Palawa elder reclaims Macquarie Point in protest against proposed stadium

Palawa elder Jim Everett has raised the Aboriginal flag at Macquarie Point, declaring the proposed stadium would destroy sacred heritage and disrespect war veterans.

Palawa elder Jim Everett-puralia meenamatta with Cody Gangell-Smith palawa activist and the Aboriginal flag raised. Palawa elder Jim Everett- puralia meenamatta is reclaiming the proposed Macquarie Point stadium site. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

An Aboriginal elder has reclaimed Macquarie Point for the original inhabitants, declaring a stadium should not go ahead there.

Palawa elder Jim Everett raised the Aboriginal flag over the site on Friday, saying plans to build the sporting venue disregarded the importance of the area to Aboriginal people and war veterans.

“I am reclaiming Macquarie Point to highlight the disrespect being shown to build a very expensive football stadium that will destroy the ethos of place,” he said.

“John Bowen raised the English flag at Risdon Cove in 1803 and claimed this gave ownership of Tasmania to Britain; therefore, if raising a flag is all it takes to claim our land back, I am doing the same to protect Macquarie Point and show respect to what the Cenotaph means.

“This proposed footy stadium, so large it just fits in the land there, it will increase traffic congestion and lower the meaning of the Aboriginal heritage there, and disrespect the Cenotaph as if it is just an image, and it will be forgotten as a symbol of peace.

Cody Gangell-Smith palawa activist with palawa elder Jim Everett-puralia meenamatta raising the Aboriginal flag. Palawa elder Jim Everett- puralia meenamatta is reclaiming the proposed Macquarie Point stadium site. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A 2016 Mona proposal for the site included an art park, a major fire and light installation to celebrate 40,000 years of continuous culture in Tasmania, a Tasmanian Aboriginal history centre, living culture centre, library and education facilities.

The stadium plan includes an “Aboriginal Culturally Informed Zone”.

Mr Everett said the stadium would be a blight on Aboriginal heritage, on our veterans’ heritage and on the colonial heritage of Sullivan’s Cove.

“The AFL has a very poor history in its dealings with Aboriginals, and here it is showing direct disrespect to our Aboriginal heritage, and amazingly disregarding its an Australian war memorial at Macquarie Point,” he said.

A rally against the stadium, “Rally for Tasmania: will be held on Parliament Lawns on Sunday from 11am.

Palawa elder Jim Everett puralia meenamatta is reclaiming the proposed Macquarie Point stadium site. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A rally in favour of the stadium will be held at the same venue at 1pm on November 30.

Hospitality Tasmania on Friday announced two major forums for businesses to explore the economic opportunities unlocked by the stadium.

The Business of Stadiums to be hosted in Hobart and Launceston next week will be held in partnership with industry organisations and local business leaders, Hospitality Tasmania CEO Steve Old said.

“The Macquarie Point Stadium isn’t just a sporting venue, it’s economic infrastructure that will help Tasmania attract more visitors in winter, fill hotel rooms, strengthen hospitality and events, and give local businesses the foot traffic and confidence they need to invest and grow,” he said.

“Our state has a proud history of backing bold projects, from MONA to the JackJumpers, that have transformed our brand and delivered lasting benefits for tourism, jobs and local businesses.

“The stadium has the potential to be the next chapter in that story.”