Shane (a Bundjalung, Wonnarua and Eora man) was born in Redfern, and grew up surrounded by role models such as Mum Shirl, Charlie Perkins, Joyce Clague, and other Aboriginal men and women who have contributed to the fight for equal opportunity, the right to be counted as part of the wider community and to help support Aboriginal people. Shane talked about the environment of Redfern in the ’70s and ’80s, which were “good times”.
Much has changed since then. Shane looks forward to new life for “working families” on The Block, better relationships with the police and among all people of good will in the community.
What inspires Shane is supporting his family and being true to them as well as doing the best he can for his community.
He believes that you need good work ethics and to follow through by doing the best job you can.
Shane started work at the age of 14, after being told by his Dad he had to work. The work experience for Shane was “tough but fair”, and he learnt a lot from the people he worked with and for. He learned there was value and pride in contributing to the greater good.
Shane recalls, when he was 14 years old, assisting another lad to break into a car. The other lad ran away but Shane was caught by police. He recalls that the police officer “kicked me up the bum” and “told me he didn’t want me being involved in any stealing again”. This event shaped Shane to realise that he did not want to do anything to get himself into trouble. “I respected that he gave me that chance – that he showed me that respect,” Shane said.
Being there for his family, maintaining humility and integrity, and developing programs that support young people in the community to achieve their goals are very important to Shane – more important than any accolades or awards.
Source: South Sydney Herald February 2012 www.southsydneyherald.com.au
]]>In his apology, Rudd declared that "the mood of the nation is for reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians". According to Sol Bellear, Chair of the Redfern-based Aboriginal Medical Service, "a lot of non-Aboriginal people seem to think that now the apology's been made, it's the end of disadvantage and poverty for Aboriginal people. It's not."
On 16th February 2004, the Sydney suburb of Redfern was the scene of the worst race riot in the city's history. Since then, John Howard's centre-right Liberal Party administration was ousted by Rudd's Australian Labor Party (ALP), in October 2007.
Redfern is located on the edge of Sydney's central business district (CBD).According to Heidi Norman, who has written extensively about Redfern's Aboriginal community, the Stolen Generation became identified with the suburb. "Many Aboriginal people who grew up in institutions found their way back to their families through Redfern" she says. The bulk of Redfern's Aboriginal population is concentrated in a series of streets known as ‘the Block', situated on the suburb's western border. At the centre of the Block, which occupies less than 8000 square feet, is a new architecture-designed community centre. This is surrounded by dilapidated Victorian terraces and Aboriginal murals which seem incongruous with the gleaming Manhattan-style skyscrapers visible in the distance. The Block is owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company. Initially, it represented something of an innovation as an Aboriginal-run housing project.
Over time, the Block has acquired a reputation for being a ‘no go' area for outsiders. Statistics indicate that Redfern's crime rate is twice or three times that of the New South Wales (NSW) state average in a number of areas. Since the 1990s, the public image of the Block has been tarnished by the heroin trade that has proliferated, particularly among young Aboriginal people. One local resident tells me: "You would probably have trouble buying heroin in most parts of Sydney, but it's dealt pretty openly here".
Beyond the Block, Redfern has been subject to varying degrees of gentrification. Proposals to bulldoze the Block and extend the business district into Redfern are said to have created something of a siege mentality among local Aboriginal people. Criminologist Chris Cunneen describes the local Aboriginal community as "much more highly politicised than a lot of other communities", with a particular history of tensions between police and the suburb's Aboriginal community.
The Redfern riot of 2004 is emblematic of these tensions. On 16th February a night of ‘unparalleled' rioting began following the death of a seventeen year-old Aboriginal teenager TJ Hickey. Police were attacked with bricks, bottles and petrol bombs, and the railway station was set alight. The teenager, who had a history with local police, had been cycling to visit his mother, who lived in the Block. On the way, he lost control of his bike and crashed into a railway fence, where he was impaled on spikes. Many Redfern Aboriginal people maintain he was being pursued by a police vehicle. They also say it was provocation by police that sparked the riot among mourners on the following day,
Ray Minniecon, a pastor in the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship and veteran Redfern activist, puts the riot down to a build-up of frustration and anger on the part of young Aboriginal people as a result of persistent police harassment. "My own kids have asked ‘Dad, why do the police pick on me? They don't pick on the Asians. They don't pick on the white fellas.' You can understand the anger they feel at not being allowed to be who they are and enjoy the same freedoms as other young people in Sydney", he tells me.
