THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 21 #35 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2007 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only
w ÊÌ iÃÃ !.$ FUN N E V E R E N D I N G
S T O RY:
C H A P T E R
*>}iÊÓä
1 0 5 5
Historic day for Bundjalung Hans Lovejoy The Byron Bay lighthouse was the backdrop as NSW Premier Morris Iemma and Bundjalung elders Linda Vidler and Dulcie Nicholls signed an historic indigenous land use agreement last Thursday. The sign-off builds on a previous agreement signed in 2001. Over 124 hectares are being added to NSW National Parks, which includes 74 hectares to the Arakwal National Parks, Cumbebin Swamp Nature Reserve and Broken Head Nature Reserve. Additionally, the Broken Head caravan park was handed over to be managed freehold by the Bundjalung people and a new 50 hectare Ti Tree Lake area to the north of Suffolk Park will be jointly managed with National Parks. Considered a sacred women’s site, the Ti Tree Lake Aboriginal Area is of particular cultural significance. Fellow Bundjalung members Yvonne Stewart and Roy Gordon were also present, as were NSW Minister for Environment Bob Debus, Byron Shire councillors and staff, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service representatives and NSW Native Title Services (NSWNTS) CEO Warren Mundine. Ms Vidler said that the day marked a turning point in a fourteen year campaign to see her people’s lands and customs formally recognised and gave the younger
generation hope for a better way of life. ‘Fourteen years is a short time in the history of my people but to secure our rights and a brighter future for our families makes it worth the effort,’ Ms Vidler said. Mr Mundine welcomed the deal which has come as a result of negotiations between both parties and NSWNTS. ‘Agreements such as these are pivotal to the Native Title process,’ Mr Mundine said. ‘As well as the delivery of real jobs and real benefits, the acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners and their connection to their country cannot be underestimated.’ Though sisters Linda and Dulcie said they were proud to take part in the day’s celebrations, it comes too late for fellow siblings Lorna Kelly, who passed in late 2005, andYvonne Graham, who passed away in 1998. ‘It’s important that we recognise Yvonne and Lorna, and it is fitting that today’s celebrations take place on the day of Lorna’s birth,’ said Mr Mundine. A minute’s silence was observed for her birthday. Byron Shire Mayor Jan Barham told the gathering, ‘In 2003 the World Conservation Union (IUCN) recognised the first agreement with the Arakwal People as the best international example of an effective model to resolve native title claims. Today we celebrate a further step in the resolution of native title in Byron Bay.’
Top, Elders Linda Vidler and Dulcie Nicholls and NSW premier Morris Iemma put their handprints on a painting by Sean Kay to mark the historic occasion and, bottom left, sign off on the offical documents. Above, Nigel Stewart and Sean Kay perform the welcome to country. Photos Jeff Dawson
Îä
¯Ê
"
Ê
Ê/"
7
-
ÊE
Ê+
1
/Ê
"6 ,
-Ê£
Ê7
Ê
"
9 t