CAR REMOVAL FROM COOMADITCHIE RESERVE

By Rob

15/07/2018

The following information was obtained from:

C o o m a d i t c h i e U n i t e d A b o r i g i n a l C o r p o r a t i o n

Coomaditchie Lagoon is part of the Coomaditchie Mission. Many of our mob lived up on Hill 60 – not far from here, till the war broke out. The army needed Hill 60 for strategic purposes and so we were moved. Many people set up camp in the dunes along Port Kembla beach and around Coomaditchie Lagoon. They lived in sugar bag shacks and in any kind of shelter they could create.

Monday 9 July 2018 Ken and I did a Recce out to Coomaditchie Reserve to find the cars, to make it easier for us on the day.

Sunday 15 July 2018:   It was a great day out.  We all met at McDonalds/Bunnings car park in Warrawong. I spoke to everyone involved regarding what was required on the day and we all headed off about 10.10 am. Ken led the way to the open gate which was opened by Mick from Wollongong City Council the day before. Once we all met at the site, Ken and I explained where we had to go, which would have been about one kilometre to where the cars for removal were.

I was told there was a total of 3 cars to be taken back out to the gate area, to be picked up by council trucks at a later time, so that would mean dragging the cars one KM. We all got involved with a total of 8 cars and 16 members pitching in and everyone did their bit to help.

The dumped cars were entangled in bush, grass and trees, so using straps, winches and a 3 car tow, we got stuck into the job at hand.  The condition of the cars was worse than we expected and for every car that we dragged away, we needed two cars, one towing and the other picking up scrap that fell off. Job well done by all involved.

After all scrap and cars were removed it was time for lunch, so Lenore and I headed off to get lunch and Ken gave everyone a tour of the area and a history lesson as well. Lunch was PIZZA from Pinocchio Pizza Dapto.  Everyone enjoyed their pizza and we finished up at 3 pm. I would like to thank everyone who attended for helping to make it a great day out  

Rob