From the South Australian Conservation Council newsletter
Jill Hudson Award
The CCSA’s Jill Hudson Award for Environmental Protection was awarded
this year by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, the Hon Gail
Gago. The Minister presented the prestigious awards on May 19th at the
CONNECT 07 Conference. The $1000 Award recognises significant
environmental achievements and this year was jointly presented to two
entries.
*Sophie Green and Joel Catchlove* jointly received the Award for their
outstanding voluntary commitment to educate and engage the general
public about environmental issues. They have established Friends of the
Earth (Adelaide) and the Clean Futures Collective and have campaigned
tirelessly against the expansion of the nuclear industry in SA.
*Kevin Buzzacott, Arabunna Elder,* received the Award for his
long-standing commitment to Keepers of Lake Eyre, working to protect the
region from the effects of the Olympic Dam uranium mine. His
participation in the annual Radioactive Tour also high-lighted the
effects of uranium mining in his country, in part-icular in the use of
ground water for the mine. (see photo overleaf).
Ian Woods of Strathalbyn was highly commended by the Award panel for his
personal contribution to the community of Strathalbyn, particularly
during the No Mine campaign in Strathalbyn.
Other nominees were Colin Endean of Burra, a volunteer with the Climate
Project; Andrew Nance of Woodville Park who has worked on climate change
and sustainability issues; and Wolford Parsons of Port Vincent for his
achievements in Landcare. ‘We were very impressed by the quality of all
the nominations, and it is particularly wonderful to be reminded of the
efforts in rural and regional South Australia,’ said Julie Pettett, CCSA CEO
The annual Award is in memory of Jillian Hudson (7/9/48 – 9/8/97), a
passionate educator who believed
‘Life is an opportunity and its purpose is to stand
for something and to make a difference.’
Congratulations Joel and Sophie AND to Kevin Buzzacott!
`David v Goliath' Indigenous nuclear campaigner wins national environment award
Elder Kevin Buzzacott
Photo: Jessie Boylan
MEDIA RELEASE
5th June, 2007
Veteran Aboriginal activist Kevin Buzzacott has been awarded the Australian Conservation Foundation's 2007 Peter Rawlinson Award for two decades of work highlighting the impacts of uranium mining and promoting a nuclear free Australia.
An Arabanna man with traditional custodial responsibilities for the area around Lake Eyre in northern South Australia, Kevin Buzzacott has drawn attention to the environmental, social and cultural impacts of the massive Olympic Dam uranium mine.
Taking on the world's largest mining company as it moves to develop the world's largest uranium mine is tough work - but Kevin Buzzacott has never been afraid to think big or to take a strong stand.
ACF Executive Director Don Henry welcomed the recognition of Mr Buzzacott's work, describing him as “a passionate and effective advocate for sustainable water management and for responsibility, respect and recognition of the rights, aspirations and traditional knowledge of Australia's Indigenous peoples”.
“Kevin is a cultural practitioner, an activist, an advocate and an educator. He has travelled tirelessly, talking to groups large and small about the impacts of uranium mining and the threats posed by the nuclear industry. Kevin has had a profound impact on the lives of many people - especially young people - with his many tours and `on-country' events.
“For many young activists `Uncle Kev' is truly an unsung hero and, against the current pro-nuclear tide, his is a very important struggle and story,” said Mr Henry.
BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam mine currently uses 35 million litres of Great Artesian Basin water a day - every day and free of charge - making it the largest industrial user of underground water in the southern hemisphere. The company is attempting to greatly increase its water allocation and expand the size and the impact of the mine.
ACF's annual award commemorates Dr Peter Rawlinson's outstanding contribution as an environmental campaigner and researcher. Peter was an ACF Treasurer and Vice President and one of Australia's leading biologists and conservationists. He died while doing field work in Indonesia in 1991.
0408 317 812
TRADITIONAL OWNERS SPEAK OUT: NO RADIOACTIVE DUMP IN THE NT
Photos: Jessie Boylan
Traditional Owners National Speaking Tour A BBQ with Traditional Owners will be held
June 24, 2pm – 5pm, Redfern Community Centre.
29-53 Hugo St Redfern.
SYDNEY PUBLIC MEETING
From the Heart, For the Heartland
Traditional Owners Speak Out:
No radioactive dump in the NT
June 25, 6pm, Redfern Community Centre
29-53 Hugo St, Redfern.
If you live locally in the Blue Mountains and want to go to
these events in Sydney please contact: Natalie Lowrey
T: 02 4782 1181
E: natalie.lowrey[at]foe.org.au
VISIT slideshow to hear Traditional Owner, Dianne Stokes talking
http://www.timbonham.com/slideshows/Muckaty/
Proposed sites for nuclear waste dump
Traditional Owners Speak Out: No radioactive dump in the NT
This month, Indigenous traditional owners and community members
from areas proposed for the Federal radioactive waste dump are
undertaking a national speaking tour. Timed to coincide with the
announcement of the Federal Government’s preferred dump site,
the tour is an opportunity for national audiences to hear how the
dump proposal is impacting the targeted communities in the Northern
Territory. Speakers will share their stories and experiences and raise
concerns related to contamination of the country that sustains their
communities, livelihoods and traditional culture.
Speakers confirmed for the tour include:
- Mt Everard traditional owners, Audrey McCormack and
Benedict Stevens
- Harts Range community members Priscilla Williams and Mitch
- Muckaty traditional owner Dianne Stokes
- Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance (TEACA)
convenor and Larrakia Nations’ representative Donna Jackson.
A public meeting is being held in Sydney on June 25 at Redfern
Community Centre, 25-53 Hugo St. The evening will comprise
speakers, an exhibition of artworks from affected communities,
photos of the proposed dump sites and a short film.
The speaking tour aims to confront and dispel the myth used
to justify nuclear activities in Australia; that remote areas are
uninhabited and lifeless places. Federal Science Minister Julie
Bishop suggested that all of the proposed waste dump sites are
“some distance from any form of civilisation” when in fact, there
are communities living and running successful enterprises three,
five and eighteen kilometres away from the four areas currently
being assessed.
This is a unique opportunity to hear first hand, the impact of
the Federal radioactive waste dump proposal on remote and
indigenous communities. With Australia poised to expand involvement
in the global nuclear industry, this public forum will enable discussion
of domestic radioactive waste management issues, social and
environment concerns regarding the NT dump proposal and ways
people interstate can engage with and support the NT
community campaign.
Please advertise this public event widely amongst your family,
friends and colleagues and contact the tour coordinator for
any further information.
Adam Wolfenden
Friends of the Earth, Sydney
0401 045 536
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