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Redfern-Waterloo Authority Annual Report 07-08
Important Notes –Errors can occur in taking text from PDF files while we have taken care to try and reproduce the text from the PDF we can not guarantee that it is 100% accurate. We suggest that you check any text you wish to quote from the REDWatch text version against the official RWA Annual report to ensure it is accurate.
The RWA Annual report contains some text from full page photos with text about people and organisations in Redfern Waterloo. For ease of reference we have add this text in italics at the end in one place before the Appendicies.
Finally we have had to exclude the financial report and some diagrams and have noted in the text that to obtain this information you will need to refer to the full PDF version.
The PDF version of the RWA Annual report can be found at: 07-08 Annual Report - Full Version (pdf ~3.5mb)
For ease of locating information within this text version we have provided links below to the major sections of the RWAs Annual Report:
Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - Australian Technology Park (ATP)
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - National Indigenous Development Centre
Redfern-Waterloo ‘s Renewal - Residential Development
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - Community Health Centre
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - North Eveleigh Training Centre
Redfern/ Regent Streets Upgrade
Other Development - Black Theatre Site
Sponsorships/Grants provided by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Profile - Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo
Profile – Eric and Maria Papadopoulos
Profile – Pastor Ray Minniecon
Profile – Rob Roberts and Tribal Warrior
Optimism
Under the direction of the NSW Government’s 10-year urban renewal program for Redfern-Waterloo, the revitalisation of this once undercapitalised city fringe location has instilled renewed confidence in the region and encouraged an influx of creative enterprise and private investment.
With the amount of commercial, residential and community facilities being developed or refurbished as a direct result of RWA initiatives, Redfern-Waterloo is seeing the benefits of a commitment to reinvestment, jobs and sustainable economic prosperity.
Since the RWA was established in 2005, the NSW Government has directly facilitated the investment of well over $600 million towards infrastructure development and the provision of improved human services and an increase in employment opportunities for the local community. This, in turn, has inspired a sense of optimism among people who live and/or work in Redfern-Waterloo and those who will do so in the future.
Redfern Waterloo
Redfern and Waterloo are just south of Sydney’s Central Business District. To the south-west of Redfern and Waterloo are Sydney’s economic gateways, Port Botany and Sydney Airport. The traditional owners of Redfern-Waterloo are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The area remains culturally and historically significant for Aboriginal persons throughout Australia and is home to people from a diverse range of non-English speaking backgrounds.
Vision
To establish Redfern-Waterloo as an active, vibrant and sustainable community by promoting and supporting greater social cohesion and community safety, and respect for the cultural heritage and orderly development of the area in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development.
Minister’s Letter
The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP Minister for Redfern-Waterloo Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney
Dear Minister Keneally
It is with pleasure that I forward you the fourth Annual Report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority for the year ending 30 June 2008.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the NSW Annual Report legislation and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107.
Yours Sincerely
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Overview
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) was created by a NSW Government Act of Parliament in Oct 2004 (Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107) and established on 17 January 2005.
The RWA is responsible for revitalising Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington through strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public spaces, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.
Principal Objectives
- To encourage the urban renewal of Redfern–Waterloo into an active, vibrant and sustainable community;
- To promote, support and respect the Aboriginal community in Redfern-Waterloo with regards to the importance of the area to the Aboriginal people;
- To promote the orderly development of Redfern-Waterloo whilst taking into consideration principles of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development;
- To provide and promote housing choices in the operational area;
- To enable the establishment of public areas in Redfern-Waterloo; and
- To promote greater social cohesion and community safety in Redfern–Waterloo.
Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
We are pleased to present the fourth Annual Report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, which was established on 17 January 2005.
In this, our third full financial year, many initiatives have been implemented to further promote investment in the operational area and to provide jobs and training for local unemployed, particularly within the Indigenous community.
A sound strategic platform has been laid for Redfern Waterloo’s future growth and social cohesion.
Over the last 12 months, we have continued to focus our efforts on further developing the Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is being implemented as part of the Government’s 10-year urban renewal strategy. The three main components are Human Services, Employment & Enterprise and the Built Environment.
Stage One of the Built Environment Plan was released on 30 August 2006 and is primarily a planning framework to encourage future economic growth and the creation of up to 18,000 jobs throughout Redfern-Waterloo, The blueprint included plans to generate more than 444,000sqm of new employment space, 2,000 new homes, a new Town Centre, improved pedestrian access to our residential and business hubs and better urban design.
We have also been driving and monitoring the implementation of Phase One of the Human Services Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan. Both Plans aim to enhance the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged within our community.
A draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) was finalised in 2007 and publicly released in July 2008. Phase Two outlines key strategies for the improvement of services to older people, people with disabilities, homeless people and migrant communities, while recommendations include a new task force to enhance the provision of dementia services, increased cultural awareness training for service providers and encouraging elderly Aboriginals to help design health programs. Overall, the Plan aims to better coordinate services to ensure the needs of the community are being met. Over the next decade, the NSW Government will work to implement this second phase of the Human Services Plan, along with Phase One – which deals with services for children and families, Aboriginal persons and young people.
In this Financial Year, several key projects moved forward including the successful tendering for the Rachel Forster Hospital site, with net proceeds from the sale dedicated to the development of the new $10 million Community Health Centre on the site of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station. This development will create up to 94 full-time jobs and lead to the adaptive reuse of the Redfern Courthouse heritage building. The proposed redevelopment of the hospital site will also result in significant social, economic and environmental benefits for the Redfern-Waterloo area. An estimated $70 million worth of local investment is expected to be generated through the proposed development of up to 150 new residential dwellings and more than 1000sqm of open public space.
Following the successful brokering by the RWA for the purchase of the former Redfern Public School by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) from the Department of Education and Training, approval was granted in October 2007 for a new $30 million National indigenous Development Centre (NIDC). The Centre will provide local families with access to a range of learning, education, recreation and employment opportunities and represents a commitment by the RWA and the ILC to positive change for urban Indigenous communities. The Centre is expected to be operational by 2009 and will deliver 20 construction jobs for Aboriginal workers as part of the RWA’s Indigenous Employment Model.
Early in 2008, the RWA lodged its Concept Plan for the redevelopment of North Eveleigh which will in turn fund an upgrade of Redfern Railway Station and a new pedestrian/ cycle bridge to link the North Eveleigh with Australian Technology Park. The North Eveleigh project has a capital works cost of $550 million and will transform the historic precinct into a dynamic commercial, residential and cultural epicentre for the city. A significant proportion of the site will be retained in public ownership, with the adaptive reuse of buildings of historic significance. This includes the refurbishment of the heritage Blacksmiths’ Workshop adjoining the Performing Arts Centre for a community market, arts space and car park. The markets have received development consent and the multi-purpose facility is scheduled to commence weekend operation in the latter half of 2008.
The RWA’s agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd has led to the start of construction of a $123 million development at Australian Technology Park. Under the agreement, the Seven Network and their publishing company, Pacific Magazines along with other commercial tenants), will relocate to the site within the next two years to occupy a 43,500sqm state-of-the-art media centre. This will be Redfern’s largest commercial development in more than 10 years and create 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs, including 60 for Indigenous construction workers. The multiplier effect in respect to further investment and jobs coming to Redfern is expected to be very significant.
The RWA’s direct commitment of more than $54 million at Australian Technology Park for the development of a 12,000sqm research facility along with associated roads and infrastructure was realised in May 2008 with the completion of the National ICT Australia (NICTA) Building. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation now occupies the first three floors, with NICTA having relocated to the upper three floors in mid-2008.
