WAVERLEY COUNCIL & LABOUR PARTY AU&CAPOEIRA ANGOLA JC'SSAY YES TO FAMILY + EDUCATION TO AUSTRALIASHARE ARTS + CULTURE TO EVOLVE HUMAN RACE
BACK TO MAIN / RODA *Check There may be letters in Portuguese not translated here
February, 27, 2004 To the present moment there's no reply from the Waverley Council to Mestre Jeronimo and JC'S. The M. P. Mr Peter Debnahm, Shadow Minister for Police, Member for Vaucluse [ PO BOX 960, BONDI JUNCTION NSW 2022 - email: [email protected] ] wrote to Mestre Jeronimo on 11 February, 2004, acknowledging the letter sent to the Waverley Council in relation to the cultural events in Bondi - the incident with the Waverley Council Rangers. Peter said that he would contact Mestre Jeronimo as soon as any reply from the Waverley Council is send to his party. During the 2004 South American Festival the Sydney Morning herald came to interview Mestre JC regarding this matter. SBS Radio in Sydney interviewed Mestre Jeronimo and rang the Waverley Council on Friday 14th. Many people from around the world replied and supported Mestre Jeronimo letter of protest against the discrimination of cultural community arts and family way of life. Follows the original "game" and the reply from the community to the Waverley Council and Labour Party:
----- Original Message -----
Subject: is the WAVERLEY COUNCIL,
denying culture to Bondi Beach??!!
WAVERLEY COUNCIL PH:(02) 91308340 Fax: (02) 9387 1820 E-mail: Paul Pierce - Waverley Mayor <[email protected]>
Monday, February 9, 2004
RE: WAVERLEY COUNCIL X CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
Waverley Council, Mayor Paul Pierce
I am sending this letter myself and also in behalf of some Bondi taxpayer’s residents and others from the Bondi Beach community. Dear Waverley Council Mayor, after talking to other residents and shop owners, etc, there are many people becoming very unhappy with the Waverley Council non-democratic rules to Bondi residents, and tourists. As the Mayor well knows my person, a father, artist and educator, I was born and raised in Brasil and since my arrival in this country in 1987, I do NOT STOP the making of culture through my rituals and classes and events. The reason to this letter is that on Sunday, February 08 2004, by around 6.30pm, residents and Bondi visitors were enjoying Bondi Beach. Senior Ranger Chris Dent working to the Waverley Council demanded to STOP our every week family gathering ritual. Waverley Council Rangers did not reply with respect the request of the people present for such an absurd demand. The Waverley Council now wants to deny our families the right to enjoy Bondi Beach? People, families with babies too were very angry towards the Ranger’s attitude, following Council orders. They don’t know what to reply after being asked to prove (by law, on paper) which part of the N.S.W. legislation says NO to Bondi residents enjoying their lives in Bondi. Where are the residents breaking the Law? Sadly, Senior Ranger Chris Dent came with this silly answer: [ you must stop because I am the authority and ‘ma telling YOU to do so (…) and also… reason why you have to STOP THE MUSIC is because if you are making people happy others may follow this way ]. ??!! Is this a kind of joke Mr Mayor from your staff? Or is it the way this Waverley Council is now working to serve the community?! Dear Mayor, we are not breaking any law, we are not supporting or dealing with “weapons of mass destruction”, illegal drugs, gambling, terrorists. What’s the problem then? Is the Waverley Council going to follow on the racist footsteps of those that in the past discriminated a whole nation denying their culture and the right to practise their rituals in Bondi Beach and elsewhere - with the imposition of non-democratic and anti-family laws? Mr Mayor, our community - my case 17 years - would like to know why after so long sharing our rituals during the Sundays afternoons is that now in 2004 the Brazilian culture, others that are supporting culture in the form of arts, are becoming a problem to this Council? Since the people in Bondi love what we do, with love! There are other matter with urgency to our community that this Council should be looking after rather then denying people the right they have to live And enjoy their rituals. Mr Mayor, indeed, Waverley Council MUST work to provide the safety of the community and tourists. Yet, in the case of any “claim” that we are disturbing the area, or else provoking havoc, we would like to learn why the Waverley Council say YES to skate boarders, bicycles, roller blade, and the Police cars running at the promenade? In fact, just like us, they are NO treat to any Australian security. *Of course Mr Mayor that we know that the real “danger” from these activities is to the Council insurance claiming, etc. Mr Mayor, We are no ignorant or illiterate people from so-called “3rd’ world – or aborigines that in the past were treated as rubbish and denied the right to the rituals they have. Therefore, our community need to learn ASAP if the Labour Party is keen to have our support to the next elections, providing that you will serve the community with respect. Mr Mayor, let us know what are your rules to Bondi Beach, to cultural and family matters, please. Myself, my Capoeira Angola School and students, families and artists friends are not fitting to the ‘professional’ activities ruled ‘by law’ displayed @ the Waverley Council Website and these NO signs through the beach and parks. From the Waverly council website http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/bprs/openspace.htm Activities requiring permit · Commercial
or student film and photography.
