NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS FACELIFT FOR REDFERN SITE

Minister for Planning and Redfern-Waterloo Frank Sartor said the new multi-purpose National Indigenous Development Centre (NIDC) would provide local families with a range of learning, recreation and employment opportunities.

“This centre has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the Redfern-Waterloo community,” Mr Sartor said.

“The Indigenous Land Corporation’s proposal represents a commitment to positive change for urban Indigenous communities, and the NSW Government is pleased to support it.

“Through the centre local families will be able to access services like affordable child care, as well as programs aimed at fostering sporting talent.”

The centre will be located on the former Redfern Public School site and will include:

• A three-storey multi-purpose sport and recreational facility - including a heated
• 25 metre swimming pool and gymnasium.
• A one and two storey child care centre.
• A multi-code football field.
• Refurbishment of four existing heritage listed school buildings.
• Extensive landscaping, including the planting of 100 trees.

“A number of organisations will be based at the centre, including the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team,” Mr Sartor said.

“The facility will include a new Murawina Child Care Centre, which will provide long-day care and pre-school programs for Indigenous children.

“The Exodus Foundation will also run intensive literacy and numeracy training from the centre for students between the ages of 10 and 14 who are struggling in the mainstream school system.”

The Minister has attached a number of conditions to the approval, including:

• An experienced conservation architect must be engaged in the design, development and construction of existing heritage buildings on site.
• Alterations, demolition and new penetrations to existing heritage listed buildings are to be kept at a minimum.
• A test excavation must be undertaken on the site by a qualified archaeologist prior to construction with respect to Aboriginal and European heritage.

“I am confident that these conditions will ensure that this development will not have any adverse impacts upon the amenity currently enjoyed by local residents,” Mr Sartor said.

The project will deliver 20 construction jobs for Aboriginal workers as part of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority’s Indigenous Employment Model.

• State Plan Priority P4: More people participating in education and training throughout their life
• State Plan Priority E8: More people using sporting and recreational facilities
• State Plan Priority F1: Improved health and education for Aboriginal people

From RWA - NSW Government Supports Facelift for Redfern site Click here (pdf~37kb)