In June 2007, the NSW Government announced a major $27 million public housing redevelopment at Elizabeth Street Redfern that will create 106 modern and eco-friendly dwellings. In addition, the Department of Housing will sell adjoining land for a private residential development of 158 new dwellings.
The RWA’s commitment to the implementation of the Built Environment Plan includes an Affordable Housing Contributions Plan, which will deliver about $35 million or 75 affordable housing dwellings in Redfern-Waterloo over the next 10 years. The RWA will also be able to deliver an additional $30 million for affordable housing at North Eveleigh under the agreement it negotiated with the former owner over the future development of the CUB site in Chippendale. $16 million of the total funds available will be committed to affordable housing specifically for Aboriginal residents, which will be in addition to housing owned or proposed by the Aboriginal Housing Company on AHC land in and around The Block in Redfern.
The RWA Contributions Plan will also deliver about $37 million in developer contributions for public domain and other public works as a result of future development in the area under the RWA’s Built Environment Plan.
In partnership with Housing NSW, the RWA has commenced work on Stage Two of the Built Environment Plan, which includes the aim of improving public housing stock, enhancing the mix of housing types and tenancies in order to reduce the concentration of public housing, establishing a more sustainable social mix and facilitating affordable housing.
Dr. Col Gellatly Chairperson
Robert Domm Chief Executive Officer
Organisational Structure
In order to achieve its principle objectives, the RWA maintains an undertaking to:
- Promote, facilitate, manage and secure the social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development and use of the operational area, including the development and management of land, the provision of infrastructure and the establishment of public areas;
- Provide and promote housing choices in the operational area (including for Aboriginal residents);
- Provide and promote employment opportunities for local residents, commercial opportunities for local businesses and cultural development (including the needs of the Aboriginal community) in the operational area;
- Enhance and manage public places in the operational area and to improve, maintain and regulate the use of those public places;
- Promote, co-ordinate, organise, manage, undertake, secure, provide and conduct cultural, educational, commercial, recreational, entertainment and transport activities and facilities in the operational area; and
- Do any other thing for the sustainable improvement of the operational area.
CEO --------------
| •Human Services
| •Training, Enterprise and Employment
| •Community Relations
| •Office Administration
|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| | |
Australian Planning and Urban Renewal (Development) Urban Design
Technology Park Precinct
Management Ltd
Corporate Governance
The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Kristina Keneally MP, is responsible for the control and direction of the RWA. The Minister has established a Board of Governance and, while the Board establish the policies and directions for the RWA, its day to day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.
There are three Board Committees:
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Audit and Compliance Committee is the focal point for communication between the Board, the external auditors, the internal auditors and management, as their duties relate to the financial accounting, reporting and internal controls and compliance.
The Audit and Compliance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities as to accounting policies and reporting practices of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. It is to be the Board’s principal agent in assuring the independence of RWA auditors, the integrity of management and the adequacy of the disclosures to the public.
Affordable Housing Committee
In accordance with RWA Board Procedures, the Affordable Housing Committee Terms of Reference are as follows:
To review the development and operation of the proposed affordable housing program for Redfern-Waterloo;
To review the operation of the Affordable Housing Voluntary Planning Agreement for the CUB site; and
To review the operation of the Affordable Housing Contributions Plan for Redfern-Waterloo.
Urban Renewal Committee
The Urban Renewal Committee reviews and advises on proposed urban renewal strategies in accordance with the RWA’s Built Environment Plan.
Minister for Redfern - Waterloo
|
RWA Board
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Audit Compliance Committee - Affordable Housing Committee - Urban Renewal Committee
Board Member Profiles
Dr Col Gellatly B Ag Ec 9 (Hons) UNE, M Comm (Hons) UNSW, Ph D NC State, FIPAA
Dr Col Gellatly is the current Chairperson of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, as of 1 July 2007. Dr Gellatly is the former Director-General of the Premier’s Department, a role which he held since being appointed in 1994. He has held a number of senior management positions within the NSW public service, including as Director General of the Department of Land and Water Conservation. He is also Chair of Pillar Corporation, a member of the Board of State Water Corporation, a member of the UNE Council, member of Board of the NSW Rugby League and an Administrator, Wollongong City Council. Dr Gellatly has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW and a PhD from North Carolina State University.
CEO – Mr Robert Domm BA LLB (Mon) MLLR (Syd) Grad.Dip.Legal Prac. (ANU)
Robert Domm is Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Managing Director of Australian Technology Park. Mr Domm spent four years at the City of Sydney including 3 years as General Manager during a period of unprecedented growth and change, through Council boundary changes and amalgamation with South Sydney Council. He served for three years as a Director of the Sydney Festival Limited and is also a Director of the South Sydney Leagues Club. A qualified legal practitioner and former labour advocate, Mr Domm has also worked as an adviser to Government and continues to bring broad experience and a strong commitment to social justice to his role as Chief Executive Officer with the RWA. In July 2008, the NSW Government appointed Mr Domm as Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Mr Domm holds degrees in Arts and Law, a masters degree in Labour Law & Relations and a graduate diploma in Legal Practice.
Mr Michael Collins FRICS
Mike Collins is a Sydney property practitioner. He has been involved in property economics, real estate valuation, property consultancy and asset management for over 35 years, and is professionally qualified in property economics and valuation. He runs his own property advisory company based in the Sydney CBD which provides services to the public and private sectors throughout New South Wales. Mike sits on the Boards of Redfern Waterloo Authority and Australian Technology Park Precinct Management Limited and is the current Chairman of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. He is a former Chairman of the Heritage Council of NSW and a former National and NSW President of the Australian Property Institute, the professional institute representing the property valuation and land economist professions in Australia.
Mr Richard Johnson MBE M Phil (UCL) B.Arch Hons 1 (UNSW) FRAIA
Richard Johnson is an award winning architect and was recently awarded the 2008 Raia Gold Medal for his exceptional body of work and contribution to the profession. He is a Visiting Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales and a Director of Johnson Pilton Walker Architects. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, an Associate of the Japan Institute of Architects, and a Member of the Design Institute of Australia. Mr Johnson was involved in the design of the Australian embassies in Beijing and Tokyo. He is the Chief Architect for the Sydney Opera House and is also currently working on projects including the Australian War Memorial, the Hilton Hotel and the Asian Wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He also serves on the Board of the Australian Technology Park and the Australian Architects Association. Mr Johnson has a Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours) from the University of NSW and a Master of Philosophy (Town Planning) from University College, London. In 1976 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Architecture.
Ms Samantha Mostyn BA LLB
Ms Sam Mostyn has an extensive background in business, management, law and sustainability. She recently left Insurance Australia Group (IAG) after 6 years as Group Executive, Culture & Reputation. In that role she was responsible for the Human Resources, Organisational Effectiveness, Corporate & Government Affairs, and Corporate Sustainability functions. Prior to joining IAG in 2002, Sam held senior executive roles at Optus and spent 2 years in London in the role of Group Director Human Resources for Cable & Wireless plc. She has a BA/LLB from the Australian National University and serves on the Boards of the Sydney Theatre Company, the Australian Museum, Reconciliation Australia, Australian Volunteers International and the Australian Football League. She also serves on the NSW and QLD Climate Change Councils and chairs the Advisory Council of CSI RO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship project. She joined the Board of the Redfern Waterloo Authority in 2005.
