Northcott celebrates 25 years

Well, ignorance is not bliss, and I was lucky enough to be put right by Rick O’Meara, the unofficial Mayor of Northcott, who filled me in on the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the Northcott Community Centre, a two-day gala, Tuesday August 25 and Wednesday August 26.

Opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1963, Northcott was built as part of the NSW Government’s Slum Replacement Program. There were 20 lanes and alleys where Northcott now stands between Devonshire and Belvoir streets. The main building was state of the art – Australian 60s style – 428 units with pastel colourings, individual kitchens and high-speed electric lifts.

But the path of true social engineering never did run smooth. In its initial decades the new development was a peaceful place, but in the 80s, when mental health institutions were being closed down, troubles flooded in. The Community Centre opened in 1984 but could not stand alone against the problems of drugs and violence bedevilling the estate.

Seven years ago it got so bad some critics were calling for Northcott to be bulldozed. But the community asserted its vitality as tenants worked with government departments, police, the City of Sydney, St Vincent’s Hospital and other agencies and corporations to turn things around.

Surry Hills Constable Brett Degenhardt and Community Development Worker Dominic Grenot built trust with residents by following through on promises to act against problems. Big hART became involved, creatively encouraging tenants to see their community as resilient and strong.

Now there is plenty to be proud of at Northcott. Get along in the last week of August to find out how this small society of a thousand souls is bolstering itself through innovative artistic expression and no-nonsense Aussie neighbourliness.

There will be music and dancing, displays of visual arts, many speeches and countless tall stories as well as light refreshments for all who wish to celebrate 25 years of persisting happily against the odds.

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au