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Voices of future express discontent at loss of past

Students from Years 4 and 5 at Holy Family Primary School, Merewether Beach, recently wrote to the Newcastle Herald, the State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, and Ken Wyatt, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, about the loss of important rock shelter art in Western Australia’s Pilbara.

Jane Dougherty July 15, 2020

Here is the email we sent:

In History we have been learning about how important indigenous culture is to Australia. We were so upset and angry to hear about the destruction of ancient rock shelters in the Pilbara after Rio Tinto detonated explosives. These explosives destroyed 46,000 year old indigenous artefacts and art which connected the indigenous to their ancestors and culture. They can never be replaced and an apology won’t bring these incredible treasures back. How could this happen! Government should be making laws to protect these ancient sites. This destruction must stop. Indigenous art and history needs to be protected forever!

Year 4/5 Holy Family Merewether Beach.

As a result of our class email, Ms Claydon offered to hold a Zoom meeting with us, which took place from Parliament House. She was very generous with her time and answered our questions honestly, taking the time to explain this complex issue, which is especially important to her as an anthropologist. Ms Claydon thanked us for our commitment and for being the voices of the future.

To find out more about Holy Family Primary School, Merewether Beach, head to our website.

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