By the way, the annual South American Festival is due this coming weekend and I am participating and promoting this event through media, TV, Radio etc since after my arrival in this country. The Festival is promoted and organised by the staff of the Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre. Dear Mayor, Waverley Council, each year we hear from the Pavilion staff that there’s less support regarding money to keep cultural community based projects alive, to the progress of Australia. Is the Labour Party now following the steps of the Liberal Party, where the community and education, Arts, etc, is not a priority to their budget and the taxpayers money is wasted in war games, corruption with Mr Bush and allies?! We are looking forward to hear from your part. Yours sincerely
Jeronimo Santos Da Silva Australian Citizen
----- Original Message ----- From: Kat O Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 12:42 PM Subject: RE: is the WAVERLEY COUNCIL, denying culture to Bondi Beach??!! I heard this on JJJ this morning and was greatly saddened. It's unfortunate but true.. it's not just the waverley council that's stopping this kind of thing from happening.. The same kind of thing is happening in Alice Spring now as well. There is to be a building opening in that area, and the aboriginal women of the area need to carry out their own ritual to make it a good place. But they're not going to be allowed. They were stopped while performing/ practicing in a local park, and the council has told them that they will be stopped again if/ when they take part in the opening. Simply because they want to perform it as they have been doing for thousands of years, with a more traditional dress (topless with skirts), they are not being allowed to do so. It is their right to make this a special event,
and help make the building a good/ blessed place.
fromKAT! --( 8> ... <8 )-- ::If we are extremists, then we are not ashamed
of it, the conditions that our people suffer are extreme and an extreme
illness cannot be cured by moderate medicine:: Malcolm
X ::
Paul Pierce
Dear Paul I was very disturbed to hear that a Council ranger had stopped capoeira at Bondi Beach. Capoeira has been an important part of Bondi's culture for many years, and is a very important part of what makes Bondi special. It is vital that local government support and encourage cultural activities, especially ones that bring so much joy and fun to the whole community. What can you do to ensure freedom of artistic expression? Yours sincerely
Chris Hudson
-------
I am writing in response to the stopping of Capoeira's weekly "playings" at Bondi Beach. This activity not only has added to the cultural fabric of Bondi but promotes the Bondi Pavilion as a cultural/artistic centre to tourists and locals alike. It brings Bondi Beach alive with music and dance, entertaining and enchanting people of all ages and backgrounds. As one of the co-artistic directors of Live Bait
Festival, I included Jeronimo's Capoeira in the programme of workshops
in Live Bait. I did this because I wanted to take advantage of a rare and
wonderful cultural resourse that is Jeronimo de Silva,
I am hoping that this oversight can amended and this outstanding Bondi Beach cultural event can continue to add to our community for years to come. yours sincerely
---------------
Mr. Paul Pierce / Geoff Reinhard Waverley Council
I felt really disgusted above the discrimination of popular culture and people in Bondi Beach by the Labor Party that took place on a public presentation of Capoeira Angola last week. Master Jerônimo, the main responsible person for this group and a citizen of Sidney since 1987, has been trying to make an important work on this Brazilian cultural manifestation known which nowdays is well known also in England, France, German, Italy, USA, Japan and in many other countries. It's unbelieveable that a member of the Labor Party, as I have just mentioned above, in a very authority way interrupted Master Jerônimo's presentation. Is the Labour Party getting apart of its historical roots of defense of the minorities rights and having the same kind of policy as the Liberal Party? Sincerely yours, Letícia Vidor de Sousa Reis
--------
I heard recently that the weekly celebration of capoeira on Bondi Beach on a Sunday afternoon was stopped by the Waverley Council, because it was 'disturbing the peace'. It appears that we need a permit now to be allowed to enjoy ourselves, and enjoy our culture in a public place. What is a public place but a place for people to express themselves and interact peaceably with others in the community? Bondi for me is a great place for cultural and artistic interaction. I come once a month to Sydney from Canberra to train capoeira with my master - Mestre Jeronimo. The markets on a Sunday, the artworks displayed at the pavilion, the spontaneous expression of music, capoeira, yoga, playing soccer on the beach, etc. is really fantastic and something worth cherishing and protecting. When we play capoeira we are mindful of others - we confine our activities to a roda, we look after each other (wearing shoes, playing with respect, etc.) as well as onlookers. Our music is not amplified - our voices never raised in anger or aggression - but as a celebration of Brazilian and Australian culture. Our movements follow a 500 year old ritual and is played for our own pleasure and displayed for the benefit others. People bring along their families and friends. We can relax, share food, sing and play our music, and do not cause a disturbance for the majority of people on Bondi Beach. Do people need a permit for this sort of activity?
