About 200 people stood up for Barrambin — Victoria Park — at a Yagara Magandjin Elders-led rally at the site in the inner-city on May 16.
Barrambin is under imminent threat from a proposed greenfields 2032 Olympics stadium construction.
For the Yagara and for other First Nations people, Barrambin is a spiritual site associated with its still active springs, a birthplace and childhood home, a meeting place and a burial place, among other things.
The Yagara elders have made heritage applications for the area’s permanent protection.
Victoria Park, extending across parts of Spring Hill and Herston is the largest park in the inner city. It is among the few remaining sites in the area of original vegetation. It is also a place from where First Nations peoples sent delegations to try to negotiate with the colonists encroaching on their land.
The proposed Olympics stadium and swimming centre will pave over Barrambin.
The site was chosen over less expensive options, such as at Hamilton in the city’s east.
Large long banners hung from the tall trees as people gathered from the rally,
The rally opened with a smoking ceremony.
Yagara elder Aunty Sandra, Uncle Wayne “Coco” Wharton and Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne were among those who addressed the rally.
Many attendees then joined tours explaining the area’s significance, such as its system of springs.
The Save Victoria Park supported the action. This campaign is currently gathering support for its community submission in support of the heritage application.
Meanwhile, the Goori Camp Embassy has entered its second month at the site. It is burning a continuous cultural fire, a symbol of ongoing sovereignty. It is also a gathering place for First Nations and other people, at events and in the early evening.