Research backs up this claim that Aboriginal youths are stopped and searched more frequently than their white peers. Cunneen agrees. "There is an expectation, particularly in Redfern, that if you're young and Aboriginal, you're going to get a hard time of the police."
Ray Minniecon suggests that the riot might have played out differently had the apology been issued beforehand. Research into the Redfern riot has indeed identified Aboriginal peoples' history of colonisation and dispossession as a factor influencing the sense of exclusion and ‘generalised hostility' felt by the youths involved. The wording of Rudd's apology went some way towards addressing this.
Ostensibly, the apology was concerned primarily with the Stolen Generation of some fifty-thousand Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families between 1910 and 1970. However, it was broadly received as an acknowledgement of the consequences of white settlement on the indigenous population.
On a practical level, the apology proposed a vision for reducing the life-expectancy, economic and educational differentials between white and indigenous Australians called ‘Closing the Gap'. No mention was made of the intervention (or Northern Territory National Emergency Response) begun by the Howard government in 2007. This followed publication of a report alleging rampant child neglect and sexual abuse within the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. A range of measures were implemented ranging from changes to land tenure, the quarantining of welfare benefits, the deployment of extra police and restrictions on alcohol use. The Howard government suspended the Race Discrimination Act.
Controversy still surrounds the effectiveness of the intervention. Those opposed consider it to have been punitive and to have infantilised the majority of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory who had no involvement with child abuse. But although many were expecting the Rudd government to discontinue the intervention, they were disappointed.
Soll Bellear, Chair of the Aboriginal Medical Service, and a member of his local Labor Party considers the Rudd government to have reneged on several of their election promises relating to Rudd's vision for ‘closing the gap'. These relate to housing, education and criminal justice. The health indicators of Australian Aboriginals lag behind those of other indigenous peoples across the world, he points out. Even after the apology, the Australian government is failing to address Aboriginal issues holistically. They are not consulting the Aboriginal people. "Aboriginal issues require Aboriginal solutions" he emphasises.
The references in Rudd's apology to the importance of ‘localised' and ‘flexible' solutions are, in Bellear's view, demonstrative of a "white perspective". According to Bellear, the ‘gap', alluded to by Rudd, was being closed more rapidly in the 1970s and 80s by "community-controlled" organisations such as the Aboriginal Medical Service.
Shane Phillips, an Aboriginal Redfern resident whose family have lived in the suburb for generations, is the CEO of an organisation called Tribal Warrior. This non-profit community organisation provides specialised training programmes oriented around the maritime industry to create job opportunities for its clients. One of its key objectives is the promotion of social, economic and cultural development among Aboriginal people and communities. Of the Rudd apology, Phillips says "It was a good start." He argues that Aboriginal people need to rise above anger and indignation, however justified, in order to achieve the social and economic development envisaged by his organisation. Phillips describes some of the economic development that has begun to take place in the Block. This includes the emergence of five Aboriginal-owned businesses. A decade ago, there was only one.
Phillips' vision of social and economic development among Redfern's Aboriginal community is consistent with Sol Bellear's view that the 'gap' can be more effectively closed by community-controlled organisations. For his part, Phillips feels that it is important that Redfern's Aboriginal community stands its ground in the face of gentrification. He tells me that Redfern is of massive symbolic importance to Aboriginal people across Australia. "That's why we've go to remain here".
For several years, the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) has sought to promote revitalisation of the Block through the Pelmulwuy Project. This involves a number of housing and employment-related programmes. However, the project has stalled due to wrangling between the AHC and the New South Wales government. Some, like Shane Phillips, are still hopeful that the project might yet get off the ground. Others are more pessimistic. "The government won't fund Aboriginal economic development projects" says Ray Minniecon.
Heidi Norman maintains that Aboriginal people are likely to be worst-affected in Australia, by the global economic downturn. Increasingly limited resources will diminish Aboriginal organisations' chances of securing funding for such projects. The apology is by no means unappreciated by Redfern's Aboriginal community and those associated with it. One resident of the Block, I spoke to, even says that it "has created a bit of a change" in the area. However, Redfern seems like an uncertain place facing an uncertain future.
