff-shorts-films/niff-shorts-7
If anyone would like to make a financial contribution to the Walkatjurra Walkabout you can direct deposit
- Account Name: Fremantle Anti Nuclear Group
- BSB: 633-000
- Account Number: 137443347
- Reference: Walkabout
Please share this update with friends and family
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Walkatjurra Walkabout 2016
Another Walkatjurra Walkabout finished, friendships made, stories shared, our commitment to fight for land and life affirmed. Since we walked into Leonora, so much more has happened.
We traveled to Kagoorlie last Tuesday, and in the afternoon visited the Sorry camp at Gribble Creek in support of the family gathered there to remember Elijah and support their calls for justice. We heard stories from his family, about a boy so full of life and promise, an upcoming youth leader and footballer. We heard about the indifference, incompetence and disrespect shown by police, of the racist comments threatening violence before and after his death and stood in silence beside the site of the murder – marks still visible of the fatal violence enacted against a child. We left flowers at a make shift memorial for Elijah and the Aboriginal flag we carried from Wiluna to Leonora in solidarity.
You can support Elijah’s family by making a donation to his funeral and headstone here: https://www.gofundme.com/2mphbcc
On Wednesday, the bus left with most of the walkers. So many goodbye hugs! We have all been through such an incredible experience, grown, changed and learnt together. A small group stayed on to set up for the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) meeting, together with Uncle Geoffrey, Christine, and Annette Stokes – who looks after Wongutha Birni. Cleaning out the big meeting room, setting up a shaded area outside, buying food and beginning cooking food for 50 people who would attend the meeting. The first person arrived on Thursday night, Barbara Shaw from Alice Springs, and by the time we were serving the first meal on Friday night there was already a big mob of people ready to strategise, build networks and support each other in the fight for a nuclear free future.
Uncle Kevin Buzzacott was sorely missed at the meeting, who has been such an inspiration for many people to be involved in this work. People from many nations across Australia were represented in the impressive group, as well as an aboriginal person from six nations in (so called) North America. Talks ranged from nuclear waste proposals in South Australia, radiation and health and the threat of uranium mining proposals. On Saturday night, a public meeting included talks from Mirrar speakers on the closing of the ERA mine at Ranger, Curtis from Martu spoke about the Kintyre proposed mine, Christine presented her innovative research (with Annette Stokes) into high levels of nitrates in water in goldfields region and the affects on human health, esp when it mixes with uranium. The night finished with stirring words from Janice, from Mulga Rocks, her strong words of resistance to the proposed mine there moving everyone in the crowd.
ANFA was a great success, good connections made, experiences shared and the movement for nuclear free future, where Aboriginal law and culture is respected, strengthened.
You can read the meeting statement and check out the photo’s here.
The rest of the walkers/ ANFA helpers headed back to Perth early this week. And we were excited to see Clinton on the side of the road, who is walking from Perth to Canberra for justice for Aboriginal people. What a courageous and powerful young person! You can follow his journey here: https://www.clintonswalkforjustice.org/
Back in Perth, we are still walking the walk – with an appeals workshop at CCWA this evening (http://www.ccwa.org.au/wiluna_appeal_writing_workshop_20160914) and planning has started for National Day of Action against nuclear waste dumps in South Australia on October 15th (http://dontdumponsaoct15.org/).
If anyone would like to make a financial contribution to the Walkatjurra Walkabout you can direct deposit
- Account Name: Fremantle Anti Nuclear Group
- BSB: 633-000
- Account Number: 137443347
- Reference: Walkabout
Please share this update with friends and family
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Walkatjurra Walkabout has finished but a lot of work ahead of us
On Saturday Walkatjurra Walkabout finished the walk in to Leonora. You can see all the updates here.
Many of the walkers are still in Kalgoorlie preparing for the Australia Nuclear Free Alliance meeting being held in Kalgoorlie over the weekend. People from around the country are heading to Kalgoorlie to talk nukes. If you are in the area get in touch and join us for the public forum on Saturday 10th September. RSVP here.