Mr Warren Mundine AIMM MAICD
Warren Mundine is the Chief Executive Officer of NTSCORP Ltd., and an advocate for lifting Indigenous people out of poverty and building a strong Indigenous economy. Warren is also a member of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Chair of NSW Labor’s Indigenous Policy Committee, a member of IAG’s Expert Community Advisors Committee, Executive Member of the National Native Title Council, Executive member of the St. Joseph’s College Indigenous Fund, Southern Cross University Foundation, Board member of NAISDA and Ambassador for the Song Room. Warren has been newly appointed to the National Policy Commission – Indigenous Housing Committee. Warren is the former National President of Australian Labor Party, Deputy Mayor of Dubbo and former Chair of NSW Country Labor. He also is and had previously served on the NSW PCYC State Board, as President of the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network, as an Executive member of the Local Government Association of NSW, as a commissioner with the NSW Local Government Grants Commission and a former member of the NSW Attorney General’s Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee.
Ms Lucy Hughes Turnbull LLB MBA
Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003 to 2004, Deputy Lord Mayor from 1999 to 2003 and was recently appointed an Administrator of Tweed Shire Council. Ms Turnbull has extensive experience in planning, business and investment banking and currently chairs many companies, both private and public, including WebCentral Group Limited, Centrestone Wealth Management Pty Limited, and Pengana Holdings Limited. Former chair of the NSW Government’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biotechnology, Ms Turnbull has also served on the NSW Government’s Information Industry Business Advisory Board. She is the author of Sydney – Biography of a City (1999) and has assisted with several community based initiatives in the Redfern area. She also serves on the Board of Australian Technology Park.
Ms Ann Weldon
Ann Weldon is a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation and is one of the founding members of the NSW Aboriginal Children’s Service. Ms Weldon has held executive positions and is a member of the Murawina Aboriginal Preschool, Aboriginal Housing Company, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Marrickville Aboriginal Consultative Committee, Aboriginal Housing Development Committee and ATSIC’s National Women’s Advisory and National Sport and Recreation Committees. Ms Weldon was a member of the Sydney ATSIC Regional Council for over 10 years, including a term as Chairperson. Ann was appointed to the inaugural Aboriginal Housing Board in 1998 as an ATSIC nominee and has remained Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board since her appointment in 2000.
John Mulally (Appointed 23 January 2008) BA LLB (Hons)
John has almost 40 years experience as a lawyer specialising in major property and infrastructure projects. He has acted for major Australian and off-shore developers and investors, Australian and State Government instrumentalities and off-shore Governments. This has included the acquisition, development and sale of major projects in all capital cities of Australia as well as in Vanuatu, Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, London, Paris, St Petersburg, Kiev, Moscow and New York. He has also advised on major energy projects in Australia and off-shore. He is currently advising on major infrastructure and renewable energy projects in China and Africa. His role in these projects deals with the funding structure, legal requirements and the integration of the commercial with the legal outcomes required to achieve project development.
Ms Jennifer Westacott BA (Hons) FAICD FVIPA (Term expired 16 January 2008)
Jennifer recently joined KPMG after over 20 years in State Government in Victoria and New South Wales at Senior Executive and Chief Executive level. Jennifer has held the following positions: Deputy Director General, NSW Department of Housing; Deputy Director, NSW Department of Community Services; Executive Director, NSW Health Council; Director of Housing Victoria; Secretary Education and Training Victoria; and from May 2003 to October 2005 Jennifer was the Director General of Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources in New South Wales. Jennifer is also a member of the Board of Advice Faculty of Economics, University of Sydney. Jennifer has also been appointed as the Adjunct Professor at the City Futures Research Centre, University of NSW.
Ministerial Advisory Committees
Built Environment, Employment and Enterprise and Human Services
Residents of Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington were also invited by the Minister to participate in any of three Ministerial Advisory Committees established to advise on matters relating to the development and implementation of RWA initiatives. These committees also include representatives from Federal, State and Local government and local Aboriginal communities.
Redfern-Waterloo Plan
The principle objectives of the RWA are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan. The three-part Plan is designed as a “whole of community” strategy to address the complex issues of, and the needs of people who live within, the Redfern-Waterloo area. The Plan is being developed in stages, the first of which has been delivered, and ongoing community input will remain a major consideration.
The Redfern-Waterloo Plan consists of three components:
- Built Environment Plan – focusing on urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing, public housing, cultural heritage and urban renewal.
- Employment and Enterprise Plan – developing and implementing strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, particularly for those within the Indigenous community.
- Human Services Plan – reforming human services and health issues affecting residents of Redfern-Waterloo.
The RWA’s Plan is assisting in achieving three major priorities of the NSW Government’s comprehensive State Plan:
- Stronger Aboriginal communities through improved health and education outcomes;
- Ensuring NSW is open for business; and
- An improved urban environment.
The State Plan, a New Direction for NSW, was launched by the Premier, Morris Iemma, in November, 2006 and is a blueprint for the betterment of a broad range of services for communities throughout NSW.
Built Environment Plan (BEP)
The Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was released in August 2006 along with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to give legal effect to the new planning controls. The BEP is a landmark strategy to drive the physical renewal of Redfern and Waterloo with the aim to generate more than 400,000 square metres of new employment space and up to 2,000 new homes. This is being implemented through new zoning controls for eight key RWA strategic sites:
- Redfern Railway Station, Gibbons and Regent Streets
- Australian Technology Park
- North Eveleigh
- South Eveleigh
- Eveleigh Street
- Former Local Court House and Police Station
- Former Rachel Forster Hospital
- Former Redfern Public School
The key objective of the Plan involves creating an economic and civic centre around Redfern Station with improved pedestrian connectivity between the business hubs of Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh and the Redfern CBD.
Stage One also identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain enhancement, infrastructure provision and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
Significant Achievements
- Project Application approval and commencement of construction of 41,800 sqm commercial development valued at $123 million at ATP. The development will house Channel 7, Pacific Magazines and similar media organisations
- Construction completed on $47.5 million commercial building to house National ICT Australia and the Department of Defence, Science and Technology (DSTO) at ATP.
- Completion of new roads and infrastructure valued at $7 million at ATP.
- Preparation and public exhibition of Concept Plan for North Eveleigh site. Proposed is a mix of residential, commercial/ retail and community facilities. Will go to market for sale in late 2008.
- Preparation of design concept and Project Application for Eveleigh Heritage Walk - a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the rail corridor connecting North Eveleigh and ATP.
- Approval of Development Application and commencement of building works for the adaptive reuse of the Blacksmith’s Shop (North Eveleigh) for markets, community uses and parking.
- Approval of Concept Plan for the former Rachel Forster Hospital site for residential development. Site was sold in early 2008.
- Lodgement of Project Application to Minister for Planning for a $10 million community health centre by NSW Health on the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station. Work on the site is expected to commence in late 2008.
- Approval of Project Application and commencement of construction of the $30 million National Indigenous Development Centre (by the Indigenous Land Corporation) on the site of the former Redfern Public School.
- Processed Development Applications (applications with a capital investment value less than $5 million) valued at over $2 million on RWA Sites.
Future Key Tasks
The RWA has commenced research and analysis with Housing NSW to prepare the Redfern-Waterloo Built Environment Plan (Stage 2). This plan will focus on options for the revitalisation of public housing in Redfern-Waterloo and opportunities to enhance affordable housing by:
- Revitalising public housing stock;
- Improving the associated public domain;
- Reducing the concentration of public housing;
- Increasing the local population for a more sustainable social mix; and
- Facilitating the provision of affordable housing, including a shared equity model of home ownership.
The NSW Government’s commitment to public housing in Redfern-Waterloo has been expressed very clearly.
- There will be no cuts to the amount of public housing
- Current residents will not be disadvantaged
- All public tenancies are secure.
