CORROBBOREE AT LAKE COWAL EASTER WEEKEND 11-13 APRIL : "BARRICK GO HOME"

Over the Easter weekend Uncle Chappy and the Wiradjuri people are inviting all people to come to Corrobboree to dance and sing for Lake Cowal. Please come out to the Lake & promote this event

Dates: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 April 2004

A Few Tips for Campers:

Lake Cowal Camp is dry (no alcohol) and drug-free

What you can expect: The lake is an ephemeral lake and at present is dry also (unless it rains heavily in the meantime), so you won't see all the wonderful waterbirds you might expect. You will, however, see lots of other wildlife such as parrots, crested pidgeons and a host of other birds, kangaroos, emus etc.

Bring: own food, water (lots of it), warm clothes, hats, sunscreen, camping gear, eating and drinking utensils, cameras, first aid kits etc. There are no facilities and no water. It may get cold at night. Temperatures during the day could still be warm.

The closest facilities are at West Wyalong, 47 kms from the camp. You can get supplies there, but they may cost more than what you are used to where you live.

Take great care on the roads. (There is a lot of dust and roads are hazardous. Four-wheel drives are best. Be prepared for your sedan or station-waggon to take quite a shaking).

Directions: If you are coming from Canberra (or via the Hume Highway from the south) the quickest way is via the Hume Highway to the Temora turnoff. Then drive to Temora and to the Newell Highway. Turn left and then drive to the edge of West Wyalong, through Wyalong. Lake Cowal is about 47 kms from West Wyalong.

The road to Lake Cowal can be accessed from West Wyalong. (Having a map, such as a Forbes 1:25 000, that shows the road is a good idea). Turn right at the sign on the Newell Highway just near the edge of town. The road is paved for a few kilometres but then turns to gravel. You need to drive very carefully and slowly on the gravel road to avoid accidents.

There are roadworks going on and sometimes the signage is not very good or absent. Follow the signs to Lake Cowal. The camp is located on the right-hand side past the Barrick Gold compound (on the left).

You can also see the Barrick site office at the edge of the lake to the right before you get to the camp which is located on the Travelling Stock Route. You can't miss the camp--plenty of flags and banners flying and large tents. Traditional Owner, Neville "Chappy" William's tent is under a big bough shelter.

(It is possible that the mining company will try to move the camp before Easter as they have announced they are relocating the Travelling Stock Route and Game Reserve. If this does happen an alternative venue close by will be advised for the Corroboree).

If you can't make it out to lake cowal - please fundraise for Uncle Chappy and the Wiradjuri people who are constantly going through courts to stop this - Barr Barrick environmental atrocity from going ahead. Donations can be deposited into

The Lake Cowal Fund,
Commonwealth Bank Australia Dickson ACT
06290410236217

contact savelakecowal@yahoo.com or Neville Willaims (uncle Chappy) 0416 316 774

LAKE COWAL BUS EXCURSION - AN EASTER EYE OPENER

DEPART FRIDAY 9th APRIL _ 12.00 noon from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Returning on Sunday 11th April arriving in to Canberra at about 4.00pm

Cost is $45.00 per person for the hire of mini bus. Seats 22 and includes luggage trailer. If you wish to drive yourself then just be ready to follow the bus from departure point.

Come and see for yourselves the beauty and biodiversity of this ancient lake. The local Wiradjuri people have opened an invitation to a sacred corroboree on site that will be held on the Saturday 10th and another on Sunday.

Camping out is the best way to experience this magic place but motel accommodation is available in West Wyalong township.

Toilet facilities are set up on site.

Must bring
Water for drinking and washing (no water on site)
Food
Warm clothing
Camping equipment

If you are interested please contact Lauren Van Dyke on 0411 402 978 or lauren_sculptor@optusnet.com.au