ORIGINAL custodians at the Djabwurrung Embassy, at the proposed Buangor to Ararat Western Highway duplication site, have been guaranteed that no work will take place for 48-hours after a court hearing Tuesday.
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The group made an application to the Federal Court of Australia under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act for a 48-hour declaration of protection.
The application was granted, and the 48-hour period came into effect at 5pm Tuesday evening.
Djabwurrung spokesman Zellanach Gurnaikurnai said activists believed it was still possible that Major Roads Victoria would arrive on site on Thursday.
"We're still preparing," he said.
"We know that the government are not going to give up easy.
"There is still a long way to go in the process and we're just staying strong, united, peaceful and focused."
"Now we've got to go and conduct some cultural heritage management stuff, which is included in the appeal case."
Aboriginal Elder Aunty Sandra Onus said that the activists have support from Trades Hall, who has not responded to The Ararat Advertiser's requests for comment.
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