The Redfern-Waterloo community and public housing tenants in particular will be extensively consulted on any proposals for public housing renewal.
Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Robert Domm - Chairperson
Professor Chris Johnson - Department of Planning
Mr Richard Pembroke - Redfern Group
Mr Michael Cummins - Waterloo Storm ARLFC Inc
Mr Steve Tamas - PRD Nationwide Redfern
Ms Kathy Roil - Housing NSW
Mr Richard Hemsworth - Railcorp
Mr Reg Fisk - Department of State & Regional Development
Mr Michael Bushby - Roads & Traffi c Authority
Mr Andrew Thomas - Director of Strategic Planning & Project
Community members
Mr Alex Kibble
Ms Denny Powell
Mr Sol Bellear
Mr Geoffrey Turnbull
Ms Norah McGuire
Human Services Plan
The RWA’s Phase One Human Services Plan (HSP) was published in December 2005 and sets out a framework for improving access to health, education, employment and other essential human services in the local community.
Phase One addressed services provided primarily for children and young families, young people and Aboriginal people. The Plan also identifies priorities and actions to address improvement to the delivery of human services.
Phase Two was endorsed by the NSW Cabinet in May 2008 and continues the implementation of Phase One to ensure consistency and complementarities between actions in the two phases. The draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two)
identifies eight priority areas as well as improvements to service delivery for older people, people with disabilities, migrant communities and homeless people.
The eight priority areas are:
- Improving access to dementia support;
- Improving service quality for migrant communities;
- Improving access to aged care and health services by Aboriginal people 45 years and older;
- Reducing the negative impacts of homelessness;
- Improving identifi cation of need and access to services for people with a disability;
- Reducing social isolation;
- Improving access to local and community transport for people who are transport disadvantaged; and
- Improving safety and amenity.
The role of the RWA in the development of the Human Services Plan is now complete. The RWA will continue to play a facilitating and coordinating role to support both Government and non-Government agencies to maintain the good progress achieved through the Human Services Plan Phase One and to assist in the implementation of the actions in Phase Two.
Significant Achievements
- Evaluation of the Human Services Plan Phase One
- Development of the Waterloo Green Action Plan. This plan was developed in 2007 in response to local community concerns regarding antisocial behaviour and other related safety issues in the vicinity of Waterloo Green.
- Provision of a five day Deep Listening in Indigenous Counselling Skills Workshop by Southern Cross University for workers from over 20 different Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations in conjunction with NSW Department of Community Services.
- Provision of a two day Family Violence forum to identify ways to improve support services for Aboriginal men in conjunction with NSW Department of Community Services, Police and Housing NSW.
- Establishment of the Redfern-Waterloo Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) involving government and non government agencies. This group has been successful in obtaining funding to undertake a number of projects to address risky drinking in the area and has also established a Community Assistance Support Team (CAST) program to engage with street drinkers to identify services to further assist this group.
- Provision of four “Easy Cooking on a Budget” courses for young parents to provide cooking skills as well as soft entry points to other support services targeting this client group. The project has resulted in a working partnership with SDN Children’s Services and NSW Health.
Future Key Tasks
- Develop strategies specifically dealing with private and public housing
- Investigate the need for high and low care residential facilities for older people, including facilities specifi cally for Aboriginal people
- Address the need for more affordable housing and service gaps for homeless people
- Make multi-purpose spaces and community facilities more available
- Implement strategies to improve safety and perceptions of safety within the community
Human Services Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Robert Domm – Chair
Dr Phil Lambert – Department of Education and Training
Ms Kristy Masella – Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Dr Greg Stewart -Sydney South West Area Health Service
Ms Margaret Malkjovich – Housing NSW
Ms Anne-Maree Sabellico – Department of Community Services
Ms Alison Peters – NCOSS NSW
Superintendent Mark Walton – NSW Police Service Redfern Local Area Command
Ms Sally Trevena – Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC)
Ms Ann Hoban – City of Sydney
Mr Paul Cramer – Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Mr Steven Gal – Department of Disability, Ageing and Home Care
Community Members
Ms Mabel Chang
Mr Robert Perry
Ms Lynette Stewart
Mr Chris Carbin
Ms Rebekah Torres
Mr Michael Shreenan
Employment & Enterprise Plan
The Employment & Enterprise Plan was published in May 2006 and is the first comprehensive training and employment strategy for the Redfern-Waterloo area. Its main aim is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market, to create educational opportunities and build on future growth potential.
The Plan initially focuses on:
- Increasing supply of employment opportunities, particularly through commercial and residential development
- Capitalising on the Research/Biomedical Innovation Zone
- Improving education and training including a dedicated vocational training centre
- Strengthening partnerships with local employers
- Industry based employment strategies
- Employment and enterprise strategies for Aboriginal people and youth
- Supporting local business
Significant Achievements
- The RWA’s Indigenous Employment Model has created more than 250 jobs for Indigenous workers
- Establishment of the Aboriginal Construction Company list
- Provision of 8 Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) Courses through the RWA’s Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre
- Provision of 5 Koori Job Ready Courses for employment in the construction industry
- Other training initiatives
Future Key Tasks
- Building on previous strategies, such as the implementation of the construction training and job placement program for Aboriginals and the development of the North Eveleigh hospitality and training centre
- Targeting the employment opportunities emerging at Australian Technology Park and other RWA strategic sites
- Developing strategies for employment opportunities in the service industries
- Working with the local community to ensure opportunities for young Aboriginal people in the area are maximised through university based cadetships
- Expanding cultural industries through means such as design production, and realising export potential
- Strengthening connections to universities to encourage local children to move into tertiary education
- Facilitating the running of enterprise summer schools
The RWA Indigenous Employment Model (IEM)
The IEM has brokered employment opportunities in the construction industry for 250 Aboriginal people across 25 trades from electricians to bricklayers, office administrators and crane drivers. On the Redfern Oval upgrade, the RWA brokered 10 jobs, seven positions for the Redfern Street upgrade and five for the Glebe Point Road project, while several private sector groups are using the RWA to manage Aboriginal employment on sites throughout Sydney.
The Model has also been adopted by other NSW Government Agencies, while the Commonwealth Government is using it to manage the achievement of Aboriginal employment outcomes on local construction projects.
Employment and Enterprise Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Robert Domm – Chairperson
Dr Phil Lambert – Department of Education and Training
Mr Peter Roberts – TAFE NSW Sydney Institute
Ms Bernadette Self – Department of State and Regional Development
Ms Kristy Masella – Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Sharon Hawkins – Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mr Mark Spinks – Centrelink
Mr Les Tobler – CFMEU
Mr Shawn Day – City of Sydney (appointed February 2008)
Ms Jan Campbell – City of Sydney (resigned February 2008)
Community Members:
Mr Michael Dalah
Mr Anthony John Larkings
Mr Karl King
Ms Megan Gardiner
Ms Siobhan Bryson
Ms Dixie Link-Gordon
Mr Con Passas
Mr Jon Newton (resigned February 2008)
RWA A WINNER AT GROUP TRAINING AWARDS 2008
MG My Gateway and the RWA were winners at the NSW Group Training Awards held in June, 2008 in Sydney.
Presented by The Group Training Association of NSW, the awards recognise the hard work and dedication of apprentices, trainees, host employers and member organisations by rewarding their outstanding achievements and excellence in group training.
MG My Gateway and the RWA won the prestigious NSW Innovation and Best Practice Award for development of creating opportunities for employment within the Indigenous community through the Aboriginal Employment Model.
