Not all hard work at this factory

Up to 80 people came to the 67, Raglan Street Waterloo two-storey terrace to mark the birthday on August 31. They also came to catch up with old friends and to remember the early days and the important role The Factory played in their lives.

The Factory earned its name because it was once reputed to be an R.M. Williams hat factory. It is now owned by the NSW Department of Housing. For the past 30 years a range of community-based programs have been run from the house

It was on August 31, 19'77 that The Factory was officially recognised as a local organisation by the Municipality of South Sydney. Since then people living nearby have come to The Factory for support, advice, friendship and entertainment.

Current coordinator Patrick Russell said that today The Factory is like a local community hall.

That is certainly what it was for the anniversary party. The Factory was brightly decorated with mementos of past years. Photographs, posters illustrating projects old and new, cheerful streamers and the smell of good food welcomed guests, some of whom had been coming to the space since the early days.

A poster titled Were you here when The Factory turned 30? invited guests to write their names and a small message to mark the celebration.

Past and present local residents, employees and volunteers turned up for the party. Among them was Reverend Geoff Huard who managed The Factory for 14 years. He officially launched the celebrations by reminding those present of the importance places like The Factory play in people's lives.

"Human beings are made for relationships with others. Not just in families but also communities. This sense of belonging needs sometimes to be encouraged and facilitated and our community centre was a great way of doing that, " he said.

He also showed his gratitude to those who had believed in what The Factory could achieve.

"We were blessed with outstanding coordinators who contributed so much to creating the right atmosphere, having energy and ideas, getting various programs and driving the place along," said Rev Huard.

Today, The Factory prides itself on identifying with the local community and effectively providing support for people of social and economic disadvantage. It is an established local welfare organisation, running various family support programs while also offering local residents a range of crucial advocacy services relating to employment, housing, financial and legal support.

No-one can deny that over the 30 years The Factory has become an icon in the Redfern-Waterloo area and has offered support to many member of the community.

"The community without The Factory? It would like be growing up without a mother," said Mr Christopher Hobart who is involved in The Factory's creative projects.

Mr Mike Allen, who spoke on behalf of the Department of Housing, agreed that The Factory plays an important role

"These sorts of community-based organisations are the lifeblood of communities," he said.

The Factory has always been a safe-haven, and many locals often drop in to ask questions relating to everyday survival such finance and housing.

"There's always a friendly face ready to help if you have any questions. It's a place of fellowship," said Claire Wildish.

Ms Wildish and Mr Hobart co-ordinated a project called Let the Dogs Out. It explored bullying in primary schools.

Mr Nigel Thomas, current chairman of the management committee, attributes The Factory's longevity to its central role in the community. "It's run by local people for local people, and I think it will keep doing what it does well," he said.

The 30th anniversary lunch was a resounding success, with a lively crowd filling the hall almost to capacity. Speeches and stories were followed by a collective singing of 'happy birthday' along to a vibrant chorus of kazoos, and ended with cake and other treats.

"Thanks for the memories and here's to the next 30 years," said Rev Huard.

Photo: Friends of the Factory shared laughs, memories and birthday cake.

Photo: Up to 80 people gathered at The Factory to celebrate 30 years of community service, support and advocacy.

Source: University of Technology Precinct South Sydney Edition Issue 4/2007 page 2.

Publications from the UTS School of Journalism can be found online at www.journalism.uts.edu.au/future_students/student_publications.html and at www.reportage.uts.edu.au/