A WAY FORWARD

41º 12' 52"S 146º 54' 47"

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PROJECT B73

PURPOSE: 

•  To 'dename' the bridge located at 41º 12' 52"S 146º 54' 47" 

OBJECTIVES: 

• To disassociate 'the bridge' with John Batman and his colonial exploits in Tasmania none of which had anything whatsoever to do with connecting the western and eastern banks of the kanamlukaTAMAR;

• To acknowledge and celebrate all the stories that belong to this place inclusively in an ongoing way;

• To mark the 'DEnaming' with markers that provide access to inclusive and expanding storytelling focused on the place and the deep histories attached to it and the people who have formed an association with the place. 

RATIONALE: 

• Given that 'the bridge' and John Batman have nothing whatsoever to do with connecting the western and eastern banks of the kanamlukaTAMAR and that his history is so conflicted with negative narratives embedded in Tasmania's histories, his colonial exploits should not be celebrated at this site.... Moreover, in a contemporary context celebrating his part in the Black War in Tasmania is divisive and conflicted ... "Tasmania’s Black War (1824-31) was the most intense frontier conflict in Australia’s history. It was a clash between the most culturally and technologically dissimilar humans to have ever come into contact. At stake was nothing less than control of the country, and the survival of a people..... Around 1000 lives were lost, but the loss of cultures and histories was far costlier" ... Thus removing his name from 'the bridge' is appropriate albeit that his story may well linger in this place.

•  There is a need to acknowledge and celebrate all the stories that belong to this place inclusively in an ongoing way ... Moreover, the Black War in Tasmania is not acknowledged anywhere and this 'place' may serve as an exemplar for other places where such acknowledgements might sited;

• The 'denaming' with markers both sides of the kanamlukaTAMAR that provide opportunities for inclusive and expanding storytelling and the deep histories attached to 'the place' and the people who have formed an association with it might well serve as a cultural healing place where stories and understandings can be shared – celebrated even.

STRATEGIES: 

• Initially, establish a sponsoring group to submit an application to the  Nomenclature Board of Tasmania to 'dename' the bridge that forms a part of Highway B73 that crosses kanamlukaTAMAR at 41º 12' 52"S 146º 54' 47" . Furthermore, provide rationales and further information in support of the submission. Likewise, simultaneously make submissions to the State Government and all regional Local Governments. 

• Given that 'QR Codes' have come into prominence 'words can be replaced by such codes' – click here for an example. As a component of the submission advocate the use of 'QR Code Signage' that takes interested people to a website that articulates the 'storytelling' and the 'deep histories and narratives' related to 'the bridge' and past naming rationales.

• Given that John Batman's name has been linked to the storytelling that belongs to this 'place',  up to now, he has been connected to the 'stories and imaginings' that need to be  collated and articulated. Once done they need to be made accessible via 'the QR site'. Given community acceptance, the site be designated as a significant cultural 'storyplace' where stories belonging to the place are told, retold, celebrated and acknowledged – especially so in regard to the Black War stories.

• Designate the 'place' as one where people, and communities, can acknowledge and celebrate all the stories that belong to and are associated with the kanamlukaTAMAR and this place.... This might well include 'markers' that serve as inclusively in an ongoing way for storytelling in this place [LINK]. Given community acceptance, the site be designated as a significant cultural 'storyplace' where stories belonging to the place are told, retold, celebrated and acknowledged – especially the Black War stories.

• Consequent to all of the above initIate a COMMUNITY PETITION to garner community support for DEnaming the bridge.

• Consequent to the 'DEnaming process' on both sides of the kanamlukaTAMAR to facilitate the use of the place as one where community events, gatherings, festivals, markets etc can take place.

• Given that there is community support, seek funding for placemarkers, events, festivals, performances, installations and projects focused  on the site and its storytelling via Crowd Funding and/or via other funding agencies.