Indigenous Apprentice of the Year was MG Gateway employee, Lawrence Kelly – a third year construction carpentry apprentice hosted by Bovis Lend Lease. Lawrence got his start through the RWA’s Aboriginal Employment Model working on the CarriageWorks project at North Eveleigh.
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - Australian Technology Park (ATP)
ATP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RWA and occupies 13.8 hectares of the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops. The Park is continuing to experience unprecedented growth, with planned development over the next few years expected to generate more than 2,600 new jobs – representing a 20 percent employment increase for the Redfern-Waterloo area.
Provision also exists for several further buildings over the next decade. The first of these was completed in May 2008 and occupies a 3000sqm site on the eastern side of the Park near the Garden Street entrance. The result of a $47 million RWA investment and designed by Cox Richardson Architects, the six-storey 12,000sqm facility was purpose-built to house new research facilities for National ICT Australia (NICTA) and was constructed in accordance with the RWA Jobs Compact, employing local Indigenous people and new apprentices as a key element.
Following the RWA’s landmark agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for an investment of $123 million in a 43,500sqm media centre at the Park, planning approval was granted in January 2007 for the state-of-the-art complex, which will include four television studios and a 12-storey office building for Channel 7 and their publishing company, Pacific Magazines. The agreement represents the largest commercial development in Redfern for over a decade and will create around 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs at ATP.
In December, 2007, it was announced that Global Television would be joining Channel 7 in the new media centre. 120 staff will be based at Global’s new 10,000sqm production facility with up to 500 freelancers working on studio projects produced by Global including Australian Idol, Dancing with the Stars and Hi-Five.
Preliminary site inspections and excavation works were undertaken late last year, construction commenced in May 2008 and the building is expected to be occupied early in 2010.
The RWA also invested more than $7.5 million in new roads and infrastructure and committed a further $6 million for the Eveleigh Heritage Walk linking ATP with the proposed new North Eveleigh precinct.
Even with more than $200 million worth of capital works in progress, the ATP site has far more development potential under its planning controls. Accordingly, the ATP has commenced the staged marketing of its four remaining lots which will allow the further construction of 110,000sqm of commercial floor space. Future capital investment is estimated at $460 million and the aim is for the Park to be fully developed within 5 – 10 years. An ultimate workforce of more than 9000 permanent employees will make ATP the main driver in Redfern-Waterloo’s economic growth over the next decade.
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - National Indigenous Development Centre
Following successful negotiations by the RWA for the sale of the former Redfern Public School from the Department of Education and Training to the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), the NSW Government gave planning approval in October 2007 for a new $30 million sports, education and community centre on the site of the former school to provide a range of learning, recreation and employment opportunities for local families.
The National Indigenous Development Centre will include:
- A three-storey multi-purpose sport and recreational facility with gymnasium and heated pool
- A multi-code football fi eld
- 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 Exodus Foundation, which will set up a tutorial centre for young adolescents; the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia, which runs several sporting and life development programs for Indigenous people; and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, an organisation providing opportunities for Indigenous youth to become involved in various team sports.
The project will deliver 20 construction jobs for Aboriginal workers as part of the RWA’s Indigenous Employment Model and is expected to be fully complete in 2009.
Redfern-Waterloo ‘s Renewal - Residential Development
Following the RWA’s sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site on the corner of Pitt and Albert Streets in Redfern, the Planning Minister announced the approval of a concept plan for a $70 million residential redevelopment in October 2007 which will deliver up to 150 new residential dwellings and more than 1000sqm of public open space. Important heritage items such as the existing surgery building and colonnade structure will be retained and integrated into the development. The Plan includes four residential buildings ranging from three to six storeys. An additional level will be allowed on the existing heritage building and three new detached residential buildings over a two level basement car park. As part of the approval process, the proponent will be required to lodge a project application that is consistent with the concept plan and provide a contribution for the delivery of affordable housing and public works in the area.
The RWA also welcomes a significant investment by Housing NSW in a public housing redevelopment in Redfern’s Elizabeth Street. The Department lodged a development application for the $27 million project in June 2007.
The 106 new dwellings will replacing the existing homes on the site which were built in 1953. The proposal consists of 40 terraced family homes with backyards, medium-density units and custom-made apartments for the elderly. There will also be communal recreation areas and parklands along with environmentally-sustainable initiatives such as water tanks and energy saving inclusions.
Current residents are being offered alternative housing in the area and will have the option of returning to new housing appropriate to their needs within the new development. Once approved, the 18-month project is expected to commence in early 2008.
The area will also be enhanced by the sale of adjoining Department land for the development of a further 158 private dwellings, the sale of which will contribute to the cost of the new public housing.
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - Community Health Centre
In January 2007, the RWA and NSW Health formed a Project Control Group for the adaptive re-use of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station in Redfern Street as a $10 million Community Health Centre.
RWA’s concept planning and sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site (located on the corner of Pitt and Albert Streets, Redfern) has provided funding for the NSW Government’s new $10 million Community Health Centre announced in July 2008.
The project is funded by the sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site which was negotiated by the RWA early in 2008. Development was approved by the NSW Government in July and is expected to become fully operational in 2009 and provide a comprehensive range of community services including those in key areas such as drug counselling and mental health.
It will create up to 94 full-time jobs in the area, lead to the adaptive reuse of a significant building and deliver a range of important health benefits to local families.
Through projects such as this, the community is beginning to see the results of the Human Services Plan (Phase Two) which aims to provide improved services for older people, people with disabilities, migrant communities and homeless people in the local area. Phase Two of the Human Services Plan identifies specific challenges faced by these sections of the local community and the development of the new Community Health Centre is another step forward in addressing these challenges.
Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal - North Eveleigh Training Centre
Initiated and funded by the RWA, the North Eveleigh Training Centre is a key component of the RWA’s Employment and Enterprise Plan.
The Yaama Dhiyaan Training & Hospitality College opened its doors in October 2006 to offer a unique learning experience. An initiative of the RWA in partnership with Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, and young Aboriginal chef, Mathew Crib, the centre offers an accredited hospitality training course.
The courses teach students the basics of hospitality and specialise in indigenous Australian cuisine. Graduates then receive certification in Kitchen Operations, Barista, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible
Gaming Service (RGS). The quality and scope of the training provides graduates with the qualifications and experience necessary for employment in the restaurant and café sectors, tourism operations, clubs, hotels and catering enterprises.
Located beneath Yaama Dhiyaan is the Les Tobler Construction Training Centre. A partnership of the RWA and TAFE NSW, the Centre is named in honour of Les Tobler, who was instrumental in establishing the first Job Ready Program and involved in recruiting unemployed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for pre-employment programs. On completing the courses, graduates can expect to be offered employment on various Redfern-Waterloo building projects through the RWA’s Indigenous Employment Model.
North Eveleigh Concept Plan
A major part of the RWA’s commitment to Redfern-Waterloo’s urban renewal is the proposed redevelopment of the North Eveleigh precinct, which is destined to become an exciting residential, commercial and cultural community over the next 10 years.
More than 15 percent of the site will be publicly accessible open space with up to seven heritage buildings retained and adaptively reused (including the main CarriageWorks building).
The proposal will create residential floor space equal to approximately 1260 new homes and more than 87,000sqm of floor space for cultural, commercial and retail uses accommodating some 3270 permanent new jobs.
In a Concept plan lodged by the RWA and placed on public exhibition between 1 May and 12 June 2008, the Plan seeks approval for a floor space equivalent to more than 181,000sqm. A significant portion of the site will be retained in public ownership, which includes the Yaama Dhiyaan Indigenous Training College, the CarriageWorks Performance Space, the Eveleigh Markets (former Blacksmiths’ Workshop) and the former Scientific Services Building on Wilson Street which is proposed as a new community centre.
