November 7, 2002

Sacred Fire Gathering
Protect Lake Cowal

Lake Cowal, in Central West NSW, is the "heartland of the Wiradjuri Nation". Wiradjuri Traditional Owners are carrying the Sacred Fire to Lake Cowal where Canada's Barrick Gold has plans for a cyanide leach gold mine.

Lake Cowal is of national and international importance, a precious wetland registered on the Australia's National Estate.172 bird species inhabit the lake, including internationally protected migratory waders from China and Japan. Canadian company Barrick Gold has applied for a CONSENT TO DESTROY Aboriginal objects at the site. Arsenic and cyanide severely threaten the wetland, Lachlan River and surrounds.

November 16 & Onwards
Leave from Sydney WTO protests or join the convoy at Canberra Tent Embassy.

For further information contact:

Eloise Corlett
Mob: 0410 436 030
Ph: 6689 1627

West Wyalong is about midway between Wagga Wagga and Parkes (350km west of Sydney). Go north to Burcher and follow the signs east to Lake Cowal.

Contact:

Neville Williams, Wiradjuri Elder:
Mob: 0416 316 774 or 0421 795 639

For story so far - Rainforest Information Centre website: www.rainforestinfo.org.au/gold/lakec.html

Maintain spiritual RESPECT for Sacred Ground.
Be Drug-free ONLY, BYO camping gear, tucker and positive attitude!