Sandon Point comprises 61-hectares of open space between the coastal villages of Thirroul and Bulli in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, on the east coast of NSW, Australia. It is a declared Aboriginal place and significant for a number of reasons including ecological, historical and as public open space.

Members of the local community have worked tirelessly for close to a decade, seeking to protect the area. The Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) was established in December 2000, soon followed by the Sandon Point Community Picket in March 2001. SPATE was rebuilt following an arson attack in 2005. The 24/7 Community Picket structure was destroyed by arson in 2006, transforming into a mobile picket. In the face of such dangerous harassment, the local community nevertheless continues to work to protect and preserve the area

Latest News

ABORIGINAL EMBASSY TO APPEAL STOCKLAND COURT DECISION
Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE)

The Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) is set to appeal Monday’s Land and Environment Court dismissal challenging the proposed Stockland 181-lot residential super development at Sandon Point, Thirroul, NSW.

 

In reaching her decision the night before she was appointed Premier, Ms Kenneally approved the controversial Stockland “McCauleys Beach” development against the advice of a number of departments and the SES concerns that in the event of extreme flooding they would be unable to safely evacuate the residents.

 

2600 Properties Threatened (including Sandon Point)
Illawarra Mercury

More than 2600 properties across Wollongong will be potentially affected by rising sea levels within the nexgt 90 years, Wollongong City Council has warned.

A coastal zone study commissioned by the council has identified 2684 properties that could be affected by 2100.  Study with maps available on WCC site. http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/environment/9214.asp

Sandon Point Warrior, Waratah Rose, Dies
Illawarra Mercury

Human rights activist Rosemarie Gillespie was, in her own words, no stranger to danger.

Her passion gook her to the frontline of many conflicts and often face to face with military forces.

The Port Kembla grandmother, also known as Waratah Rose, passed away at the Melbourne home of one of her daughters after a stroke in the early hours of Monday morning, aged 69.

A crusader who fought for her beliefs
Illawarra Mercury

Some people are born fighters.  Rosemarie "Waratah" Gillespie was that and much, much more.

To her family, friends, the oppressed and the under-privileged, she was a hero, brave and unflinching when the going got tough.

New Court bid to halt Sandon Point development
Illawarra Mercury

Aboriginal campaigners who have spent a decade fighting.......Mr. Oshlack said...Sandon Point was an important cultural site and there had been no consultation with the Aboriginal people ...for the latest Stockland development application.

NSW LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT HEARINGS TUESDAY 8TH JUNE and WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2010
Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE)

On Tuesday 8th June hearings will commence on the matter of Roy ‘Dootch’ Kennedy vs Minister for Planning and Stockland Developments Pty Ltd in the Land & Environment Court of NSW. (Proceedings No: 40129 of 2010).

for Aboriginal rights

The Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) and many others in the Illawarra Aboriginal community continue to work towards the protection of Sandon Point

Their actions provide an ongoing expression of the entire area's significance, often in the face of much adversity.

The local community has provided respectful support for SPATE and many others in the local Aboriginal community for several years, seeking to promote respect and recognition.

for the environment

Sandon Point is an ecologically rich area. It is the last green corridor linking the Illawarra Escarpment to the Pacific Ocean.

The confluence of four creeks provides ample habitat for threatened and protected species and an endangered ecological community. It is one of the last refuges on the coastal plain.

Preservation of the area is a great concern amongst the local community, including restoration of past impacts.

for all of us

The Sandon Point area is a rare and singificant area of open space in the north of Wollongong. The opportunities it affords have been enjoyed by the local community and those from afar for a very long time.

Plans have been developed by the local community for the area, including a linked greater-Wollongong foreshores park, under the ordinance of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Parks policy.

People from far and wide continue to flock to Sandon Point to enjoy what it has to offer.