The enlivened precinct will be facilitated by the sale and development of surplus lands in the area, the marketing of remaining development sites at Australian Technology Park, the construction of a major pedestrian / cycle bridge linking both sides of the rail corridor and a significant upgrade of adjoining Redfern Station.
It is proposed that the $6m pedestrian/cycle bridge linking the Eveleigh Precinct with ATP will be part of the upgrade. The capital works will provide easy access, improve passenger and staff safety, achieve a capacity upgrade to meet future passenger demand and facilitate commercial and retail development surrounding the station. This will also enhance proposed development in the Eveleigh precinct and minimise traffic impacts by promoting public transport usage.
The bridge will be known as the Eveleigh Heritage Walk and is partly funded by a $6 million contribution from the RWA and its subsidiary ATP. Another aim of the bridge is to provide a magnificent perspective of the rail history of the area and facilitate the research and innovation zone linking the University of Sydney and Australian Technology Park. Pedestrians will be able to cross between the northern and southern sides of the rail corridor with the bridge linking Wilson Street, Darlington with the ATP and suburbs beyond.
This $1.3 billion investment in Eveleigh’s transformation will result in:
- Up to 9300 people working permanently at ATP within 5 – 10 years as a result of land permitting the construction of 110,000sqm of commercial floor space to be progressively developed
- Up to 3270 people working permanently at North Eveleigh within 5 – 7 years following the RWA’s concept planning and sale of surplus land on the site later this year
- 2400 residents living in 1260 new dwellings including affordable rental housing
- Environmental sustainability, new open space, community and cultural facilities and retention and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
- A major upgrade of Redfern Railway Station including a pedestrian / cycle bridge to improve access and provide vital connectivity between North Eveleigh and the ATP
Blacksmiths’ Workshop
An important element of the redeveloped North Eveleigh precinct is the Eveleigh Markets in the RWA’s $3 million refurbishment of the heritage Blacksmiths’ Workshop.
The markets will house 109 undercover stalls with a retail emphasis on well-priced food and produce. Arts and crafts will also be a feature and significant local employment opportunities are expected to be generated. The markets will operate alongside the Contemporary Performing Arts Centre and the Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre and commence weekend operation before the end of 2008.
The North Eveleigh redevelopment is expected to generate 3,300 construction jobs – more than 300 of which will be allocated for Indigenous workers under the RWA’s Indigenous Employment Model.
Redfern/ Regent Streets Upgrade
The Redfern and Regent Streets upgrade was part of a major initiative by the City of Sydney to revitalise the Redfern district and create a more vibrant, active and safe public domain. Works were completed in September 2007.
The beautification between Elizabeth and Regent Streets has delivered key streetscape improvements such as:
- Wider footpaths with new paving and more trees;
- New street furniture and decorative lighting;
- A new civic place and art installation at Jack Floyd Reserve; and
- Shared traffi c/pedestrian/cycle zones in lanes adjacent to Redfern Street.
As part of the RWA’s groundbreaking Indigenous Employment Model the contractor for the upgrade (along with the Redfern Park redevelopment) created a number of apprenticeships, traineeships and labouring positions specifically for Aboriginal persons.
Other Development - Black Theatre Site
The Indigenous Land Corporation’s $8m development of the former Black Theatre site in Cope Street, Redfern was completed in June 2008. Vacant for two decades, it was originally the home of Sydney’s first Aboriginal theatre.
The new three-storey building includes retail space, office accommodation and the Gadigal Information Services’ radio station and recording studios.
The Gadigal Information Service was established and became an incorporated Aboriginal association in 1993 to provide a community based media, arts and information service for Sydney’s Indigenous community and includes 93.7FM Koori Radio 2LND – the city’s only full-time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community radio station.
The striking façade of the new building showcases a commissioned artwork by Aboriginal artist, Adam Hill, which acknowledges the site’s Indigenous history and reflects the renewed optimism of people throughout the Redfern-Waterloo community.
Sponsorships/Grants provided by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority
2007/2008 Financial Year commencing 1st July 2007 – Organisation, Date, Purpose and Amount
- Cook Community Garden, Waterloo Public Housing Estate 4-Jul-07 Catering assistance 10th anniversary celebrations Cook Community Garden $200.00
- The UNSW Community Development Project 22-Aug-07 Catering Assistance for the Asian Moon Festival $200.00
- Waterloo Storm ARLFC 10-Sep-07 Financial assistance for polo shirts for the NSW Aboriginal Knockout $960.00
- Alexandria Park Community School 16-Oct-07 Donation for the School for the Xmas card competition $200.00
- Waterloo Storm ARLFC 25-Oct-07 Sponsorship for Waterloo Storm for the NSW Aboriginal Knockout $2,700.00
- Redfern All Blacks 25-Oct-07 Sponsorship for transport to Newcastle for a netball tournament $300.00
- Achieve Foundation 1-Nov-07 Being donations RE: Fundraising Gala Events on the 1/11/07 $500.00
- Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group 13-Nov-07 Sponsoring kids xmas party on the block celebrations $950.00
- The Factory Community Centre 16-Nov-07 Funding for the Waterloo Summer on the Green $500.00
- South Sydney Blind Community and Friends 21-Nov-07 Catering assistance for a Christmas party for the blind community and friends $200.00
- Save the Children 21-Nov-07 Catering assistance for Playbus Christmas party $200.00
- The Factory Community Centre 6-Dec-07 Catering Assistance for the Russia Group Annual community event $200.00
- Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern 20-Dec-07 10s & 14s to participate in basketball events in Redfern Waterloo area $6,000.00
- Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council 21-Dec-07 Sponsorship for a Karate Program at the Settlement $4,620.00
- Waterloo Storm Rugby Union 30-Jan-08 Sponsorship to the Waterloo Storm for a Rugby Union Tournament in Coffs Harbour – Nomination fees $2,000.00
- South Sydney Community Transport 26-Feb-08 Catering Assistance for Tenant forums in Redfern2007 $200.00
- Inner City Mobile Play Bus 12-Mar-08 Sponsorship for the World Kids Colour Day $200.00
- Connect Redfern 12-Mar-08 Sponsorship for Playgroups in the park for April & May $3,000.00
- The Factory Community Centre 13-Mar-08 Catering Assistance for the Chinese New Years Festival $200.00
- The Factory Community Centre 13-Mar-08 Catering Assistance for the Chinese New Years Festival $100.00
- The Factory Community Centre 18-Mar-08 Catering Assistance $200.00
- Coloured Digger Project – Babana Men’s group 4-Apr-08 Funding provide to assist with the hire of PA and other equipment $2,000.00
- Waterloo Storm Netball 29-Apr-08 Sponsorship for uniforms for the Waterloo Storms netball side $350.55
- Ryans Cakes 15-May-08 Funding for non woven recycle bags $10,472.00
- Mission Australia 6-May-08 Funding for BBQ $184.05
- Alexandria Park Community School 19-Jun-08 Funding for Art competition for NAIDOC week $600.00
- Sponsorship of community member to attend Indigenous Women’s Health Meeting sponsorship to attend meeting. 20-Jun-08 Financial assistance to attend Indigenous Women’s Health Meeting conference - $800.00
- Sponsorship of community member to attend the National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Conference18-Sep-08 Financial assistance to attend conference– National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Conference $792.00
- SDN Children’s Services Through out financial year Funding for four Easy Cooking on Budget courses $8,000.00
Profile - Sol Bellear Cover:
Community representative and Aboriginal affairs activist, Sol Bellear, joins South Sydney’s under-13s Alexandria Rovers JRLFC and coach, Jamie Dempsey, during a training session at Alexandria Park.
