NORTHCOTT DECLARED SAFE

Four years ago Northcott was all but written off, with some critics arguing that it should be bulldozed. Despite this pessimistic outlook, Government departments, police, the City of Sydney, St Vincent's Hospital and many tenants worked together to turn this view around.

Surry Hills Constable Brett Degenhardt and Department of Housing Community Development Worker Dominic Grenot built trust with tenants and fulfilled the commitments they made to act on problems. The community arts group Big hART became involved, helping tenants see their community as creative, resilient and strong, giving them hope for the future.

Through this commitment, tenants have blossomed and grown, and the results show in the well-used community room, the groups and classes running. Many tenants now say hello to their neighbours where they were previously fearful. Crime and vandalism are still challenging, but there is a real strength and positive spirit, reflecting tenants who care about their community.

I've been calling on the Government to provide a Community Development Worker on all Department of Housing estates, and was pleased that the Minister for Housing has now agreed to this strategy.

At my recent meeting with her, she committed to replacing the recently resigned Northcott Community Development Worker with a skilled and experienced officer.

I was proud to celebrate the WHO declaration ceremony with the tenants. All Department of Housing estates will benefit from a worker to help build a strong supportive community.