Redfern rocks

STARS TREAD REDFERN'S RED CARPET

A WHO'S who of local and international stars descended on Redfern's Australian Technology Park for the MTV Australia Awards on Saturday. With an estimated 10,000 spectators it was one of the biggest events to ever hit the suburb, and a sure sign that Redfern is evolving from a down-and-out neighbourhood into a cultural oasis.

While international artists including 50 Cent, Juliette Lewis, actress Mischa Barton and Eve brought in big star power, it was local artists who cleaned up on the night.

Delta Goodrem took away the coveted Video of the Year Award, beating 50 Cent and the Foo Fighters, while sister act the Veronicas claimed the Australian Artist of the Year Award. Proof of the increasing urban renewal of Redfern, the choice of the Australian Technology Park saw hundreds of eager fans from across Sydney converge on the awards.

Queuing for hours to catch a glimpse of celebrities strutting the red carpet, most fans seemed willing to endure long lines, blinding floodlights and jostling crowds to be close to the stars.

While some fans travelled across town to be at the awards, it was a stroll around the block for Redfern local, Alison Thompson.

The 20-year-old said she saw the choice of Australian Technology Park as just another sign that Redfern had arrived.

"I wouldn't say I'm celebrity mad, but you have to admit that it's pretty exciting when MTV comes to your home suburb, so of course you're going to check it out," she said.

"I grew up here and it used to be seen as a poor and dangerous place - now it has the kind of vibe you used to get in places like Newtown or Surry Hills."

Lisa Pearson, 17, said she left her Campbell-town home at noon to get to the venue in time to join queues for red-carpet access.

"It seems a bit lame, to some people, to come all this way, but it's just, like, such a buzz to be near people like 50 Cent and all the other stars," she said.

"I really hope I can get close to the red carpet - I really want to say hi to Eve and singers like the Veronicas."

Speaking on the night, the bulk of international celebrities had no idea they were in Redfern but were impressed with the organisation of the event as well as the choice of venue.

Rapper 50 Cent told Central he was "happy to be here for the MTV Awards" and said the venue was "great".

The Veronicas agreed, but spent much of their time on the red carpet fending off speculation about their sudden weight loss.

"We are both really healthy," Jess Origliasso told reporters.

In the non-popular choice category was local surfer Mick Fanning who won for sport alongside actor Matt Damon for the movie star category and producer Timbaland who won for International Artist of the Year.

Other winners on the night included The Chaser team for their APEC 2007 stunt.

"It's all just outrageous," the boys responded in unison when asked how they felt about their nomination.

Pictures: Timothy Clapin, AAP