RWA Ministerial Advisory Committee Member (Built Environment), Sol Bellear has lived in the South Sydney area and been actively involved in Aboriginal community affairs for many years. Former Deputy Chair of ATSIC, head of the Redfern Aboriginal Authority (RAA) and Board Member of the South Sydney Rugby League Football Club among his credentials, Sol says the RWA’s urban renewal program has shattered the perception of Redfern as ‘a broken down no-go zone’.
‘It’s the RWA’s Aboriginal employment strategies that have really impressed me. They’ve already created over 100 positions for local Aboriginals, there are new Aboriginal-owned businesses, the Black Theatre’s been redeveloped and now Channel 7 has made a commitment to employ as many Aboriginal people as they can with the new media centre at Australian Technology Park.’
‘Then there’s the Indigenous Centre at the old Redfern Public School and the plans for North Eveleigh... I mean, a lot of people haven’t grasped what’s happening. Some people still want Aboriginals moved out of Redfern, yet there are more Aboriginals living in the high-rises of Waterloo than there are on The Block.’
Profile - Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo
“Our courses give people an opportunity to find themselves through a respect and commitment” Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, Aboriginal Elder from the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre, North Eveleigh
Aboriginal Elder, Beryl Van-Oploo, has been running the RWA’s Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre in North Eveleigh with Aboriginal chef, Mathew Cribb for the last two years. Known by everyone as simply ‘Aunty Beryl’, her passion extends beyond the activity of the kitchen to the disadvantaged and unemployed the Centre helps to inspire on a daily basis.
Yaama Dhiyaan (or ‘welcome family and friends’ in the language of the Gamiliaroi people) specialises in Indigenous culture and cuisine – an Australian first which has resulted in an invitation to take part in the Terra Madre Food Conference to be held in Turin, Italy in October.
Aunty Beryl is justifiably proud of the Centre’s success, but reserves her greatest adulation for its students. ‘To see these people go out into the workforce as a result of the skills they’ve learned from us is very rewarding, but it’s about much more than finding a job. Our courses give people an opportunity to find themselves through a respect and commitment to what we’re trying to achieve for them’.
She says the changes happening in Redfern-Waterloo are having a positive impact, particularly within the Aboriginal community. ‘They want to get skilled up and be part of the local workforce. Regaining self-esteem and getting involved in the community can change a person’s life and the lives of everyone in their family. For me, that’s the icing on the cake.’
Profile – Eric and Maria Papadopoulos
“ What’s happening at Australian Technology Park and with Channel Seven coming to Redfern, this will all be better for local business” - Eric and Maria Papadopoulos, owners of Alexandria Gas ‘n Go, Redfern.
Married for 36 years, Eric and Maria Papadopoulos have owned and run the Alexandria Gas ‘n Go on Regent Street since 1977. Maria – or ‘Mary’ as she’s known by the locals – ‘loves the place’ and describes it as ‘home’, while Eric says the location is good for a business like theirs.
‘We’re right between the city and the airport. There are new shops and different people moving into the area. What’s happening at Australian Technology Park and with Channel Seven coming to Redfern, this will all be better for local business.’
Eric agrees that the influx of new business and residential development will help change people’s perception of Redfern-Waterloo. ‘When something bad happens in Sydney, even if it’s not Redfern, people point the finger,’ he says. ‘But bad things happen in other places too. In 30 years, I’ve never had any problems. I mean, it’s the way you treat people... that’s how you’ll be treated in return.”
Profile – Pastor Ray Minniecon
“This is just a really good place to live. There’s a real honesty here” - Pastor Ray Minniecon, campaigner for the Aboriginal Diggers Recognition Project
Pastor Ray Minniecon of the Kabi Kabi people in Queensland came to Sydney 12 years ago, and like many Aboriginals who live in the city, calls Redfern home. An active local community member and former Director of the Crossroads Aboriginal Ministries, Ray describes Redfern as ‘one of the safest places in the country for an Aboriginal person’.
‘This is just a really good place to live. There’s a real honesty here and the best thing that’s happened in the area, for me personally, is the Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group.’
Babana (or ‘brother’) is a community group formed in 1996 which provides support, networking and opportunities for local Aboriginal men to discuss projects of benefit to Redfern-Waterloo – the most significant being the Aboriginal Diggers Recognition Project (or ‘Coloured Diggers Project’) which seeks acknowledgment of Australia’s Indigenous war veterans. Local Aboriginals –including Pastor Ray – decide draw attention to their history and organised the nation’s first Coloured Diggers March in Redfern on Anzac Day 2007, an event successfully repeated in 2008.
‘I think it’s an inspiration for young Indigenous people to realise their fathers and grandfathers fought for this country in all the overseas conflicts.’ The group is currently campaigning for the installation of a bronze monument by sculptor Andrew Symonds commemorating our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anzacs.
Profile - Dixie Link Gordon
“ When it comes to issues of domestic violence, we can heal” - Dixie Link Gordon, Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation Women’s Centre co-ordinator
A co-ordinator at the Mud gin-gal Aboriginal Corporation Women’s Centre in Chippendale, Dixie Link Gordon has lived in the Redfern-Waterloo area for 28 years. The Women’s centre is a service staffed and run by Aboriginal women that provides a safe haven and vital gateway for women of all ages to access a wide range of services and information.
One of the Centre’s core programs since 2004 and strongly supported by the RWA is the ‘Blackout Violence’ campaign which was designed specifically to inform victims and educate offenders of the consequences of domestic violence within the local Aboriginal community. The Centre is also planning to work alongside the Babana Men’s Group which provides a similar supportive environment for men.
‘The reality is that violence has always been part of the Aboriginal community’. Says Dixie. ‘More people are realising this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. Kids don’t have to grow up watching their mum become a victim, young boys don’t have to end up in jail, and a young father can get the support he needs to hold his family together’.
‘When it comes to issues of domestic violence, we can heal – whether you’re a victim or a perpetrator. While we’re not necessarily seeing less violence, we’re certainly seeing more people prepared to talk about it and that’s a really positive thing.’
Profile - Harry Karabotsos
“There are good people here. Very friendly” - Harry Karabotsos, barber and hair stylist
77-year old Harry Karabotsos migrated to Australia from Greece in 1955 and has been the face of Harry’s Barber Shop on Regent Street since 1969, when the weekly rent was just five dollars. As owner of one of Redfern’s longest-established private businesses, Harry has seen a lot of changes in the area over the last 39 years. He recalls a time when he would arrive at the shop to find his front windows smashed, but along with most of the memorabilia on display in the window – that’s now a thing of the past.
‘No broken windows now,’ says Harry. ‘There are good people here... very friendly.’
Profile - Maury Finkelstein
“Redfern’s been a terrific place for business” - Maury Finkelstein, owner of the South Sydney Loan Office on Redfern Street
Maury Finkelstein, has been running the South Sydney Loan Office in Redfern for 40 years. His family came to Sydney from Israel in 1925 when Maury was just 12 months old. Now 83, Maury spent 24 years as a tailor in the Eastern Suburbs before he and his father opened the pawn broking shop in Redfern.
‘I’m no spring chicken and I don’t make a fortune. But I’ve made a reasonable existence. Redfern’s been a terrific place for business and people here treat their shopkeepers very well.’
While Redfern is transformed around him, Maury’s shop remains as it has for the last four decades. ‘Maybe one day I’ll retire. When I’m working, I’m occupied. If I can’t get work anymore, then I’ll stop.’
