BALBUK STATUE ‘IN WRONG PLACE’

Gregory Martin demonstrating at Heirisson Island.

Family members of early 20th century activist Fanny Balbuk say a statue of her just erected in Government House, Perth, is in the wrong place.

Greg Martin said Fanny Balbuk’s own grandmother is buried under the foundations of Government House.

“Where they are putting the statue now, it’s like putting the statue in a cemetary,” he said. “Her grandmother is there, whereas she was born on Matagarup, Heirisson Island. It’s a slap in the face.”

Greg’s daughter Jo Martin says the early settlers sought to destroy anyone with blood ties to the land they wanted.

“She witnessed all of her family being masacred to capture her ancestral estates,” Ms Martin said.

The Martins say it would be more appropriate to place Balbuk’s statue on Matagarup, Heirisson Island, where she was born.

They say WA Goveror Kim Beazley had refused to meet them.

Government House has been contacted for comment.