Australia: Scared Women's Business

From the Coffs Coast Advocate:

WOMEN elders are gathering to defend a Coffs Coast Aboriginal women’s sacred site, Mama Gaungan (Mother Earth) against the threat posed by a planned 2010 car rally.

Traditional custodian of the Coffs Coast site, Aunty Margaret Lardner, said plans to run the 2010 Coffs Coast Rally in May close to the site were upsetting and offensive.

A meeting will be held at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation at 10am on November 11 to discuss action to be taken about Mama Gaungan.

“This is women’s business. It is a women’s birthing area and where women come to bathe before giving birth and we have worked with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to get it registered as a heritage place,” she said.

The custodian already has the backing of Gumbayngirr women elders Aunty Elaine Turnbull and Auntie Anita Craig.