By EMMA SUN
EMERALD Primary School students are campaigning to keep a symbolic elephant statue purchased by the community in front of the library.
The statue, named Mali, represents the first elephant to be born in captivity in Australia and was bought by Emerald for Sustainability (EmFSus) for $5000 using money collected through the community for animal conservation programs.
It was unveiled at the opening of the PAVE Festival on Saturday 13 April, but may have to be moved due to Cardinia Shire Council’s concerns for safety.
The school’s grade six students are running a community action campaign to convince the council to keep Mali where it is through petitions and information collection.
EmFSus treasurer Sarah Cole said EmFSus believed they had been given the green light by the council to keep Mali outside the library as a town icon in the lead-up to its arrival.
“We were invited to a council briefing where we worked to discuss the issues relating to Mali and how we might have her permanently at Emerald,” she said.
“They have said their public liability insurance won’t cover Mali but we’re of the understanding that everything put out in area is under the council’s insurance.”
Ms Cole said the council had asked EmFSus to transfer ownership so that Mali could be covered under public liability insurance.
“We’re refusing to do that because we don’t believe it’s necessary and because Emerald worked pretty hard to have her – she rightfully belongs to the community,” she said.
“All of the money was raised through the community and council contributed to her through ward funds, which is why we believed we had the green light before unveiling.
“They have been exhibited throughout Melbourne so we’re kind of saying if they’re safe enough to be in the streets of Melbourne, why not streets of Emerald.
“We could put it on private property but it defeats the purpose.”
Cardinia Shire Council CEO Garry McQuillan said council representatives were in talks with EmFSus members about the insurance problem.
“Cardinia Shire Council (has met) with representatives from the Emerald for Sustainability group to further discuss future responsibilities in relation to Mali the elephant,” he said.
“Council appreciates the group’s generosity in wanting to share this unique artwork with the community.
“However a number of issues, particularly around safety, need to be resolved before any decision is made.”
He said the matter will be discussed further at a council meeting on Monday 6 May and a statement from the council will be available after the meeting on the council website.
Ms Cole hoped the council would decide in their favour and allow the elephant to remain an icon in Emerald community for years to come.
“It’s been five months of working very hard on this and the council haven’t really been on the ball right from the start,” she said.
“We consulted with them throughout the whole process and to just turn around and say no at this point isn’t really acceptable for us, so we’re certainly not giving up.”
