As the grand old dame Victoria Park / Barrambin marks 150 years since its establishment as a parkland by Governor of Queensland Sir George Bowen, artists, families and activists gathered to celebrate.
Attendees at the November 12 event emphasised their commitment to save the park from the government’s planned Olympic development.
Save Victoria Park President Sue Bremner said the government is planning to ignore commitments for genuine consultation with First Nations and affected communities as required in the Olympics Intergovernmental Agreement with the Commonwealth.
“How are they going to ensure this if they plough ahead with earthworks so early? By taking a scorched earth approach and ensuring that consultation or heritage protection are no longer relevant?”
While former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman gave a speech, artist and former Brisbane City Councillor David Hinchliffe did a live painting of the green vista from the top of the hill.
Yagarabul Elder Gaja Kerry Charlton spoke about the significance of the park and its flora and fauna to First Nations’ spirituality and kinship systems long before it was gazetted in 1975.
Also in attendance was Sabine Carter, who has started a “patches of hope” project inviting anyone to knit, crochet or sew a 2m x 2m blanket to be joined into one giant patchwork blanket next year – to participate email [email protected].
Photography: Kate Lockyer
