Kokatha women call for more protection for Yellabinna

Kokatha women with traditional associations to the Yellabinna region met with a representative of the Aboriginal Affairs Minister to appeal for help in further protection of the culturally important Yellabinna area - including Yumbarra and Pureba Conservation Park. During the meeting the women presented a community-produced dot painting designed by a young Kokatha woman, Colleen Haseldine.

The meeting highlighted the community's support for an extension to the proposed Wilderness Protection Area for the Yellabinna region located north of Ceduna, Yellabinna. It is an area that holds deep significance for the local Aboriginal people. Much of the traditional local culture is based on their connection with the land and its various formations. These sacred sites connect their dreaming stories.

Particular significant sites like Dinah Rock Hole and Narla Rocks are outside of the proposed Wilderness Protection Area, and the Kokatha women are appealing for help from the Minister for total protection of Yellabinna to ensure that this traditional country's living culture is not jeopardised.

"Total protection, no mining, controlled tourism for the whole area of Yellabinna, Yumbarra and Pureba. Our traditional tucker, medicine and sacred sites are out there. It's the last safe place for them. Without the extension of the protection area to include the whole area, this cultural heritage will be lost." claimed Sue Haseldine, who travelled down from the state's far west coast for the meeting, along with another Kokatha woman Sheena Coleman, to make the presentation.

"If we don't respect the land then it will not produce. Bush medicine, bush tucker and being able to practice our culture have economic values which are immeasurable." added Sheena Coleman.

The 1m square dot painting was designed by the Kokatha women with the participation of the entire community during WOMAD 2005. It represents a map of the 'greater Yellabinna region'. The painting symbolises what is proposed to be protected and contrasts it to the significant cultural sites which are unprotected. The dot painting demostrates the importance of the cultural links in this area, and exposes the gap between areas which will remain threatened by mineral exploration.