Life expectancy
At 60, it is 20 years behind the average non-indigenous Australian. That of New Zealand Maoris and American First People is over 70 years.
Education
A report in 2006 in The Australian indicates that many Aboriginal adults living in remote areas have the literacy skills of a ten-year old. Only 3% of Aboriginal students complete a university degree.
But the proportion of Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over achieving qualifications is up from 20% in 2001 to 25% in 2006.
Health
Drug use is twice as high as that of non-indigenous Australians
Poverty
72% live in relative poverty
Unemployment
Between 2001 and 2006, Aboriginal unemployment fell from 20% to 16%, but remains over three times that of the non-Aboriginal population
This article is published by James Patterson, and openDemocracy.net under a Creative Commons licence. www.opendemocracy.net/article/saying-sorry-is-not-enough
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This information service has been developed to provide you with the latest in development news, news, courses, events, meetings and anything else that is a part of this vibrant community. If you wish to receive this update in future, add events or news, or have any suggestions, comments or input, please contact the RWA’s Communications Officer Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
In this Update:
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence set to open
Channel 7 to begin production at ATP
Redfern Health Centre nearing completion
Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets voted best in Sydney
Redfern Centre Urban Design Principles closer to exhibition
RWA CEO responds to Central magazine
Exciting future for Redfern Business
Hi Rize basketball day a blast
Women Storm to success in Koori Knockout
Demolition taking place at North Eveleigh
Christmas Banner competition for schools now open
Redfern Police Chief to step into the ring for local PCYC
Local Health Service Forum – 13th November
Child protection seminar for Waterloo residents – 18th November
Waterloo Community Safety Action Group – 18th November
Waterloo Learning, Employment, Enterprise Action Group – 18th November
RedWater community markets – 21st November
Redfern and Waterloo Neighbourhood Days – 21st November
Family and Culture Day at The Block – 28th November
Seniors’ Xmas Party around the bend – 8th December
Koori Job Ready Course openings for 2010
Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training course openings for 2010
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Construction of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence is nearing completion at the George Street site. The Centre plans to host a Community Open Day in late 2009 with the date to be advised. The RWA has recently approved a development application for the erection of signage at the George Street entrance as well as signage within the site. Foundation membership packages for the Centre are currently on offer. For more information visit the NCIE Sales Office at 88 Pitt Street, Redfern or call 1300 866 761.
The Channel 7 studio and office complex is nearing completion with the finishing touches being made. Channel 7 employees will begin relocating to the new building at the ATP in January 2010. By the end of January, approximately 1,200 employees from Channel 7, Pacific Magazines and Global Television will be based at the building, with a capacity for a further 800 employees. The RWA is currently considering a development application for the attendance of audiences at the facility.
The new Redfern Health Centre is nearing completion with an end of November target completion date. The redevelopment of the site will provide modern community health facilities including mental health, drug and alcohol, community HIV and community nursing services at one of Redfern’s most historic sites, the old Redfern Courthouse building. This building is of heritage significance and has been an important part of Redfern’s cultural history since 1898. A new health centre in this location will breathe new life into the building through its adaptive reuse.
After only seven months of operation the Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets was awarded the Sydney Morning Heralds Foodies Guide to Sydney 2010 Award for Best Markets in Sydney. Eveleigh Markets Manager Ariana Aljinovic received the award October 8, 2009. Eveleigh Markets was judged the best on “excellence of product, knowledge and understanding of what is stocked, attention to detail and engagement with business”. The award also acknowledged Eveleigh Markets Management’s undertaking of authenticity audits with stallholders on an ongoing basis to reassure product quality.
The final draft Redfern Centre Urban Design Principles (formerly referred to as the Redfern Town Centre Guidelines) was presented to the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee on 7th October 2009. This draft is being sent to the Minister for Redfern Waterloo's office seeking approval to formerly exhibit the final draft to the public. The date of this exhibition will be made public when it becomes known.
In a letter to the editor at Central Magazine, RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King outlined the RWA’s performance of its obligations in relation to ICAC and what it has achieved in the area to-date. A full version of this letter can be found at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au under “Latest News”.
