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Redfern lock-down

On Saturday 20 January I got home about 7pm. I was planning to go to a party in Edwards St but instead I fell asleep watching The Bill and woke up to the sound of helicopters – not unusual in Redfern. So I went off to bed, only to be woken by text messages about 3am and 4am from friends wanting to know if I knew what was happening writes Trevor Davies in the South Sydney Herald February 2007.

I found out after ringing Redfern Police Station. The police were quite happy to tell me what had occurred a couple of hours earlier.

South Sydney Herald writer and cartoonist, norrie mAy-welby, had a different experience. Norrie reported that: “The entire area of the Block was occupied by police on the night of Saturday 20 January, demanding ID of citizens going about their lawful business, searching cars, and stopping residents going to their own homes, without any satisfactory explanation of why, in effect, martial law, was being imposed. Residents were told that it was ‘dangerous,’ but denied any further details. As a result, residents lives were put at risk as they left unaware there was a report of a gunman on the loose in the area. When I asked why the obstructions and inconveniences I was given no explanation.”

Norrie may have a point: people were not being allowed into their streets and were not told why, and everyone was at risk if a gunman was on the loose. However, as I said, the Redfern police were quite happy to tell me what was happening.

It should be noted that in a quick survey at Bobby’s Café in Darlington the morning after the lock-down, most people were happy that Redfern police responded so quickly if there were guns involved.

Were you there on the night? What was your experience? Tell us your story. Write to editor@ssh.com.au

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2007