Burgmann on the Block

Dr Burgmann asserted her own commitment to Redfern, suggesting that the current Council had other priorities. “I see Redfern, Alexandria and Waterloo as crucial. This area isn’t getting the money put into it that it should have. Because Redfern’s no longer in Clover’s electorate, she doesn’t really care.”

She said her own priorities would include housing, public safety, lighting, better use of public space, and more recreational facilities. “There isn’t a swimming pool south of Cleveland Street while there’s five north of it. They promised the Southern Sydney Aquatic Centre four years ago, and they haven’t even decided on a site yet.”

She also called for a good quality, multi-purpose neighbourhood centre that could be a focus for the community.

She is a strong supporter of the stalled Pemulwuy Project for the redevelopment of the Block. “If it gets off the ground there would be a huge amount of Aboriginal employment in the area. We need the Pemulwuy Project to start, so that there is diverse Aboriginal residency; so that you’ve got public housing, key worker housing, and some private housing all in the one area.” She was optimistic about the project moving forward despite current difficulties.

The issue of carbon trading was raised, and local leader Shane Phillips stressed the importance of involving the Aboriginal community in the process. “It would be great if our people had an opportunity to help try and save the environment through ways that our people have been doing for thousands of years.”

Mr Phillips spoke for many at the meeting when he affirmed the importance of education: “Let the kids learn about their own identity, and their family’s identity, and the big picture, so that they can see the value of education and gain a sense of belonging, and a sense of worth.”

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au