In a letter to local businesses in the Redfern-Waterloo area, the RWA, City of Sydney and the Redfern Chamber of Commerce joined forces to highlight the exciting developments in the area and opportunities for the future. The letter highlighted the Council’s spending of $48 million in the area, the Federal Government’s spending of over $30 million on the new National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, the NSW Government’s development of old disused State sites allowing for tens of millions of dollars to be reinvested into the Redfern Waterloo area, and the approval of the Pemulwuy Project Concept Plan for The Block, uplifting the Aboriginal community. A major opportunity for local business is the arrival of Channel 7 and its partner companies to the Australian Technology Park in January 2010. Opening shutter doors will better promote the area and invite people to conduct their commerce here. Head to the RWA homepage (www.redfernwaterloo.com.au) to read the letter in full under “Latest News”.
The Waterloo Green 3-on-3 Basketball tournament was held on 14th October in Raglan Street during the second week of school holidays. Around 70 people played on the day with an U16 Girls team from Alexandria Park Community School trumping all competition, including the NSW Fire Brigade and NSW Police, to claim the trophy. Ambulance services, the Redfern Lions, Babana Men’s Group and a Rabbitohs player were there to lend a hand. Medicare, Centrelink, YMCA/NCIE, Barnardos, NSW Health and Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service provided information on the day to help raise awareness about the problems of binge drinking and illicit drug use, as well as promoting safe and healthy relationships. The RWA is an active member of the NSW Health Community Drug Action Team that made the day happen.
The women from Waterloo Storm showed the men how it’s done at the 2009 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout carnival held at Armidale in the first weekend of October. The female team made it all the way through the draw to the grand final where they stormed over North Casino 20-10 to take the title. The men’s teams from the Redfern All Blacks, Waterloo Storm and United Rugby League could not match the women against strong competition from the likes of Walgett BAC and the Mindaribba Warriors who both met in the men’s grand final. Two periods of extra time were required before Walgett claimed the trophy with a final score of 48-44. The RWA was again happy to lend support in the form of sponsorship for the female Waterloo Storm team, and the provision of uniforms for the men from the All Blacks, Storm and United teams.
RailCorp commenced demolishing two buildings at the western (entrance) end of North Eveleigh on 2nd November 2009. The demolition was approved under development application and will involve both buildings bordering the railway tracks. These buildings were determined structurally unsound and an imminent safety hazard due to termite infestations. It is anticipated the demolition will take six weeks to complete. Residents and office workers onsite at North Eveleigh may experience increased noise and traffic associated with the demolition. The entrance road to North Eveleigh will remain accessible. Works will take place between the hours of 7am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8am to 1pm Saturdays. For information about the demolition contact Phil Gillespie from Ross Mitchell Associates (the demolition contractor engaged by RailCorp) on 9642 0011.
The RWA and Eveleigh Markets are hosting a Christmas Banner Competition for schools and youth groups in the City of Sydney local government area which is now open. Prize money will be awarded to the winner, the runner-up and the people’s choice banner. Schools interested in participating will be supplied with a participant’s pack including a banner, paints and design guidelines. Each entry will be displayed at the Eveleigh Markets in the month of December with the winner announced at the markets on Saturday 19th December 2009. Banners need to be completed and submitted by 25th November 2009. For more information contact Julie Parsons on 9202 9100 or Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Redfern Local Area Command Superintendent Luke Freudenstein is donning the gloves and stepping into the ring next month to fight a yet to be confirmed opponent and help raise awareness about South Sydney PCYC and its reopening. The exhibition card will feature young men who have been hard at work training alongside Luke Freudenstein down at the PCYC for the last six months. To raise much-needed money for the club there will be a small entry fee, a BBQ, a raffle and drinks for sale. For more information contact Brian Rule on 9319 4240 or brule@pcyc.nsw.org.au.
The Redfern Mental Health Team is holding a presentation on “Treatment options for consumers with drug and alcohol addiction” this month. The guest speaker will be Darren Smyth, a clinical nurse consultant in drug health. The event will run from 2:30pm until 4:30pm on Friday 13th November upstairs at Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt Street, Redfern. For more information or to RSVP contact Stephen Cashen on Stephen.cashen@email.cs.nsw.gov.au or 9395 0444.
The Department of Community Services is holding a seminar and morning tea titled “Child Protection in the Real World’ at the Waterloo Neighbourhood Centre this month. The seminar will discuss child protection reports and their effect, legislation in the field of child protection, community responsibility, and avenues for DOCS and the community to work closer together. The seminar will be held on Wednesday 18th November 2009 from 10am until 11:30am. For more information and to RSVP contact Dominic Grenot on 9265 9954 or Don Stewart on 9202 9115.
