Avril QuaiII, now resident in Queensland, has already agreed to assist with reinstating the Edward Street institution.

"I would be happy to be involved whenever they repaint the mural and in whatever way I can at the time,' she said.

Gentrification of the area has brought in new neighbours who argue that the mural is not in keeping with the area's Victorian architecture.

But new management committee member Lyn Turnbull said putting back the 30-year-old mural, painted by artists from the Boomalli cooperative in the 1980s, was a historic occasion. "A number of those people used to come down and work with the kids," she said.

"It's the centenary this year so maybe we could have everyone come back?'

Resident Liz Crosby, who hopes to raise "a couple of million dollars" for a full renovation of the centre, said artists Hetty Perkins and Bronwyn Bancroft were keen to be involved, and New York-based Tracey Moffatt had been outraged at the destruction of the original work three years ago.

Mrs Turnbull said it was possible the original mural could be uncovered, but that it was "not within our budget - it's an extremely expensive undertaking" to have it fully restored. Surviving artists would be consulted about plans for its reinstatement.

"There are copyright issues for the artists.

They need to be consulted [although] they certainly weren't consulted in its painting over," she said.

Mrs Turnbull said involving the area's youth would reduce the likelihood of a new mural being vandalised.

Picture: Phil Rogers - Indigenous youth will help repaint the 30-year-old mural

Source: Central of 12 March 2008

The Settlement mural also got linked to the Opera House in the Central’s Editorial of 12 March 2008:

Care for Our Landmarks

TOURISTS were over the moon to see architect Jan Utzon giving Central a tour of the Opera House last week, and just as happy to snap shots of the architect as the building itself.

"Wow, he looks just like his father, what a treat to see him here," one excited tourist said.

Jan spoke candidly about his father's famed work and the World Heritage structure that had engulfed some 50 years of his life.

Utzon cracked jokes and spoke passionately about his love for Sydney and its harbour, saying he often received compliments for his father's work - and as the middle man, happily took 10 per cent of them for himself.

Though in good hands, one thing the Opera House needs is $600 million in building works to get it up to scratch as a world-class opera facility.

Maybe with the recent change of government, the project will be made a priority in coming years.

But today is a sad day for Coffee Philosophy, Australia's oldest coffee shop, which has been in the Strand Arcade since 1892. The business will close its doors after its lease was not renewed. The store's antique trademark clock will also be pulled down in what some are calling the end of an era.

As parts of Sydney history fade away, it is important we remember our roots - which is why it would be great to see Redfern's 30-year-old mural restored by local indigenous youths.

Getting youth involved gives them ownership over the work and involves the community in beautifying our streets and maintaining our heritage.

Discover what else is happening in your local area in this week's Central.

Source: Central of 12 March 2008