Save Williamstown mourned the passing of Democracy at Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place Williamstown

at 12 noon on Saturday 8th May

Susie Morrow was the celebrant at the service

explaining that the community had been excluded from democratic process by Minister Madden unilaterally rezoning the site residential without consulting with Hobsons Bay City Council, the local community or stakeholders.  The rezoning had been solely on the developer’s application to the Minister - the death of democracy.

Chief Mourners/Speakers were:

Liz McKeag

Godfrey Moase

Colleen Hartland, MLC Western Metropolitan (Greens)

Wade Noonan, MLA Williamstown (ALP)

Music by:

Bec and Seb

...also present and supporting the community was Joan Kirner ex Premier of Victoria together with a thousand Williamstown residents many dressed in black for the sad occasion.

There were two coffins one for Democracy (RIP) which contained the “Dead” ballot box with the last votes of the community and a second partner coffin which waits in readiness for the burial of the inappropriate and unsustainable plans of the developer Nelson Place Village  of the Former Port Phillip Woollen Mill Site.

After speeches the mourners walked in procession with the coffins to the heritage Ann St Morgue for interment.  The sad mourners were lead by 3 young musicians of Theatre Reasearch Institute’s Five Angry Men and the Willum Women’s Choir.

In the morgue the coffins were laid to rest with two single candles in the candelabra showing a light for the future when once more democracy will prevail and the full candelabra can be lit in celebration. 

Following the interment a wake was held in the Pirates Tavern at Seaworks where The Long and Short performed and mourners were able to talk about their visions for a better planning system in the future.

A book of condolences was signed by many mourners as a permanent memorial of the sentiment of local residents towards the unfair planning processes for which Minister Madden is responsible

Save Williamstown teeshirts were on sale and further orders can be placed by contacting Ian Carpenter c/o the address below.

A big thank you to all those who letterboxed 6,000 flyers through Williamstown and district and those who contacted friends neighbours relatives and colleagues about the event.

Television news on Channels Seven, Nine and Ten reported on 6 O’Clock news as well as newspaper reporters being in attendance.

DEMOCRACY - REST IN PEACE

see pictures of the ceremony here

If you have any pictures to add to the gallery please email to