By JESSE GRAHAM
YARRA Ranges councillors have demanded to meet with Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Natalie Hutchins, to discuss the future of the empty Galeena Beek properties in Badger Creek.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, 8 March, councillors unanimously agreed to write to Victorian Government ministers, “expressing disappointment” about being unable to secure a meeting.
Councillor Fiona McAllister, who moved the urgent motion at the end of the meeting, said there needed to be “some really frank and serious discussions” about the Galeena Beek properties, which have been vacant for years.
The Galeena Beek Aboriginal Cultural Centre, opposite Healesville Sanctuary in Badger Creek, was closed in 2000.
It was then set for an apartment development around 2008, but the project later went into liquidation.
Current discussions for the site include options such as setting up a belonging place, which would act as a civic centre for the Indigenous community.
“There have been huge inroads, in terms of Galeena Beek in recent years, and it may not mean anything to many of you, but there is a very united position within the Indigenous community, locally, around those assets, and that is really significant,” Cr McAllister said.
Cr Noel Cliff seconded the motion, and said it was an “absolute disgrace” that further meetings with the minister were not set up.
Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association (HICSA) chair, Doseena Fergie, told the Mail last week that meetings had been held with Ms Hutchins last year, but that a meeting had not been organised since.
“It may be okay for ministers, but we’ve been waiting for years for this, and therefore, we’re wanting to propel this,” she said.
Ms Fergie said she wanted Ms Hutchins to meet with council and Indigenous representatives, and for the Galeena Beek properties to be given back to the community.
“We have the support of council, and we would like her to know of our plans out here,” she said.
“Here you have properties on Aboriginal land, which is crown land, and why should we buy it back? It should be given to us, because it’s been in a state of disrepair and disregard for so long, and Aboriginal people are waiting, and waiting, and waiting.
“There’s an injustice in that, I believe, that properties that could be used aren’t being used.”
The Mail contacted the office of Ms Hutchins for a response to the councillors’ comments, and for an update on the discussions around the Galeena Beek properties.
“The Victorian Government is currently consulting with the Aboriginal community about a number of proposals for Galeena Beek assets,” a spokesperson for the minister said.
“A decision will be made following those discussions.”
