WINNEY BAY STATEMENT – JOHN OATES

05 OCT 2018

 

My name is John Oates.

 

I am an Aboriginal man, proud descendant of the Ngiyampaa Wailwan nation and resident of Copacabana  where I have lived on the highest block of Bulbararing Headland (right near the lookout) since 1985. My three daughters were born and raised here, this headland is our Home. I am totally opposed to the concrete and steel constructions proposed for the cliff top walk second stage for a number of reasons. 

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• There is no recognition for the  true cultural significance of Bulbararing, “The biggest most powerful headland” in this part of the world; a headland that connects everyone to the powerful relationships of Mother Earth, The Moon, the Sun the Stars and The Ocean, not just the whales and not just for one day a year.

• There are already two lookouts on the headland. Why not improve wheel chair and disabled access around these vantage points?

• Concrete and steel paths and lookouts are an urban interpretation of a coastal walk ie Bondi to Bronte. The Winney Bay walk is a coastal walk through bushland where the Earth meets the Ocean in a bush land setting, a setting that should be enjoyed in the most natural state so that people can feel Mother Earth under their feet, not walk along concrete paths focussed on their phones or cameras etc.

 

These are just a few concerns raised for consideration and humbly presented by some one who loves this place, who has lived on Bulbararing Headland for 33 years and who calls it Home. 

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Earlier on this year I asked the Aboriginal  Ancestors for help and was gifted this insight.

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One thing we have forgotten  is that Women, Children and Men have walked on  this sacred, most powerful headland of Bulbararing for thousands of years; the tracks have always been here but they have been neglected and almost lost. 

Another thing to remember is that our Ancestors here took responsibility for the care of Mother Earth on Bulbararing by ensuring that all the plants, animals and birds had the best environment , free of weeds in a well maintained natural coastal forest kept clear by the use of cool burning fires at appropriate cyclic  intervals. This has not been done for a long time. 

 

As the current custodians of this place  we don't need to desecrate Bulbararing by pouring concrete to create tracks. 

 

We need to restore the bushland by eradicating the weeds and introduced plants.  The natural Bush will be Reborn. Mother Earth will then open the Country for our eyes to once again see the Ancestral walking trails. 

 

So, there is an urgent need to clean up the weeds and regenerate the Bush to as close to its natural state as can be determined Before any other action is considered here on Bulbararing.

 

Lets not desecrate our headland anymore. 

 

Lets work together in a frame work of Love and care for our Home in the Old ways, the ways of our Ancestors, not in an intrusive insensitive way with concrete, stainless steel bridges and lookouts that scar the land and insult Mother Earth.

 

John Oates

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In January 2018 John was awarded an Australia Day Award by Central Coast Council for his contribution to Culture on the Central Coast.