I should hope not. I think we as Australian citizens have a certain right,
certain freedoms to express our culture, be with our families, and enjoy
life.
With respect Caroline Wakefield
My name is Paul Mason and am an Australian citizen
living in Melbourne. Last year, after finishing my Bachelor in Biomedical
Science, I travelled around Europe where I played Capoeira in church halls,
gymnasiums, parks and beaches. In fact, some of my favourite moments were
spent in Holland over the month of August where I spent the summer afternoons
with fellow capoeiristas playing in the park. The beauty of this experience
was that it was non-discriminational and completely spontaneous. After
seeing people playing capoeira in the park, I would approach them and once
they
Even for people who don't play capoeira, I have always enjoyed the openness people have felt in approaching us to enquire about this sport. Somehow, through an intrinsic component of the art of capoeira, the activity promotes friendships, self expression and enjoyment that is enjoyed by practitioners and spectators. Sincerely,
All of you have been chosen to be a receipient of this message as you are involved in some way or other in governing our community. It may be as a member of parliament, member of council or an active citizen with initiative. I have recently been informed by Jeronimo Santos
Da Silva- my mestre in Capoiera in Australia of an occasion where a local
ranger has instructed him to curtail his capoiera in compliance of a technicality
(full details of the letter below). Being an Australian citizen of Indian
origin currently living in London I feel it is important for us as Australians
to encourage cultural practices and rituals that uplift the human spirit.
Being in London as an Australian has showed me that while Australia has
a better climate and more space to play in we are behind in terms of embracing
cultural enrichment with open and hearty arms. The British have given so
much of a priority to ultural enrichment they have set up support groups
from local level to federal level for culture enriching projects. If they
had a venue like Bondi and a ritual like Capoiera, they would not only
ensure they did not hinder it but would also look to provide every assistance
to ensure its future survival as well that it thrived in months and years
to come. Now I am not looking to give undue praise to the British or say
Australia does not cherish the cultures operating within it enough by the
above statement. What I'd like to emphasise is that arts and culture represent
food for the spirit and it is the spirit within us that goes on to determine
the quality of all our undertakings. Capoiera represents a cultural heritage
of Brazil that was born out of slavery and yet has at its heart upliftment
of the human spirit above any restricting circumstances. Capoiera like
the way of the Buddha or Taichi is a practise that puts us in touch with
our inner core. It can be practised by all people and has touched people
from the world over. The practise of this ritual adds to the vibrancy of
Bondi as a cultural hub and should be encouraged rather than discouraged.
I would welcome all of you to whom this letter is being mailed to, to experience
capoiera first hand by participating in a roda ritual (no experience needed,
only movement and musical awareness) and to read up on the story of capoiera's
evolution.
Axe' to you all, Rajesh Bhardwaj Indian Born, Australian Citizen
Dear gentlemen and ladies Our continent, as well as yours, was colonized by the European people. We grow saying the language of the invaders and forgetting the language them true owners the land: amerindians and aborigenes. However, today we are free nations, already not so distant of the European continent. Ours countries: Brazil and Australia has each one its proper history. It is not convenient that still in them let us consider Portuguese and English people. However, the Europe, the North America and mainly
England in gives examples to them of global ethics. Some of its main cities
are called windows for the world. Why this distrust in
not allowing samples of world-wide culture in its localities of leisure?
It will be that the ample knowledge of the human beings of the planet has
something of profane in your country?