When the walkers arrived in Kalgoorlie on Tuesday we heard that the W.A EPA had just recommended approval for the proposed Wiluna uranium mine. We are disappointed but not surprised – the WA EPA has a pattern of deferring important environmental assessments to other Government agencies.
CCWA will be hosting yet another appeal writing workshop in a bid to get many appeals lodged and to challenge the validity of the proposed mine. Please come along to City West Lotteries House on September 14, at 5pm – 8pm and get informed about Wiluna, learn new skills about the assessment and appeals process and meet other environmentalists like you. SEE EVENT DETAILS HERE. You can read more about the Wiluna proposal here.
It has been another great walk with so many people participating from all over Australia along with people from Germany, Chile, France, New Zealand and the United States.. We would all like to give a massive thanks to all the Traditional Owners who helped guide us through country and shared so many stories with us all.. This years Walkatjurra Walkabout started as a celebration around the EPA’s recommendation that the Yeelirrie uranium project NOT be approved, but this celebration did not last long as the EPA then recommended that the Mulga Rocks uranium project approved, followed by them also recommending the Wiluna project as well..
We hope to see many of you at the appeals workshop and other events coming up soon.
There is also a NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION against nuclear waste dumps in SA.
Saturday October 15, 2016 marks 63 years since the first atomic bomb test at Emu Junction in South Australia. More Info here
If anyone would like to make a financial contribution to the Walkatjurra Walkabout you can direct deposit
- Account Name: Fremantle Anti Nuclear Group
- BSB: 633-000
- Account Number: 137443347
- Reference: Walkabout
Please share this update with friends and family
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Week 3 on the road to a uranium free WA
At Jones creek we had a couple of rest days, and Kado Muir took us for a walk up to the range, pointing out various plants and explaining their uses along the way. We reached a permanent water source and dug a soak, and Aunty Shirley showed us an old grinding stone. It was really valuable to see the land through the eyes of the people who know it, and to learn some of the Dreaming stories of that area.
From Jones creek, we strode into somewhat inclement weather. We also encountered some very kind and well mannered Watpac goldmine workers who invited us to their gold mine (adjacent to the Wanjarri Nature Reserve) for a cup of joe (or else tea), where we exchanged cordialities and I took a photo of their Indigenous Policy. The land around was flowering and birdsong accompanied our sludgy footsteps. Hail fell on us and the wind tugged at our apparel. Our trusty support crew were there for us as ever, as our small band continued our sure march to Leonora.
Aunty Jeanette and Vicky made us feel welcome and reminded us to acknowledge the ancestors and the spirit of the land. Mira from Germany serenaded us with her beautiful old folk songs, telling the tale of a time when humanity lived a more peaceful existence in greater harmony with nature. It was mighty frosty that night and I was grateful for the extra sleeping bag I’d been lent.
The next day Hannah, Zaquisha and the other kids gathered calgula (the silky pear) for us, which were bittersweet and nourishing. Another stunning starry night followed the telling of my tale and how I came to be part of this walk. Chats around the fires brought us closer together, building mutual understanding and respect.
Vicky shared with us the dreaming sites of her mother and grandmother by Lake Miranda, and we observed a minute’s silence looking out over the lake toward one of the sacred hills. There was a thin layer of water in one part of the lake, a dead emu by the side of the road, and K.A. mentioned that it looks different every year. I took a lot of snaps. I’m sure those with real cameras would have captured a lot more of the depth and beauty out there.
Everyone is pitching in quite well to get everything done; there are plenty of chats and laughs, and whittling of mulga spoons, sporks and hair forks. We are doing really well with food, making some hearty, healthy and tasty treats including souffle and beef stew, which was to die for (well, that’s what the cow said).
Today we had a debrief on the nuclear waste dump proposals for South Australia which detailed the intractable problems and ramrod illegitimacy of it all. Afterward, a number of us got together for a heart-to-heart, passing the talking stone around and spilling beans and tears.
For the people, for the land,
Warri (and the other walkers) on Walkatjura Walkabout.
