Embassy celebrates anniversary

Andy O'Phee and Peter Button have joined with other local musicians to produce an album to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

MUSIC has always had its place around the campfire at the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

The embassy has stood on McCauleys Beach for six years in defiance of the development of sacred Aboriginal land by housing developer Stockland.

In that time, protesters often gathered to sing songs about the place, the people and the protest.

And many of these musicians have now come together to produce an album to coincide with the embassy's sixth anniversary.

Kuradji Sounds Sandon Point Song Lines CD' showcases local performers such as Peter James Button, Paul Hickman, Bud Kennedy, Graham King, Wire MC and Leisure Coasters.

The album was produced with the assistance of the North Illawarra Reconciliation and Treaty Group and a small grant from the NSW Reconciliation Council.

Producer Andy O'Phee said the songs had given embassy residents strength during the course of a long campaign for Aboriginal heritage.

"Music can send a powerful message to the broader community, but it's also something that keeps us strong and united," he said.

With several tracks recorded live around the campfire, Mr O'Phee said the album aimed to capture the unique atmosphere of life at the tent embassy.

"You can hear the fire crackling and the waves crashing in the background," he said.

"I think it tells a nice rounded story and you feel like you've been there and experienced something special."

Kuradji Sounds' will be launched at the embassy site this Sunday (December 17) as part of the sixth anniversary celebrations.

The public are invited to attend and enjoy a concert from 12pm that will include performances from many of the featured musicians.

CDs will be available to buy and all proceeds will go back into the struggle at Sandon Point.

There are also plans to distribute the album to local schools and through the reconciliation network.