UPDATE: The fight for an Assyrian school in Melbourne’s north intensifies as the Hume Council seeks urgent clarification from the state government regarding the proposed site at 3 Kosciuszko Drive, Craigieburn. Just days ago, council officers announced that the location is inappropriate due to its position within the protected Aitken Hill Reserve.
During a heated council meeting on December 11, 2023, Cr Sam Misho expressed frustration over the government’s lack of communication. “The state government could have approached the council and asked about this parcel of land before they got to the community and given them hope,” he stated. With hundreds of Assyrian community members in attendance, the urgency of the situation was palpable.
Former councillor Joseph Haweil highlighted the community’s desire for better collaboration with the council. “The community and council… have been inconvenienced simply to ask for an inquiry to be fully explored,” he remarked, emphasizing that this process should have been underway long before now.
Bishop Mar Benjamin Elya from the Assyrian Church of the East underscored the broader societal benefits of the proposed school, stating, “It is a project rooted not only in educational need but in cultural continuity, resilience, and genuine contribution to the broader Australian society.”
Resident Hindreen Youkhana raised concerns about ongoing delays and escalating costs for the project. “We found that the goals and the goalpost for what was a workable proposal continued to shift at each stage,” he noted, reflecting the community’s mounting frustration.
According to Cr Jim Overend, the school was initially endorsed by the council in 2022 but saw rejection from the state government in 2023, despite strong support from local parliament members. The community’s hopes for a dedicated educational facility have suffered numerous setbacks, leading to increased anxiety about the future of the project.
During the meeting, residents voiced alarm regarding the use of Aitken Hill for the school. Resident Aaron Carr expressed his concerns, stating he was “alarmed to read about the proposal to build a school on the land.”
As tensions rise, the Hume Council plans to engage directly with the state government to clarify their rationale for the proposed site. The community, feeling neglected and misinformed, is eager for answers and a path forward.
What’s Next: The council’s efforts to meet with state officials will be crucial in determining the future of the Assyrian school project. Community members are urged to stay informed and engaged as this developing situation unfolds.
The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated; the aspirations of a community hang in the balance as they fight for cultural representation and educational opportunities in Melbourne.
