YURLU | COUNTRY

The clean up of Australia’s very own Chernobyl-like disaster.

Wittenoom remains the biggest contaminated site in the southern hemisphere, with the highest rate of asbestos diseases-related deaths in Australia.

While thousands have died as a result of the Wittenoom disaster, the impact on Aboriginal people in the Pilbara has been disproportionate – they have the highest mortality rate from mesothelioma of any group anywhere in the world.

Yet more than three million tonnes of toxic asbestos mining tailings remain dumped on Banjima Country in the Pilbara and the deadly contamination continues to spread.

This violates Banjima’s Native Title rights who can no longer access their traditional lands to participate in ceremony, hunt, fish or gather. It is also in contravention of Article 29 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which asserts that the State should ensure that ‘hazardous materials’ aren’t dumped on the lands of indigenous people without consent.

Clean up Australia’s very own Chernobyl-like disaster. An estimated three million tonnes of toxic mine waste have been dumped on Banjima Country, and the deadly contamination continues to spread.

It’s possible to clean up the Wittenoom mine disaster; the WA government has remediation reports dating back to 1985 that show how to do it and there is precedent with other asbestos clean-ups. Out of sight, out of mind is no longer acceptable.

Key messages
– Honour the vision and legacy of Maitland Parker.
– The Western Australian government have known they needed to clean up the Wittenoom disaster for over 30 years – it’s time for action.
– Asbestos-diseases sufferers need better access to care.
– Wittenoom is one of an estimated 80,000 legacy mine sites across the continent – Australia needs a comprehensive plan to research, map and rehabilitate these sites.

Our primary impact campaign goal is to see a clean up of the toxic Wittenoom site, something that the government has recommended over 30 years ago, yet still has not happened.

Impact goal one: Clean up Wittenoom
We will support Banjima and the Banjima Native Title Corporation’s campaign for the remediation of their traditional homeland.

Impact goal two: Asbestos diseases medical research
Raise funds to allow the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia to digitise 40 years of epidemiological data on Wittenoom victims – a rare, longitudinal data set that could benefit researchers and hence asbestos-related disease sufferers globally.

Impact goal three: Systems change

This film offers a catalytic moment for systems change needed for the ‘just transition’. Throughout this film, we have heard from many mining communities Australia who are currently contending with unfolding environmental disasters. This is timely as the race for rare earth minerals takes off across Australia.

In a rare collaboration, the late Maitland Parker is Co-writer, Executive Producer and protagonist of this feature documentary. Knowing that one day he would lose his unwinnable battle with mesothelioma, Maitland Parker gave clear instructions that the film and filmmakers could use his name and image in the event of his passing.

Maitand passed away during the final stages of filming and his family will both review cuts of film and sign off on impact strategy, in accordance with Maitland’s vision and final wishes.

While many mining and climate change films have been made, few look at the issue through an emotional and cultural framework. This is where this film is different. As a custodian of Banjima Country, Maitland’s motivation to fight to restore his lands springs from deep within.

The Banjima community are also co-creating the film with us, providing support for the film and are a key Impact Partner.

In development, watch this space.