URGENT UPDATE: The fight for an Assyrian school in Melbourne’s north intensifies as Hume City Council demands immediate clarification on the state government’s proposed location. Just days ago, the state government suggested 3 Kosciuszko Drive, Craigieburn as a potential site, only for the council to reveal this area is within the protected Aitken Hill Reserve.
During a heated council meeting on December 12, 2023, Cr Sam Misho expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the state government. “The state government could have approached the council and asked about this land before they reached out to the community,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
The Assyrian community, represented by hundreds of passionate members who filled the council chambers, is pressing for more collaboration and enthusiasm from local authorities. Former councillor Joseph Haweil emphasized the need for the council to pursue the inquiry into this potential school site, stating, “The community and council have been inconvenienced simply to ask for an inquiry to be fully explored… something that should already have happened.”
Support for the school extends beyond the Assyrian community. Bishop Mar Benjamin Elya of the Assyrian Church of the East stated that the project is vital not only for educational needs but also for cultural continuity and resilience, contributing positively to broader Australian society.
Local resident Hindreen Youkhana echoed concerns about ongoing delays that have escalated costs for the community. “We found that the goals and the goalpost for what was a workable proposal continued to shift at each stage,” he noted, underscoring the urgency for a resolution.
Despite council endorsement in 2022, the state government rejected the school proposal in 2023, even in the face of local parliamentary support. Cr Jim Overend pointed out this contradiction, raising concerns about transparency and support for community needs.
Residents have also voiced alarm regarding the use of Aitken Hill for the school. Aaron Carr, a concerned local, expressed his dismay at the proposal’s implications for the area.
As the situation develops, the Hume City Council plans to engage with the state government to clarify the rationale behind the site selection and determine the level of support available for the Assyrian school. The community continues to rally, emphasizing the educational and cultural significance of this project.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent matter as Hume Council seeks answers and the Assyrian community fights for their educational future.
