A victory for every country town
Moonta hasn’t only won back its National Trust branch after 150 gruelling days of campaigning. The Copper Coast town has reminded every regional community in South Australia that it has a voice.
This fight was never just about a committee. It wasn’t just about the National Trust. It was about who gets to decide the future of the places country people work so hard to make great.
It had all the vibes of The Castle
Since March, volunteers, residents and supporters have stood shoulder to shoulder to protect Copper Coast’s treasured Cornish mining sites. After overcoming the initial shock of being stood down and locked out by National Trust South Australia, the community did what rural communities do best. They rallied. A “Fighting Fund” was established.
They raised money, sought legal advice and took National Trust SA to the Supreme Court because they believed their community deserved to be heard.
It’s got all the “vibes” of the iconic Australian movie, The Castle. Darryl Kerrigan wasn’t fighting because his house was worth millions. He fought because it was home. Because it mattered, and because some things simply can’t be measured in dollars.
The volunteers weren’t fighting for their unpaid titles. They were fighting for the lolly shop that holds so many special memories and the museum that tells the stories of Cornish pioneers. They refused to give up until they had been heard.
The power of a united community
Last Friday, after months of anguish, the National Trust of South Australia agreed to reinstate the Moonta Heritage Branch committee, bringing its Supreme Court battle with a fiercely passionate group of volunteers to an end.
This week there have been plenty of smiles around Moonta. And while the reinstatement will now continue through legal mediation, the community can finally look forward to welcoming visitors back as South Australia continues its bid for Moonta and Burra’s historic mine sites to be given UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
Copper Coast Mayor Roslyn Talbot said it had been a challenging period for the community.
“Yet it has been the passion for our rich and unique historic sites which has driven our community to stand their ground and make their voices heard.”
