Important notice to all supporters of the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy

May 13th Statement In order for the embassy to continue all of its wonderful activities, like corroborees, cultural workshops, film nights and to continue asserting Aboriginal Sovereignty over the land we need as many people as possible to show their support by bringing their tents and sleeping gear and joining us in Musgrave Park over the next few days.

In 1982, when Aboriginal people and their supporters were protesting the Commonwealth Games, Musgrave Park was filled with 10,000 people in tents. While we don't expect this many people we need as many people as possible staying in the park to stop Brisbane City Council getting any ideas about closing the embassy down.

This is a time for everyone to make a stand for what you know is right.

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BRISBANE SOVEREIGN EMBASSY

Cnr Cordelia and Russel Sts
Musgrave, Park South Brisbane

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http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/council-wants-aboriginal-t...

A STOUSH is brewing between the council and the Musgrave Park Aboriginal "tent embassy", with protesters refusing to leave ahead of this weekend's Paniyiri Greek Festival.

The "Brisbane Sovereign Embassy" has been sitting on the site usually reserved for the celebration for more than two months, which draws thousands of food-lovers each year.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said he had "personally" spoken with protesters and told them it was time to move on.

"I met with the protesters onsite on Saturday to listen to their views and personally informed them that they need to close their protest," he said.

"The protesters have been there for more than two months and I think they have had a fair go but it is time to hand the park back to the Brisbane community."

Protesters were outraged and are choosing to ignore the directive.

"None of us agreed to it," organiser Jason Harrison said. "You'd think (Cr Quirk would) be OK with it, given the blessings from the Greek mob.

"They don't want us to be here and do what we're doing. We're a peaceful protest."

Mr Harrison said some 4000 people had so far wandered through the protest site.

"They're very interested in learning all about us and our plight," he said.

While Paniyiri organisers declined to comment, Mr Harrison said "they were quite happy" to have the tent embassy remain in place.

"They recognise the traditional owners of the land - which is us - and they're happy with us being where we are," he said.

"It's just the council causing this."

The Queensland Greens have urged Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to resume negotiations with the Musgrave Park community who have established an Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy in the park grounds.

The Aboriginal community fears that they will be forcibly removed after a Brisbane City Council officer informed them by phone that all negotiations were off this afternoon.

‘The Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy supporters have been negotiating amicably with the Panyiri Festival organisers about using the park for the annual Greek celebration this weekend so it is disappointing to have the council foment confrontation in this way, ‘ Queensland Greens spokesperson Libby Connors said this evening.

‘Council cannot deny Aboriginal people’s long use and identification with Musgrave Park. It has been recognised as an Aboriginal place since the early foundations of the city of Brisbane.’

‘To not allow the Aboriginal community to conduct their negotiations with the Panyiri organisers without intimidation by council is inappropriate.

‘The mayor cannot support multiculturalism and deny Aboriginal cultural connections to the Park.

‘We Greens are concerned that Mayor Quirk’s paternalism is going to lead to a violent showdown in the lead up to one of the city’s most popular multicultural festivals.’
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