With the Christmas and New Year celebrations now over, I hope you had an enjoyable time with family and friends and like ourselves, are ready for an exciting year.

The Redfern Waterloo Authority has significant milestones ahead of us in 2010. Over the coming months we will see a number of the major projects that the RWA has been involved in come to fruition. We have seen the new facilities at Channel 7, the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence and the Community Health Centre all commence operations over the Christmas and New Year period. This will result in a real boost to the area in terms of economic and social activity, which will lead to lasting positive change for the area. This is the essence of the Urban Renewal program that the RWA has been actively involved in and it is also a reflection of the tremendous commitment of the many stakeholders who have been engaged in these projects.

I am also pleased to inform you of the recent appointment of Melissa Gibson as our Director of Human Services, familiar to some of you already. The establishment of this position reflects a clear commitment by the Authority to deliver on its commitments in this key area of our work. Melissa and her team will be actively working with all stakeholders in the community to assist in the long term delivery of improved human services for the aged and young alike, the disabled, migrants and the homeless.

A key focus of the Authority for 2010 is the delivery of key milestones for the Redfern Waterloo area, including the Built Environment Plan 2, the commencement of the Redfern Railway Station upgrade, the implementation of the redevelopment of North Eveleigh, and the many other tasks that we are engaged in. We will also continue our efforts in the development of our successful Aboriginal employment program and local business development.

I look forward to working with you in these and other community-benefiting endeavours. Kind regards, Roy Wakelin-King.

NEWS

Premier retains Redfern Waterloo Ministry

Redfern Waterloo is at the top of government with the Premier electing to retain her Ministry of Redfern Waterloo after being sworn in as Premier on 4^th December 2009. She has now held responsibility for Redfern Waterloo since 8^th September 2008. The Premier said the local area and the people of Redfern and Waterloo are very close to her heart. “It was important for me to retain the portfolio of Redfern Waterloo and continue to oversee the good work the RWA is doing” she said.

Indigenous Excellence Centre opens

The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence opened its doors to the young Indigenous community and the broader public in January 2010. The Centre boats a state-of-the-art recreation gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, dining hall and activity rooms, and accommodation for over 100 people. The Redfern Waterloo Authority helped in brokering the Redfern site for the Centre and committed $500,000 for its construction and operation. All members of the public are invited to join the gym, with monies earned returned to the not-for-profit Centre. To find out more information contact the NCIE office on 9016 1069 or the health and membership office on 1300 866 761.

Redfern Health Centre ready to serve

Another major local provider, the Redfern Health Centre, formally opens its doors this month. An adaptive re-use of the historic Redfern Courthouse built in 1898, the Centre will serve in the areas of mental health, drug and alcohol, HIV and health. Clients will typically be referred by a doctor, health professional or agent. The RWA and NSW Health managed the sale of the Rachel Foster Hospital site to fund the $10 million re-development of the old Courthouse building into the new Health Centre.

Rabbitohs returned happily to Redfern

More than 5,000 faithful braved inclement weather on Sunday 7^th February to watch the Rabbitohs take on the Manly Sea Eagles in opening trial of the NRL season at the ATP Performance Centre, dubbed the Return to Redfern Oval match. They were not disappointed with the Rabbitohs thumping the visitors 42-12, after a nervous start and 12-0 down at the first quarter. Earlier the Premier, Kristina Keneally, showed off her try-scoring skills for the All Star Celebrities against the Greaties from the Eighties.

Alexandria wins inaugural Christmas Banner Competition

Alexandria Park Community School took out the top prize of $1,000 in the inaugural RWA Christmas Banner Competition for their banner which depicted both Indigenous and modern festive celebrations. Youth services group Life for Kids were the runners-up with their colourful Aboriginal flag banner pocketing $500, and Darlington Primary School’s fruity Christmas tree banner earned them the People’s Choice Award and $1,000. RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King said the competition, open to schools and youth services in the area, was a great success and will be run annually.

Redfern and Aunty Beryl fit for a Prince

When Prince William came to Redfern on 18^th January, much of the local community turned out to see their first royal in the flesh. For Aunty Beryl Van Oploo of Yaama Dhiyaan it was a familiar setting. Around 40 years ago Aunty Beryl served Prince Charles down at the Rocks with a team of caterers from La Perouse, where she was teaching in a similar program to Yaama Dhiyaan. She said it was ironic she was asked to cater afternoon tea for Prince William and around 60 elders at the Redfern Community Centre. Prince William was served up the best of Yaama’s morning tea offerings including custard tarts, lemon myrtle butter biscuits, chocolate truffles and a fruit cocktail.

