Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) held their Day of Action on Sunday to raise awareness and demand a government response to the dire water situation they are currently facing.
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The 'When the River Runs Dry' rally had hundreds of people come together to support each other in this time of crisis.
The Walgett rally was just one of six across the state, with Dubbo, Dareton, Wilcannia, Menindee and Bourke also holding demonstrations, in association with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).
Walgett and the NSWALC are demanding immediate action from the government to address the critical situation:
- The establishment of a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the management of the Murray Darling Basin
- A State Level inquiry to address the mismanagement of water and our river systems in NSW
- A suspension of trading in the Barwon Darling River System
- Aboriginal involvement, through the Land Council network, in all decisions about water management and planning
WLALC CEO Kelli Randall said the response and the turn out to the rally was fantastic.
"Unbelievable. It was excellent. It was such a cultural invigoration experience so it really helped a lot of people," she said.
"A lot of the comments we got back, people are just grateful that somebody is doing something about it."
The rally was held in the style of a funeral, with residents marching and carrying a coffin to lay in the dry bed of the Barwon River in Walgett.
People were waving signs with different messages, with everyone mourning the situation and demanding a government response.
A symbolic funeral was held for the impending death of the river, with a powerful eulogy delivered by NSWALC chairman Roy Ah-See.
"I've been talking to the Elders here at Walgett and they say it's the first time in living memory that the river has run dry," he said in his speech.
"The Walgett community have looked after their rivers for 60,000 years, but it's taken less than 200 years to destroy them."
"It was incredibly powerful," Mrs Randall added.
Mrs Randall says the day of action is just the beginning.
"We got people to sign a letter that we're going to send to the members for parliament, from our count we've got about 150 signatures," she said.
"It's not the end. Obviously we're going to have to wait for the election to see what the incoming government decide to do but then based on their decision we'll decide what our next move is."
Mrs Randall said it's been great to see so many people taking part across the state, taking a stand and demanding action.
"I believe there was about 300 at Menindee and particularly being where all those fish were killed, that was incredible," she said.
"In the other areas I believe there was anywhere between 50-100, we're looking at close to 1000 people in total.
"Saying enough is enough, we need positive action and change."
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Mr Ah-See said the water shortage is a genuine crisis that demands an immediate response.
"Communities across New South Wales are without water. This is a disgrace and is unacceptable," he said.
"It’s time for a Federal Royal Commission to provide answers. We need to put a stop to water trading and we need a state level inquiry.
"This isn’t just an Aboriginal issue. This is a human rights issue for all.
"Water doesn’t discriminate and after seeing what this putrid supply has done to the fish population in places like Menindee and Wilcannia, it raised the question, how long before we see human casualties due to the poor quality of water on offer?"
Mr Ah-See said communities must keep working together to ensure change does happen in these badly affected areas.
"Together we took a stand and galvanised communities at a time when all levels of government are doing nothing to address the problems these people are forced to deal with every single day."
"Something needed to be done and together we have taken the first step to not only show support and solidarity for our communities, but to bring awareness to the issue and hold government at all levels to account.
"Communities have spoken. They have stood tall and asked for change.
"Now, in return, we ask all levels of government to listen because we have the solutions these residents so rightfully deserve."
The seed is now planted, according to Mr Ah-See, and he said it's now time for the government to respond.
Mrs Randall said they are yet to hear any response from the government regarding the situation and the day of action.
There were no politicians on site or candidates campaigning, but she was grateful for the Walgett Shire Council's support.
"Hats off to the general manager of the Walgett Shire Council, Greg Ingham, he showed up with his family to support," she said.
"That's awesome to see, we really appreciate that."