First week on Walkatjurra Walkabout
Here we are on the 2016 Walkatjurra WalkaBout.
This year the group consists of about 50 walkers who have travelled from all over the country and world to ‘walk away from uranium’.
We’re also blessed by the presence of traditional owners; Aunty Shirley, Aunty Lizzy, Richard and Sandra Evans, Uncle Glen Cooke, Kado Muir, Vicky, Jeanette and a big group of youth from Leonora who all share their knowledge and stories of the land on which we walk.
Thanks to the subterranean underground fauna of stygofauna and troglofauna the EPA recommended the proposed uranium mine at Yeelirrie NOT be approved. From the walkers there are many stygofauna happy dances going on around camp and the area has been decorated with “we love stygofauna” stencils. However, it is still very sad that the EPA did not take in to account the wishes of the Traditional Owners and the many other issues.
Spirits are high as we walk along, knowing our time and energy has helped to protect this land and the world from the risks of uranium mining.
As the sun rises and the sky turns hyper pink over the rich red landscape, the walkers pack their swags and head to camp kitchen for an early breakfast by the fire.
After breakfast, we gather in circle to reunite. Messages are shared, then shoelaces tied and toes wriggle. Flags are held high to share the message from all our hearts and minds. ‘Wanti uranium, leave it in the ground’. Foot before foot we walk together.
The breeze gets us through the heat of the sun. We chat, get to know each other and before long we’ve arrived at our new camp. At camp we split into our organised affinity groups. Sometimes a group will cook, care for the elders, or clean up after a meal. When we’re not walking or taking care of duties, we rest. Rest days involve cloud gazing, clothes washing, diary entries, spoon carving and learning about bush tucker from the locals. The midday heat makes us lazy and slow but were content in the peace this vast country provides.
Like the wind blows the dirt, we’ll be swift out of here soon. Makin’ tracks for the next camp. We’re spreading these words; ‘wanti uranium, leave it in the ground’. Come walk with us through this beautiful country.
Support us as we stop the destruction of uranium before it starts. ‘wanti uranium, leave it in the ground’.
After celebrating the Yeelirrie decision the last few weeks we were saddened on Monday to hear the Mulga Rocks proposed uranium by Vimy resources has just been recommended for approval by the EPA.
Please lodge an appeal or get involved in the campaign
More info on Mulga Rocks go to http://www.ccwa.org.au/mulga_rocks
To make a donation to the Walkatjurra Walkabout you can direct deposit in to our Bendigo Bank account
Account Name: Fremantle Anti Nuclear Group
BSB: 633-000
Account Number: 137443347
Reference: Walkabout
Walkatjurra Walkabout: Heading out next week
Hi everyone..
With the Walkatjurra Walkabout starting in a week we are on a mad mission buying food and equipment for this years walk.. Everything is coming together well and lots of people will begin arriving next week from across Australia and around the world..
While the Walkatjurra Walkabout is out on Country we will be watching for the EPA recommendations on the Yeelirrie uranium mine proposal, the Wiluna uranium mine extension proposal and the Mulga Rock uranium mine. These could come at any time and when they do we will be calling on you to lodge appeals to any approvals. So please stay posted with pens and keyboards at the ready.
Thanks to Mia Pepper and CCWA the Walkatjurra Walkabout has a page on Chuffed where you can now make tax deductible donations..
We are trying to reach $4,000 this year and only have 2 weeks left.
If you could share this Chuffed page around on your facebook page with family and friends it would be greatly appreciated.
Massive thanks to everyone who continues to support the Walkatjurra Walkabout and all donations will go towards supporting Aboriginal people to come on the walk along with helping us to purchase some of the much needed equipment.
All donations are Tax Deductible: Donate Here
August 7th – September 7th 2016
REGISTER HERE ( Limited spots left )
The bus will be leaving Perth on the 7th of August (Early in the morning!!)
