Save Ballerrt Mooroop College

Campaign to save Ballerrt Mooroop College wins partial victory

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 19/09/2011 - 9:35pm

The hard fought campaign to save Melbourne's only school for Indigenous students has won a partial victory. The Liberal Government Education Minister and the Save Ballerrt Mooroop College Committee have agreed on a compromise whereby the schools spirit tree and cultural area will be retained. However the school gym will be demolished. There are plans to build a new "Gathering Place" on the site however. This campaign has involved a small group of incredibly committed campaigners camping out in the school gym and picketing the site over the last few months. A fundraising concert on the 16th September became a celebration of the campaign's success and also raised $2000 which will go towards building the new Gathering Place.
Related: Campaign website -- GLW Weekly article on campaign win -- Campaign Facebook page -- Treaty Republic coverage

Geography:

Melbourne

Keywords:

Defending Indigenous Rights

Save Ballerrt Mooroop College

URGENT Appeal to Save Ballerrt Mooroop College

Submitted by Flowerpower on Wed, 24/08/2011 - 5:26pm

School supporters have issued the following urgent appeal for help on the picketline at Ballerrt Mooroop College:

"Bulldozers are on site. We don't want the bulldozer to destroy our Ceremonial Ground, Gathering Place and Spirit Tree. So come down and support and help us to Stop this from Happening. Re-post this to everyone that you know please. The more help and support that we get is much appreciated."

Geography:

Melbourne

Keywords:

Defending Indigenous Rights

Save Ballerrt Mooroop College

Save Ballarrt Mooroop College Campaign Update: (15th August 2011)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 15/08/2011 - 7:39pm

Workers returned to the site today still without a Traffic Management Plan endorsed by Council - This is a breach of OH&S. The workers requested Police protection! (while they are breaching the OH&S law!) - They seemed to think that if a Traffic Management Plan is being worked on they can still work there. 'Work Safe' have been advised and are sending an Inspector to the site.

Local residents who parked their cars in Trevannion and Hilton Street corner earlier today have been requested by police, to move them. - CFMEU have also been advised that the workers are in breach of OH&S.

Geography:

Melbourne

Keywords:

Defending Indigenous Rights

Save Ballerrt Mooroop College

Indiginous cultural education rights undermined by Liberal Minister

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/08/2011 - 4:30pm

The timing was impeccable. The contrast could not be more stark. On the United Nations International Day of the World's Indigenous People (August 9th, 2011) an order was made to smash and desecrate a unique expression of Aboriginal Culture in Victoria.

On August 9th, 2011, the United Nations General Secretary implored us all "Together, let us celebrate and recognize the stories, cultures and unique identities of indigenous peoples around the world. At the same time, let us work to strengthen their rights and support their aspirations.” (http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/)

Geography:

Melbourne

Keywords:

Save Ballerrt Mooroop College

Defenings Indigenous rights