The Save Sandon Point Coalition of groups is holding the Sandon Point Picket sixth anniversary event on Sunday 4th March.

The Sandon Point community picket was set up in 2001 to support the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy, as a meeting place, an educational venue, and to witness the actions taking place at Sandon Point. The picket was burnt down by arsonists after five years operation, soon after the Aboriginal Tent Embassy had also been firebombed.

The anniversary event begins at 2pm with a site walk. Starting at the old picket site, near the cycleway at the end of Hill St, Bulli, the walk will be led by Roy Kennedy of the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy, with other local experts to explain different aspects of the land.

The walk will finish at 4pm at the Tent Embassy at the mouth of Tramway Creek. There will then be a discussion of the issues with electoral candidates for the seat of Heathcote. Labor’s Paul McLeay, Liberal’s Lee Evans, Greens’ Jill Merrin and Christian Democrats’ Jan Vander Jagt have been invited to attend.

“We think it’s important that the candidates get to experience this important part of the electorate, which is under threat from massive over-development,” said Dr Stephen Allen of the Save Sandon Point Coalition. “We look forward to hearing their views on this issue, and have sent them a list of questions.”

“The Sandon Point Coalition and the local community are frustrated by the contemptuous performance of this Labor Government, and want to see the land bought back for a Regional Park.”

“Planning Minister Frank Sartor has signed off on the concept plan in an attempt to close the issue, but the community does not accept that it is closed. We remain intent on protecting this precious area from over-development and are still prepared to fight to have the land bought back for a Regional Park, to be co-managed with local Aboriginal people.”

“If it means we have to stand in front of the bulldozers again, we are prepared to do it.”

Where and when: For the site walk, meet at the old picket site, the northern end of Hill St, Bulli, 2pm, sunday 4th March. For the discussion, meet at the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy, at the mouth of Tramway Creek, 4pm. Contact: Steve Allen, ph 4267 3493 (ah), 4224 9659 (bh), 0431 533 060