Agencies and residents working in the field of community safety in the Waterloo area are invited to attend the next Community Safety Action Group meeting at The Factory Community Centre. An update on the progress of the Waterloo Green Action Plan will be provided. The meeting is on 18th November 2009 from 2:30pm. For more information please contact Dominic Grenot on 9265 9954 or Don Stewart on 9202 9115.
Agencies and residents working in the field of learning, employment or enterprise in the Waterloo area are invited to attend the next Action Group meeting at the Factory Community Centre. The meeting on 18th November at 10am will debrief the Solander Landscape Project with discussions about plans for similar projects in the future. For more information please contact Mike Shreenan at The Factory on 8399 1011 or MShreenan@the-factory.org.au.
Monthly markets focussing on sustainable goods commenced in newly upgraded Redfern Park in September. The markets held on the third Saturday of every month focus on goods which are handmade, recycled or second-hand. The new markets have the backing of the City of Sydney, The Factory Community Centre and the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre. All monies raised from stallholder-fees are injected back into local community projects such as the Waterloo Recycling Workshop. This month’s markets will take place on Saturday 21st November 2009 from 8am to 4pm. Commercial stall space costs $40 with discounts available for local charities. For general enquiries contact 9698 9569. To book a stall call 0434 197 527 from Thursday 12th November onwards.
The sunshine is out and summer is here. It is time for the Redfern Neighbourhood Advisory Board to get people together for an information day at Poet’s Corner, Morehead Street, Redfern. Head down for food, music and activities on Saturday 21st November 2009 from 11am to 3pm. The annual Waterloo Summer on the Green is on Friday 4th December 2009 from 2pm until 5pm. It will feature free music, a free BBQ and games and activities from local organisations. For more information contact Mike Shreenan at The Factory on 8399 1011 or MShreenan@the-factory.org.au.
As the Saturdays warm up so does the atmosphere at the monthly Family and Culture Day at The Block. With top Indigenous musicians, dancers and artists performing along with food and activities, it’s a guaranteed fun-filled day in the neighbourhood. The days are held on the last Saturday of every month with the next one to take place on 28th November 2009. For more information contact Shane Phillips at Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491.
The RWA is inviting Seniors in the Redfern-Waterloo area to a free Christmas Party Lunch to be held at the Australian Technology Park. The lunch will begin at 12pm on Tuesday 8th December 2009 in the Dining Room at the ATP in Locomotive Street, Eveleigh. Parking spots are available for a fee. Free transport will be provided from central collection points. Please advise the RWA if you require transport. To reserve a seat or for more information, please contact Julie Parsons on 9202 9100.
While the final semester for 2009 is underway, now is the ideal time to register interest for the free Indigenous course at the Les Tobler Construction Centre in 2010. The first course will commence 15th February 2010. Courses run over eight weeks from 8:30pm to 2:30pm and focus on carpentry, formwork, plastering, concreting, bricklaying, scaffolding and forklift operations among other subjects, with a view to gainful employment for graduates. For more information contact Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643, wayne.dargan@rwa.nsw.gov.au), Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0423 414 643, rohan.tobler@rwa.nsw.gov.au) or the centre down at 255 Wilson Street, Darlington (9690 2497).
Yaama is currently holding its final course for 2009 but is also fielding interest for courses in 2010. The first course will commence in February. The course is open to both indigenous and non-indigenous people and runs for nine weeks covering food and beverage service, customer service, cooking classes, responsible service of alcohol (RSA), responsible conduct of gaming (RCG) and barista (coffee) training. Over 100 people have graduated from course since early 2006 and nearly 70% of those have found employment or moved into further education. For more information contact Andrew Constantinidis on 9202 9130 or Andrew.constantinidis@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Source: www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/publications/rwa_update.html
]]>Premier retains Redfern Waterloo Ministry
Indigenous Excellence Centre opens
Redfern Health Centre ready to serve
Rabbitohs returned happily to Redfern
Alexandria wins inaugural Christmas Banner Competition
Redfern and Aunty Beryl fit for a Prince
Family Violence Taskforce up and running
Community Information Meeting on 8 Central Avenue
Redfern Police Chief boxes for kids’ future
Signage for 8 Central Avenue determined
World class movies to be made in Darlington
Kylie Kwong cooks for Chinese NY – 20th February
REDWater Community Markets – 20th February
Family and Culture Day at The Block – 27th February
Koori Job Ready 2010 course dates
With the Christmas and New Year celebrations now over, I hope you had an enjoyable time with family and friends and like ourselves, are ready for an exciting year.
