Arabunna walkers reach Broken Hill

Arabunna walkers reach Broken Hill

BY NERISSA ELI

Arabunna elder Kevin Buzzacott left his home at Lake Eyre South on June 10 to begin walking to Sydney. He is being joined by local, international and indigenous supporters.

His walk is to highlight the Arabunna people's struggle for rights to their land and their opposition to Western Mining Corporation's uranium mine at Roxby Downs. The mine takes water from the Great Artesian Basin and is causing irreparable damage to sacred mound springs in the desert.

A sacred peace fire was lit at the beginning of the walk and will keep burning, both during the walk carried by fire bearers and at the Arabunna's camp at Lake Eyre South.

The walkers covered over 400 kilometres in the first month, arriving in Broken Hill on July 7. They have invited all who support their demands to join the march, which goes to Canberra and then Sydney to coincide with the arrival of the Olympic torch.

A film night to raise money for the walk is being held in Adelaide on July 13 at the Anandamide Studio, 27 Gresham Place. For more information about the walk, phone (08) 8232 8595.

From GLW issue 411