Heritage Taskforce underway

Meeting for the first time in December 2009, the Redfern Waterloo Heritage Taskforce is underway and is currently seeking two Indigenous members. The Taskforce will meet approximately four times in the year with sub-groups meeting in between. Opportunities for conservation and re-use of heritage in Redfern Waterloo will be identified by project basis. Nominations for projects are currently open until 25^th February 2010. For more information contact Juliet Suich on 9202 9100 or Juliet.suich@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

Family Violence Taskforce up and running

The Family Violence Taskforce is up and running with two meetings held late in 2009 and the first meeting in 2010 currently being scheduled. Non-government organisations have broadened membership and include the likes of South Sydney Community Aid, Scarba, Relationships Australia, Hillsong, Wirringia Baiya and St Vincent De Paul. For the year ahead the Taskforce is focussed on identifying service needs, training for workers and courses for victims, as well as reviewing current programs. For more information contact Julie Parsons on 9202 9100 or Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

Community Information Meeting on 8 Central Avenue

The RWA held a community information meeting on 8 Central Avenue (the Channel 7 building) on 6^th December 2009. More than 50 local residents turned out to hear from the RWA and representatives from Channel 7, Global Television (also tenants of the building along with Pacific Magazines), the City of Sydney Council and SDH & Associate Architects. Issues raised concerned better communication, parking, lighting and public transport. The RWA is planning for another community information meeting in the coming months. For more information contact Julie Parsons (Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au) or Ben Falkenmire (ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au) on 9202 9100.

Redfern Police Chief boxes for kids’ future

On 18^th December 2009 at the PCYC South Sydney, Redfern Police Superintendent Luke Freudenstein donned the gloves and took to the boxing ring to help promote the new facilities on offer at the club. It was reportedly a tough fight for the Superintendent, but he found support from the sidelines form the local kids he has been training on weekday mornings at the South Sydney PCYC. The RWA funded the supply of the boxing ring for the day which raised money for the PCYC and the Superintendent’s support of a local child through private schooling.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Signage for 8 Central Avenue determined

A development application for the erection of signage at 8 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park (the Channel 7 building) was approved on 28^th January 2009. The development application provides for the erection of tenant signage on each façade of the building with associated illumination. The intensity of illuminated signage must be reduced by 50% between the hours of 10pm and 6am and must not cause objectionable glare or injury to the amenity of the neighbourhood.

World class movies to be made in Darlington

The RWA approved a development application on 22^nd December 2009 that will see animation star George Miller and his company create world-class movies at CarriageWorks. Miller’s production company Kennedy Miller Mitchell will make their new home in Bays 22-25 of CarriageWorks where the sequel to Happy Feet, and Mad Max: Fury Road will be produced in a purpose-built digital film studio.

WHAT’S ON

Kylie Kwong cooks for Chinese NY – 20^th February

Renowned chef Kylie Kwong will be cooking to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Saturday 20^th February at the Eveleigh Farmers’ Market. The cooking demonstration will run from 10am-10:45am. Kylie will be using fresh produce from stallholders at the Market. “I love Eveleigh Farmers’ Market commitment to the promotion of sustainable living and ethical eating, and I feel very at home being surrounded by the abundance of fresh locally grown food and passionate producers,” she said. Kylie Kwong is a passionate advocator for the sustainable food movement and serves only locally grown, organic and bio dynamic produce in her Sydney restaurant Billy Kwong.

REDWater Community Markets – 20^th February

The REDWater Community Market continues to offer hand-made, recycled and second-hand goods on the third Saturday of each month. Get down to Redfern Park from 8am to find that treasure gift, hobby item or something unique for the home. To hold a stall call 0434 197 527 and for general information call 9698 9569.

Family and Culture Day at The Block – 27^th February

Skipping the typically festive month of January, Family and Culture Day at The Block returns this month on 27^th February with more live music, performances, food and activities for the family. This is a monthly event held on the last Saturday of the month. For more information contact Shane Phillips at Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491.

Yaama Dhiyaan - 2010 dates

The Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre is back with the first term of students beginning today. This year’s course dates are as follows:

Term 1: 8^th February to 1^st April

Term 2: 3^rd May to 2^nd July

Term 3: 26^th July to 24^th Sept

Term 4: 11^th October to 10^th December

For more information contact Andrew Constantinidis on 9202 9100.

Koori Job Ready 2010 course dates

The Koori Job Ready team also commenced their first term today. Course dates for 2010, along with the relevant information days, are as follows:

Term 1: 8^th February to 2^nd April

Term 2: 19^th April to 11^th June (information day: 7^th April)

Term 3: 5^th July to 27^th August (information day: 22^nd June)

Term 4: 11^th October to 3^rd December (information day: 28^th September)

For more information contact Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643) or Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0414 137 816).

To be added to the RWA Update distribution list, make comments or suggest a news item or event, please contact the RWA’s Communications Officer Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

If you live near the Australian Technology Park, keep abreast of the latest news on the Park by registering for the free ATP Newsletter. Head to www.atp.com.au, and click on “Newsletters” to subscribe.

Ben Falkenmire

Communications

Redfern-Waterloo Authority

1 Lawson Square

PO Box 3332

Redfern NSW 2016

T: 02 9202 9112

F: 02 9202 9111

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RWA UPDATE Issue #4 - 8th February 2010

Message from the CEO