Getting to know Roy Wakelin-King

Roy took up his position as CEO of the Redfern Waterloo Authority around six months ago. He has academic qualifications in Business Management from UTS and in Professional Studies from the University of New England. After 12 years in the army, much of which involved work in relation to transport, Roy has held a number of NSW Government positions, also mostly connecting with transport. Then, last year, he was the Chief Executive Officer for the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority – a position which he thoroughly enjoyed, even though he is not a Catholic.

He was attracted to the RWA position because he felt it would be exciting to be part of something which is focussed on renewal. He felt the energy of what he describes as “the small but highly capable team” of people with whom he would be working and was impressed by the variety of stake-holders in the projects and the many issues involved.

He felt he could be part of “a moment in time”, a piece of history where a diverse community could walk together towards change and creative development.

The variety of new initiatives taking place now are both challenging and promising in Roy’s view. The opening of Channel Seven, with its affirmation of the area and the adding of more than 2,000 new workers into the community, the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence which will open in November, the new RSL Club and a number of initiatives in relation to affordable housing are just a few of these.

He sees it as his job to encourage the departments and corporations concerned to integrate with the community as they establish their new projects. In this, Roy has been impressed by the “buzzing vibe” of groups like the Community Safety Meeting, REDWatch and the Chamber of Commerce alongside the general hospitality of people.

He believes that often small things become big things – like the exploring of the diminishing of the roller shutter image in the shopping areas. So much is about perception when people enter an area.

He feels that underlying all that is happening is the sense of “ownership”, the lives and stories of people who have lived and worked here for many decades. They have “grounded” the community and made important cultural and spiritual attachments. This reality is part of both the opportunity and the challenges in what lies in the future for Redfern Waterloo as the old and new come together – a delicate balancing act. Undoubtedly, Roy Wakelin-King will be an enthusiastic and respectful participant in that journey.

Photo: Ali Blogg - Roy Wakelin-King

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