Protests against the controversial development of the Huskisson Church site have continued over the long weekend.
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A group of Aboriginal men conducted a smoking ceremony and performed traditional dances on Saturday, October 5, in a show of solidarity with the Huskisson Heritage Association.
One of the men, traditional owner Charlie Ashby, said it was a spur-of-the-moment event.
"I went down to see what damage had been done to the trees, and ran into a few relatives," he said.
"It was an opportunity to clarify our support for the Huskisson Heritage Association, but our main goal is to protect and care for our ancestors buried here.
"There was a great feeling of togetherness and mutual respect."
At least seven bodies are buried on the site. It is understood that the developer, Stephen Bartlett, has endeavoured to avoid disturbing any known graves.
However, Mr Ashby said he still had concerns.
"I can't stress enough that you can't divide a graveyard," he said.
"It's unethical and sets a precedent. At the end of the day, desecration is desecration, whether it happens on purpose or accidentally."
Mr Ashby said he wanted the Aboriginal community to be more involved in the development process.
"When the ground penetrating radar results came in there were anomalies," he said.
"We want further investigation into those anomalies, and for Indigenous people to be involved in that. There is a broader issue of where our laws and knowledge fit into the 21st Century narrative, and how we can combine our knowledge for the betterment of the community."
Mr Ashby said he would welcome the opportunity for council and the developer to sit down with representatives from the community and have a conversation.
"Just because we are pro-Huskisson Heritage Association in this instance, doesn't mean we are anti-development," he said.
"I believe the council should give weight to information from the descendents of those buried on the site."
Mr Bartlett defended the development.
"We're following the proper process and doing everything we can to ensure no graves are disturbed, the church is saved, and everybody remains safe," he said.
"It is very unfortunate that all of the expert commentary is not supportive of the Huskisson Heritage Association's preferred outcome."
He said some opponents of the development had been less-than respectful.
"The abuse being received by the (Anglican) minister and his family is disgraceful," he said.