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Speech gets standing ovation in Redfern

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's speech received a standing ovation at the Redfern Community Centre, where hundreds gathered reports Leesha McKenny in the SMH of February 13, 2008.

Residents, workers, families, students and Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore braved the rain to watch the speech via a large outdoor screen set up in the heart of the notorious Block, the setting of the 2003 Redfern riots.

After the speech a teary Ms Moore stood and addressed the crowd.

"Parliament House in Canberra is a long way from the streets of Redfern, but the apology made this morning must resonate here in our hearts and minds," she said.

David Page, 46, composer with the indigenous dance group Bangarra Dance Theatre, said he liked the fact that Mr Rudd made a personal apology.

"It was very moving to see a prime minister with a bit of heart. I loved it when he said he was sorry. There was just something personal about it. It's very hard for a prime minister to be personal," he said.

"It's a long road but it's a great beginning."

Enid Williams, 72, who was brought up on a mission in Warrabinda in north Queensland after her father was forcibly removed from his family, said she was happy with Mr Rudd's speech, but said it was now important to look to the future.

"We've been put down so many times," she said.

"I'm 72. The main thing is the young people, to give them a better future."

The reception was not so warm for the speech delivered by Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, and the crowd booed at file footage of former prime minister John Howard that was broadcast before the apology.

Michael Kirby, 36, a resident of Waterloo who grew up in rural NSW and whose father had been removed from Swan Hill to be raised at the Kitchener Boys Home, said he was pleased with the turnout at the community centre.

"I was so proud to be walking down here today with non-indigenous Australians," he said.

"Now we have to move together to try and build Australia bigger and better as a whole."

An entire day of activities has been planned at the community centre, including an afternoon smoking ceremony, repetitions of the speech and a barbecue.

Melanie Giuffre of Surry Hills said she and her husband, Remo, brought their children Lola, 13 and Roman, 9, to Redfern to mark a historic national event.

"Roman was doing something at school but we thought it was important to be here as a family," she said.

"[The speech] was really wonderful. It felt we've seen the Prime Minister we voted for."

Source: www.smh.com.au/news/national/speech-gets-standing-ovation-in-redfern/2008/02/13/1202760352322.html