Redfern residents thrilled by Prince's visit

The Prince met with indigenous representatives at Redfern Community Centre after choosing to add it as stop on his Australian tour.

Elders spoke to the Prince about indigenous health, native title and their campaign to repatriate Aboriginal remains held in museums around the world.

The Prince, who did a lap of the waiting crowd, shaking hands and posing for photos, was said to be very down to earth in his meeting with about 60 Indigenous elders.

"He just talked mainly about Aboriginal culture," said elder Jack Dunn.

"He was very interested in how all the people get together and he was really open to a lot of other conversations.

"He was very resourceful and he listens very well."

Bowie Hickey says she hopes all the attention will change attitudes around the world towards Indigenous Australians.

"We're not cannibals - we're human and as respectable as the next person," she said.

"The Prince came all the way from London to visit the block - now that's a story on its own."

While there were a handful of protesters outside the Redfern Community Centre as Prince William arrived, for the most part the crowd was excited to see the man who could become King.

Locals say they are touched the Prince has taken the time to visit their community.

"I think [he's here] just to show respect to his mother, who I really admired as a mother and as a woman," one woman said.

"He is gorgeous. He looks exactly like his mum," said another.

Redfern resident Christine Martin says she sees the prince as an advocate for Indigenous Australians, just like his grandmother, the Queen.

"She spoke to John Howard about treating the Aboriginal people [better] ... so I think that he's doing that for his grandma as well as his mum," she said.

The Prince watched a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony before he went inside, where he was asked to help repatriate Aboriginal bones and skulls housed in foreign museums.

Rob Welsh from the Metropolitan Aboriginal Local Lands Council earlier said he would ask the Prince to aid in the return of the remains of Indigenous leader Pemulwuy, who fought colonisation.

"The theft of our people in our communities to us is astounding - that people could even stoop to that lowness," he said.

"We believe there are over 50,000 remains of Aboriginal people stolen and sold overseas through the black market.

"We're asking to simply move forward. Let's get these simple things in order so we call all move forward."

Video: Philippa McDonald reports on Prince William in Redfern (ABC News)

Source: www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/19/2796147.htm?section=australia