The Anglican Church site in the middle of Huskisson marks the location of Jerrinja ancestral graves. In 2017, the Anglican Church deconsecrated the site and sold to a developer who planned to build a mixed-use development including apartments, tourist apartments and a hotel. Desecrating the burial site of ancestors is sacrilegious in any culture.
Through examination using penetrating radar, experts concluded there are 73 likely unmarked graves on this site, and this matches with Jerrinja lore as we know this location to be the resting place of ancestors.
In November, 2022, Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek issued an emergency protection declaration for the Huskisson Burial Grounds, and in May, 2024 the Shoalhaven Local Environment Plan was finally amended to list the site as a heritage item of local significance. This
This significant outcome was only possible due to several years of campaigning by Aboriginal community members and our allies, including the Huskisson Heritage Association.
For now, this highly culturally and historically significant place is protected from development and our Ancestors can rest in peace.
Download:
Jerrinja LALC positioning statement, 16 November, 2022
