ILC Media Backgrounder - 11 July 2006

Sol Bellear, CEO of the Redfern Aboriginal Authority said he was very pleased with the recent initiatives being developed in Redfern by both the ILC and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. "The community of Redfern needs major initiatives like this. Resources and infrastructure can only make Redfern a greater place to live by boosting employment and training opportunities and most importantly, by increasing the self-esteem of the individuals who live here. For too long Redfern has been associated with negativity, its time all levels of government began addressing that fundamental issue."

The Centre will provide much needed accommodation and training facilities for peak Indigenous sports development organisations.

National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia founder David Liddiard said the new Centre will provide a reward for young Indigenous people who have demonstrated achievements in their own communities. "This new facility will enhance individual skills and competencies by providing leadership opportunities for our young people so that they can return and use these skills in their own regional and remote communities."

The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team currently brings over 500 Indigenous youths to Sydney each year for rugby, golf and netball programs.

The Team will utilise the accommodation and training facilities on site all year round. CEO, Tom Evans believes the Centre will provide a focal point for all NSW Indigenous Sport, "a major initiative with a true vision".

Aboriginal owned and managed Murawina Child Care Centre will continue to operate from the site providing affordable day care to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Tonette Simpson CEO, looks forward to the new opportunities of an integrated facility and hopes that Murawina's early childhood programs complement the work of the other organisations involved in the Centre.

The Exodus Foundation Tutorial Centre will run literacy programs for 60 Indigenous students aged between 10 and 14 from the Centre's specially designed classrooms (see Exodus Foundation press release for details).