Profile – Mabel Chang
“The community gardens are a place local residents can get to know each other and socialise” - Mabel Chang, Waterloo community representative and Cook Community Gardens co-founder
A local representative on the RWA’s Human Services Ministerial Advisory Committee, Mabel (May Shoo) Chang helps organise many events for residents of the Waterloo community and was a founder of the Cook Community Garden which, this year, celebrated its 11th anniversary.
The Community Gardens project on the Waterloo Public Housing Estate started in 1996 as an imitative of Housing NSW, South Sydney Council and the UNSW. The Cook Community Garden on the corner of Pitt and Raglan Streets (the first of four on the Estate) was built in 1997 and makes use of organic gardening techniques.
Mabel came to Australia from Burma in 1988 bringing with her a heritage of ‘nurturing the earth’, which allowed her to see the potential of the land around her. As a result of the gardens she installed around her own block of units on the public housing estate and for her work in establishing and serving on management committees of the community gardens in the area, Mabel has received an award from Sydney City Council for Best Environmentally Friendly Garden in a Multi-Dwelling Residence every year since 1999.
Mabel says the community gardens have improved life on the estate by enhancing the public space and providing a means for local residents to get to know each other, socialise and develop a better understanding of their cultural differences.
Profile – Rob Roberts and Tribal Warrior
“We’ve had a great success rate with around 600 people having come through our training programs.” - Rob Roberts, sales representative with Redfern’s Tribal Warrior Association.
A non-profit local Indigenous enterprise owned and managed by Aboriginal Elders and grassroots community members. Redfern’s Tribal Warrior Association provides certified maritime training, employment opportunities and mentoring to underprivileged Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people – particularly Aboriginal youth.
‘TribalWarrior’ is the name of the first Aboriginal-manned vessel to circumnavigate Australia (it’s also officially the country’s oldest working timber boat) and visited many Aboriginal communities during its 648-day journey (August 2001 – June 2003). In 2006, the Association began conducting Australia’s first ever Aboriginal-owned and operated cultural cruises of Sydney Harbour aboard both its flagship gaff-rigged ketch and the ‘Deerubbin’.
The idea for the Association sprung from a group of concerned local Aboriginals who decided to do something about the cycle of self-destruction amongst people in its own community. Since the training programs began in 1999, almost 600 people have gained employment in the maritime industries.
Appendices
Charter
The RWA was formed under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
Chief and Senior Executive Officer
Robert Domm was Chief Executive Officer with the RWA during the 2007-2008 Financial Year. Richard Clark was Senior Executive Officer with the RWA during the reporting period.
Staff Numbers by Employment Basis
Permanent Temporary Full-Time Part-Time Casual
Staff 13 3 16 - -
% 81% 19% 100% - 5%
Men 6 - 6 - -
Women 7 3 10 - -
Aboriginal Person or
Torres Strait Islander 3 - 3 - -
Person with a Disability - - - - -
Person from a Racial, Ethnic or
Ethno-Religious Minority Group - 1 1 - -
People whose first language
is not English 4 1 5 - -
Staff Numbers by Level
Men Women Total
$46,320 - $51,783 - 1 1
$51,784 - $65,526 - 2 2
$84,738 - $105,923 2 5 7
$> $105,923 (non SES) 2 2 4
$> $105,923 (SES) 2 - 2
Legislative Changes
There was a change to legislation administered by the RWA during the reporting year.
2007 No 27 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007. Assented to 4.7.2007. Date of commencement of Sch 2, assent, sec 2 (2).
Overseas Travel & Corporate Credit Cards
No overseas travel fares were incurred during the reporting year, and as at 30 June 2008, no corporate credit cards had been issued to any RWA staff.
Corporate Services
Finance, accounting and payroll services were provided to RWA by the finance division of Australian Technology Park. Information and technology services were provided by The Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU) of the Department of Commerce.
Risk Management
The RWA has a Business Risk Map of its operations. The primary objective of the Business Risk Map is to coordinate risk management activities within the RWA to ensure the activity is focused on areas of greatest risk and is also used by Business Audit to derive its strategic audit plan.
Contributions are made by the RWA to the Treasury Managed Fund for workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, property loss, public liability and various other insurable risks.
RWA staff have assigned wardens and participated in emergency evacuation drills. No OH&S incidents have arisen.
Freedom of Information Procedure
During the reporting period, one request was made, to the RWA under the Freedom of Information Act. In the same period, no major issues arose, and there were no investigations or applications for review submitted.
Formal requests made under the Freedom of Information Act for access to documents held by the RWA should be accompanied by a $30 application fee and directed to:
The FOI Coordinator
Redfern-Waterloo Authority PO Box 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
The contact number for all FOI inquiries is (02) 9202 9100
Land Disposal
There were no land disposals for the year ended 30 June 2008.
Plans, Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct
The RWA has its own Code of Conduct which was developed in accordance with the principles of ethical and responsible decision-making and embodies the public sector values of respect for the law, the system of Government, the community and its persons, integrity, diligence, economy and efficiency, and accountability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (EEO)
Through its policy, the RWA implements the following principles of the EEO:
- Fair practices in the workplace
- Management decisions made without bias
- Recognition of and respect for the social and cultural backgrounds of all staff and clients
- Employment practices which produce staff satisfaction, job commitment and quality client service
- Improved productivity
The RWA also has a policy for the Action Plan for Women along with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
Disability Access Policy
The RWA complies with the NSW Government Disability framework through its Disability Access Policy. This provides a process for the RWA to better meet the needs of staff and the community in relation to persons with a disability. The RWA is committed to ensuring all people have reasonable access to the resources and spaces governed by the Authority.
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement
The RWA recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of all the people of NSW and endorses the four principles of multiculturalism as set out in the Community Relations Commission and principles of the Multicultural Act 2000.
Towards this objective, the RWA will develop and implement policies sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients and ensure that its Boards and Committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community.
NSW Government Action Plan for Women
The RWA supports the NSW Government Action Plan for Women and will promote workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives. It will also promote the position of women in all areas of society as well as access to and successful outcomes for women in all parts of the education and training system.
Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan
The RWA is committed to the occupational health, safety and welfare of its employees, those contracted to perform work on its behalf and visitors to the premises. It is committed to regular consultation with staff and their representatives, and where necessary, with contractors and suppliers of equipment and services to ensure OH&S management is of the highest standard.
Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy
The RWA is committed to the implementation of the Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP).
Following is a full list of RWA Plans and Policies: Publications
- Risk Management Policy Risk Management Plan
- Risk Management Framework
- Information Management & Technology Disaster Recovery Strategy
- Internal Audit Plan
- External Audit Plan
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Code of Conduct for Board Members
- Protected Disclosure Act Policy Statement
- Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
- OH&S Management Plan
- Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement Disability Access Policy Action Plan for Women
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy Procurement Policy
- Complaints Handling Policy Business Ethics Statement Privacy Management Plan Corporate Credit Card Policy Energy Management Policy
- Fraud Corruption Control Strategy Environmental Management Policy
- New Starter Induction Program
- Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy
Publications
Newsletters (16,000 copies per issue):
- October 2007
- December 2007
- May 2008
Annual Report October 2007
Annual Report
The RWA 2007-2008 Annual Report is made available electronically at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au The total cost of external production and printing was $49,478.
Contact Details
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2 1 Lawson Square Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone: +61 2 9202 9100
Reception 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
Website: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
TfNSW proposal to reverse Little Eveleigh Street - until Sept 10th 2023
