We could see the two great gyms, the basketball courts, the sports ground and the comfortable places to sit and watch as you sip your coffee or cool drink. It was obvious that all age groups could participate in either healthy relaxation or more focussed training programs.

Then there were the old Redfern Public School buildings, now home to education, kids’ training programs and art classes, and 113 beds for the accommodation of groups from near and far. The children from the past, remembered on the soonto-be reinstated old Honour Boards, would be proud to be set among these new dreams for the future. In between the two old school buildings is a peaceful corridor with space and trees for relaxing.

Talking with James Ellender, Facilities Manager, we heard of the 36 staff, 80 per cent of whom are Indigenous, and the building up of their expertise and sense of teamwork at a recent Staff Retreat. The fruits of that were clearly evident. Everywhere we went, we were guided and served by enthusiastic and well-equipped staff. Each of them is qualified to work in specific areas of the Centre. James brings with him the long-time experience of his work with the YMCA.

He spoke of plans which are already in place to accommodate a group of children with special needs for something like a summer camp so that their regular staff carers could have some respite. Because of the careful designing of the facility, it will attract not only children and others for various workshops and recreational times, but leaders in these fields from around the country. People from city and country will build relationships and share expertise.

There will be sports clinics in touch football, swimming and games, netball, basketball, AFL, soccer, cricket and gymnastics for children and young people, with access to elite Indigenous players in the various sports. Alongside that, there are a whole range of classes for various gym, pilates and cycling skills, many geared for weight loss as well as overall health.

The Centre will be formally opened by the Prime Minister, but it is already available for people to visit and to join. Membership is handled by Direct Debit and is $7.50 per fortnight for Indigenous people and $37.50 for non-Indigenous. It will be well worth the price, as the variety of options within the Centre is so impressive, as is the quality of resources, cutting edge technology and staff guidance.

The South Sydney Herald of February 2010. We have reproduced the text of the advertisement below:

YOUR FITNESS, IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Kick-start your New Year fitness resolution at South Sydney’s newest health and fitness facility: the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre.

2010 marks a new era in health and fitness for South Sydney residents, with the opening of the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre in Redfern. Part of the newly developed National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, the state-of-the-art health and fitness centre opened its doors to everyone in the local community on Sunday 10 January, 2010.

Local Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are welcome to join the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre which houses world class, commercial-quality facilities including a 25 metre outdoor heated pool, fully equipped gym, sporting fi eld and courts. The Centre offers the entire community a variety of programs including touch football, indoor netball, soccer and basketball and child minding services.

The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence has partnered with the YMCA, an organisation with a proven track record in the health and fi tness industry nationwide, in order to deliver the fi rst-rate health and fi tness centre to the whole community. The YMCA is a not-for-profi t charity organisation, meaning the Centre can focus on the health and lifestyle of its members, rather than generating profi t through high membership and entry fees.

The Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre, located just 800 metres from Redfern Station on 180 George St, will bring families together by offering social activities for all age groups, from school holiday programs for the kids, through to specially tailored exercise classes for various age groups. The Centre will also be a place for the local community to gather and celebrate for special events such as Dive-In Movie Nights, Family Fun Days and Pool Inflatable Days.

Prospective members can sign up today by visiting the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence at 180 George Street or by calling 1300 866 761.

To find out more about the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre and the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, visit: www.ncie.org.au

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

There really is something for everyone at the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre in Redfern.

✓         For the kids: Keep the kids busy next school break by enrolling them in a school holiday sports programs or kids gymnastics course. And for something different, hold your child’s next birthday party at the Centre – it’s guaranteed good fun!

✓         For teens: The gym can be an intimidating place for teenagers, but not with the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre’s specially tailored Teen Gym classes for 12-15 year olds. If the treadmill is not your thing, get a bunch of friends together and create a sporting team – touch football, indoor netball, indoor soccer and indoor basketball competitions wil all start up later this year.

✓         For fi tness freaks: Experience state-of-the-art gym facilities at a fraction of the price of expensive city gyms. The Centre’s friendly fi tness experts can put together tailored programs for you or help you achieve your New Year goals with personal training packages.

✓         For mums: Take advantage of the professional child minding facilities while you have a leisurely swim or invigorating work out, and for something extra special, bring your baby along to the ‘Mums and Bubs’ gentle exercise classes.

✓         For seniors: Keep your body moving with the Pryme Movers exercise classes, available for all adults over 60 and suitable for most fi tness levels.

To learn more about the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre’s commercial quality facilities and activities, visit the Centre at 180 George Street, Redfern, or call us on 1300 866 761.

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au