We will be meeting in Kalgoorlie on the 7th of August if you want to join us there. We will be camping the night in Kalgoorlie at the Wongutha Birni Cultural Centre, and then driving up to Wiluna on the morning of the 8th of August. Our first walking day will be on the 11th August.
Join us tomorrow night (Saturday)
Collisions – Private screening and special event
30th July – 5pm – 7pm
Kidogo Art Institute – Bathers Beach Fremantle
Tickets available here
This event is a fundraiser for the Australia Nuclear Free Alliance.
Join us for an evening of music, food, drink, art, film, and a very special speaker – OA Tilman Ruff. The event is a fundraiser for the Australia Nuclear Free Alliance national gathering in Kalgoorlie, and a great opportunity to preview the virtual reality film Collisions and find out all the latest news on abolishing nuclear weapons with Tilman Ruff who has just returned from the Vienna conference on nuclear disarmament.
Special private screening of the virtual reality film Collisions by artist/ filmaker Lynette Wallworth
Presentation from OA Professor Tilman Ruff – Co-President of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (Nobel Peace Prize 1985); and is founding Chair of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)
Music from the fabulous local blues artist – Lois Olney
Art sale includes pieces from Julie Dowling, Zhou Xiaoping and up and coming local artists
Food by Mama Pacha
Drinks from Gage Road Brewery and local wineries
ANFA is being held in Kalgoorlie this year, and support financially is needed to cover travel costs, food and accommodation for the delegates. If you would like to support, and spread the word through your networks here is the link to the online fundraiser:
If you can’t make it but would like to support the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance you can make a tax deductible donation.
Make a tax deductible donation here
Please share this update with friends and family
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Walkatjurra Walkabout, Karlamilyi Walk, Elections and more..
Hi everyone..
We are back from an epic week adventure in the Karlamilyi National park with Martu elders and people from across the country. The experience was out of this world – the group was so strong and amazing, the country spectacular. The threat of the Kintyre uranium mine to the ecosystem, the intricate network of water sources is immense. A massive thank you to all of you who donated, supported, came along, shared or followed this walk. There is nothing like being out on country to understand the enormity of the threat. You can check out photo’s here.
Also some media links here:
Artist Anohni completes outback trek in fight with Martu people against WA uranium mine
Oscar-nominated transgender musician Anohni has described the proponents of a uranium mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara as “desolate souls” after taking part in a protest march to the site of the proposed project.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-13/anohni-joins-martu-people-on-march-against-pilbara-uranium-mine/7488188
Martu people to march 140km in protest against Pilbara uranium mine
The Martu people from Indigenous communities in WA’s Pilbara region are setting off on a week-long March to protest against a proposed uranium mine.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-04/martu-people-in-the-pilbara-protest-a-uranium-mine/7476440
Come and join BUMP at 6pm tomorrow night, Tuesday 21st, at Clancys Fish Pub in Fremantle. Join us for a drink, post walk catch up and an insight into whats coming up in the Anti Uranium mining campaign here in W.A. Love to see all your faces again!
For those of you inspired by the pics and articles from the Karlamilyi Walk come and join us for this years Walkatjurra Walkabout…
August 7th – September 7th 2016
REGISTER HERE (Limited spots available)
The bus will be leaving Perth on the 7th of August (Early in the morning!!)
We will be meeting in Kalgoorlie on the 7th of August if you want to join us there. We will be camping the night in Kalgoorlie at the Wongutha Birni Cultural Centre, and then driving up to Wiluna on the morning of the 8th of August. Our first walking day will be on the 11th August.
Its just over a week until the end of the financial year so if you are looking for a great cause to donate too then please consider the Walkatjurra Walkabout.
All donations are Tax Deductible: Donate Here
FEDERAL ELECTION IN TWO WEEKS
We have two very great anti nuclear campaigners running in the senate this election, and we would love your support to help them get elected.