Will be that you stays losing your democratic characteristic? As it is possible to think about globalization without that let us be 100% globalized ?. For the minimum principles of the evolution human being, I leave my vehement protest. Heitor Laso Gonçalves - SP, Brasil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nosso continente, assim como o seu, foi colonizado
pelo povo europeu.
Heitor Laso Gonçalves --------- ----- Original Message -----
Waverly Council: I am writing this e-mail in support of Jeronimo Santos Da Silva's recent e-mail questions regarding the denial of culture to residents and families of Bondi Beach. As a former resident and recent visitor to Bondi I have always and still do appreciate the unique and open way of life Bondi offers to all. Let's continue to honor this and not deny a free way of life to people, not just in Bondi but everywhere. Aloha, Jennifer - Hawaii, USA
I am an Australian currently visiting Brazil.
This land has a rich cultural heritage and a rich cultural experience currently.
Everywhere you go you see groups of Capoeiristas training, dancing and
playing in public places everywhere. You also see crowds of Brazilians
and tourists alike enjoying the art of the Capoerista partaking in their
ritual that is known as the roda or translated 'circle'. I have seen
this art performed in public spaces throughout Europe, the USA, parts of
Africa and the rest of South America. It gave me great pride to say
we also have a Roda on Sunday afternoons in Australia on Bondi Beach in
front of the pavilion. It is part of the coming together of the Brazilian
culture with the wider community and culture of Australia and over the
years with Jeronimo's generosity of always maintaining the Roda, its culture
and integrity the people of Bondi look on this weekly event as part of
the culture of Bondi and the broader picture of Australia. A true
expression of multi-culturism whereby culture is blending, mixing and absorbing.
----- Original Message -----
Hi Jeronimo, I have forwarded your e-mail to the producers of the program 'Community Focus'. Community Focus is a program which airs twice a week dealing with issues effecting the community, that are generally overlooked by the mainstream media. Below are their contact details if you would like to speak to them about the prospect of going on their show. Jill Hickson
Kind Regards, Jodie Smith
----- Original Message -----
-----------------------
To : Waverley Council A recent event in Bondi Beach cultural life pushes
me into writing you this e-mail.
How can this be possible nowadays in 2004 ? Does
the Labor Party intend to stop every form of cultural event which doesn't
come from Australian culture ?
Besides, this event revolts me with a major question
: upon WHICH LAW did the police officer stop people having a game ? And
even if you find any intricated law trying to justify this act, then why
do you act only now when this weekly
I know that it's hard to be honest in politics
but just try in answering this question : what does upset you in Capoeira
gathering ?Is it a question of noise ? of Bondi Beach image ? of business
?
So I'm eager to hear that Capoeira is still allowed in Australia, otherwise it would be a backstep in historical evolution. Looking forward to hear from you, Raphaël BERNARD
To : WAVERLEY COUNCIL PH:(02) 91308340 Fax: (02) 9387 1820
19/200 Forbes
St Darlinghurst
18/02/2004 The Mayor Waverley Council PO Box 9,
Re: Stopping of a 15 year tradition ? Dear Mr Pierce, It recently came to my attention that on Sunday
Feb 08, 2004 one of your rangers (Chris Dent) asked the Capoeira group
to stop their ritualistic display that they perform every Sunday afternoon.
----- Original Message -----
Dear Paul, It distressed me to hear that a Capoeira "Roda"
had been stopped on Sunday afternoon. The Ranger in question had no valid
excuse for ceasing the activity which has been practiced now in Bondi Beach
for many years. It adds much colour to Sundays on Bondi Beach, the singing
and playing ancient instruments creating a harmonious arena for this ancient
dnace.
This country contains the oldest culture in the world and probably also the newest in the form a melting pot of many peoples. Don't you feel that it is necessary to encourage the promotion of these soul enriching activities during these times when, increasingly, all anybody seems to care about is the dollar. I sincerely hope that the Capoeira on Sundays can persist without further interruptions as it is a joy to those who participate and those who spectate. Anthony Kerr -----------------
Dear Paul Pierce and Peter Moscatt, I support both Jeff Stein and Jeronimo's views
regarding the playing of
Although I understand that if somebody gets kicked
- or pretends to have been kicked - he or she can sue the Council....
Just an idea!
Isabel Ruivo
|
" Capoeira
é cultura e arte do povo brasileiro. Capoeira é luta de resistência
contra a opressão e discriminação.
Capoeira Angola
é um Ritual que ginga pra educar e evoluir a raça humana
"