URGENT call out from Aboriginal school Ballerrt Mooroop College - picket back on

URGENT call out from Aboriginal school Ballerrt Mooroop College - THE PICKET IS BACK ON. The govt has rejected the appeal to save the school's gymn and ceremonial grounds. The locks have been changed and the power disconnected. Builders are expected within the next few days to begin demolition. On Wednesday the 10th the entire parklands & oval were fenced off. 2-4 security guards will be patrolling the site 24 hours a day and protestors have been told that if anyone goes into the park they will with unlawful trespass. As yet the school has not been fenced. We have been told that they will be bringing construction equipment onto the site any time in the next few days. A strong community picket was maintained on Wednesday but school supporters have called for an even stronger presence at 6.15AM at the school on Thursday 11th of August Also donations of food and firewood would be greatly appreciated. Please spread the word.

How to get to the picket

Ballerrt Mooroop College
Address: 208 Hilton Street, Glenroy VIC 3046
Map Reference: Melway 16 H1 Google Map
Public Transport::
Train - Jacana Station on Cragieburn line
Buses - 513 from Coburg, Eltham, Heidelberg

Statement by Gary Murray via Facebook

VICTORIAN MINISTER FOR EDUCATION DIXON DESTROYS ABORIGINAL HERITAGE SITES AND UNDERMINES TWO SCHOOL COUNCILS IN PROCESS
...
VDEECD starts work tommorrow? The greatest act of betrayal and treachery has happened today, perpetuated by the State and in particular the VDEECD. A letter and the old GSS/VDEECD Plan (see attachments from VDEECD) destroying our heritage was handed to BMC today confirming the destruction of our cultural heritage precinct and disrespecting our traditions, customs, beliefs and observances. Craig and Co have disrespcted the Wurundjeri and all Traditional Owners Groups, par for the course for the State. They have disrespected the only Indigenous School in Melbourne and their School Council, staff and students. They have offended all Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups across this state, decent Taxpayers and protestors. They have undermined a serious mediation process between GSS and BMC and undermined the very outcomes agreed to by both schools including the latest Plan as attached to this email.. They are about to now destroy our Spirit Tree, Ceremonial Ground and Gathering Place starting sun up tomorrow (Wednesday) truly an act of heritage racism and unlawful discrimination supported by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. This is Victoria under the new state regime called the Liberals and National Party. Their racist decision hands down generational division and conflict, a deliberate policy of the rednecks in the department, and up there with the reasons for the Coranderrk and Cummeroogunga Walk Offs and the recent Lake Tyers Blockade.. Aboriginal people and their supporters should never accept this decision by a handful of public servants and a minister who has no affinity with Aboriginal education and our aspirations..HUMAN RIGHTS AND CULTURAL RIGHTS ARE NOT SAFE IN VICTORIA!

http://ballerrtmooroop.org/