To help Kado Muir Ngalia man and anti nuclear campaigner / running for a Senate seat with the Nationals – e-mail: Jamie.forsyth@nationalswa.com or enter your details online http://www.nationalswa.com/volunteer or call (08) 9322 7856
To help Scott Ludlam – nuclear issues spokesperson / running for a Senate seat with the Greens – e-mail: office@wa.greens.org.au or enter your details online http://greens.org.au/volunteer or call (08) 63652131
Walking for Country documentary:
Denmark July 23rd and Origin Centre (Dates soon!!!)
We are currently organizing for a screening of the Walking for Country doco in Denmark on the 23rd of July..
Venue to be announced soon….
Anyone wishing to help please contact Marcus on 0400505765 or Lucy on 0405456863
ANFA is being held in Kalgoorlie this year, and support financially is needed to cover travel costs, food and accommodation for the delegates. If you would like to support, and spread the word through your networks here is the link to the online fundraiser:
Make a tax deductible donation here
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Last chance to contribute to Karlamilyi walk
Hi everyone..
The chuffed page to support the Karlamilyi walk finishes up today.. If you can help us crack the $2000 mark that would be great.. If we can get it up to $2500 by the end of today then that would be even better 🙂
If you have a few spare dollars to donate it would be greatly appreciated..
Funds raised will go to support Martu joining the walk from surrounding communities.
Donations are tax deductible. DONATE HERE
The Parnngurr Community was set up in the 1980’s during the homelands movement, as a protest camp against uranium exploration. The community here and other Martu communities are now faced with the renewed threat of uranium mining by Cameco and Mitsubishi. The community has called for a walk from their community to the proposed uranium mine through the stunning Karlamilyi National Park.
Join the Karlamilyi Facebook Page to keep up to date
Come and join us for this years Walkatjurra Walkabout…
Walkatjurra Walkabout 2016
August 7th – September 7th 2016
REGISTER HERE
The bus will be leaving Perth on the 7th of August (Early in the morning!!)
We will be meeting in Kalgoorlie on the 7th of August if you want to join us there. We will be camping the night in Kalgoorlie at the Wongutha Birni Cultural Centre, and then driving up to Wiluna on the morning of the 8th of August. Our first walking day will be on the 11th August.
more info at www.walkingforcountry.com
Walking for Country documentary
The first International screening will happen this week at the International Uranium Film Festival in Brazil.
We are waiting to hear back from a lot more film festivals and will keep posting info on our facebook page and to this list.. Hopefully it will be screening near you soon 😉
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Karlamilyi Walk and Film update
Hi everyone..
Well its less than a month now until the Karlamilyi walk heads off.. We have been getting lots of support with food donations and massive thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to the walk through the chuffed donation site..
If you have a few spare dollars to donate it would be greatly appreciated..
Funds raised will go to support Martu joining the walk from surrounding communities.
Donations are tax deductible. DONATE HERE
The Parnngurr Community was set up in the 1980’s during the homelands movement, as a protest camp against uranium exploration. The community here and other Martu communities are now faced with the renewed threat of uranium mining by Cameco and Mitsubishi. The community has called for a walk from their community to the proposed uranium mine through the stunning Karlamilyi National Park.
Join the Facebook Page to keep up to date
Walking for Country documentary
Watch the Trailer here
The first International screening will happen during the last week of May at the International Uranium Film Festival in Brazil.
We have also just heard back from the G2 Green Earth Film Festival in Venice, California that Walking for Country has been selected as a semi finalist for their August 5 – 7 event.
We are waiting to hear back from a lot more film festivals and will keep posting info on our facebook page and to this list.. Hopefully it will be screening near you soon 😉
Come and join us for this years Walkatjurra Walkabout…
Walkatjurra Walkabout 2016
August 7th – September 7th 2016
REGISTER HERE
The bus will be leaving Perth on the 7th of August (Early in the morning!!)
We will be meeting in Kalgoorlie on the 7th of August if you want to join us there. We will be camping the night in Kalgoorlie at the Wongutha Birni Cultural Centre, and then driving up to Wiluna on the morning of the 8th of August. Our first walking day will be on the 11th August.
more info at www.walkingforcountry.com
Peace & Solidarity
Walkatjurra Walkabout crew
Walking For Country 