The Redfern Waterloo Authority has significant milestones ahead of us in 2010. Over the coming months we will see a number of the major projects that the RWA has been involved in come to fruition. We have seen the new facilities at Channel 7, the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence and the Community Health Centre all commence operations over the Christmas and New Year period. This will result in a real boost to the area in terms of economic and social activity, which will lead to lasting positive change for the area. This is the essence of the Urban Renewal program that the RWA has been actively involved in and it is also a reflection of the tremendous commitment of the many stakeholders who have been engaged in these projects.
I am also pleased to inform you of the recent appointment of Melissa Gibson as our Director of Human Services, familiar to some of you already. The establishment of this position reflects a clear commitment by the Authority to deliver on its commitments in this key area of our work. Melissa and her team will be actively working with all stakeholders in the community to assist in the long term delivery of improved human services for the aged and young alike, the disabled, migrants and the homeless.
A key focus of the Authority for 2010 is the delivery of key milestones for the Redfern Waterloo area, including the Built Environment Plan 2, the commencement of the Redfern Railway Station upgrade, the implementation of the redevelopment of North Eveleigh, and the many other tasks that we are engaged in. We will also continue our efforts in the development of our successful Aboriginal employment program and local business development.
I look forward to working with you in these and other community-benefiting endeavours. Kind regards, Roy Wakelin-King.
Redfern Waterloo is at the top of government with the Premier electing to retain her Ministry of Redfern Waterloo after being sworn in as Premier on 4th December 2009. She has now held responsibility for Redfern Waterloo since 8th September 2008. The Premier said the local area and the people of Redfern and Waterloo are very close to her heart. “It was important for me to retain the portfolio of Redfern Waterloo and continue to oversee the good work the RWA is doing” she said.
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence opened its doors to the young Indigenous community and the broader public in January 2010. The Centre boats a state-of-the-art recreation gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, dining hall and activity rooms, and accommodation for over 100 people. The Redfern Waterloo Authority helped in brokering the Redfern site for the Centre and committed $500,000 for its construction and operation. All members of the public are invited to join the gym, with monies earned returned to the not-for-profit Centre. To find out more information contact the NCIE office on 9016 1069 or the health and membership office on 1300 866 761.
Another major local provider, the Redfern Health Centre, formally opens its doors this month. An adaptive re-use of the historic Redfern Courthouse built in 1898, the Centre will serve in the areas of mental health, drug and alcohol, HIV and health. Clients will typically be referred by a doctor, health professional or agent. The RWA and NSW Health managed the sale of the Rachel Foster Hospital site to fund the $10 million re-development of the old Courthouse building into the new Health Centre.
More than 5,000 faithful braved inclement weather on Sunday 7th February to watch the Rabbitohs take on the Manly Sea Eagles in opening trial of the NRL season at the ATP Performance Centre, dubbed the Return to Redfern Oval match. They were not disappointed with the Rabbitohs thumping the visitors 42-12, after a nervous start and 12-0 down at the first quarter. Earlier the Premier, Kristina Keneally, showed off her try-scoring skills for the All Star Celebrities against the Greaties from the Eighties.
Alexandria Park Community School took out the top prize of $1,000 in the inaugural RWA Christmas Banner Competition for their banner which depicted both Indigenous and modern festive celebrations. Youth services group Life for Kids were the runners-up with their colourful Aboriginal flag banner pocketing $500, and Darlington Primary School’s fruity Christmas tree banner earned them the People’s Choice Award and $1,000. RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King said the competition, open to schools and youth services in the area, was a great success and will be run annually.
When Prince William came to Redfern on 18th January, much of the local community turned out to see their first royal in the flesh. For Aunty Beryl Van Oploo of Yaama Dhiyaan it was a familiar setting. Around 40 years ago Aunty Beryl served Prince Charles down at the Rocks with a team of caterers from La Perouse, where she was teaching in a similar program to Yaama Dhiyaan. She said it was ironic she was asked to cater afternoon tea for Prince William and around 60 elders at the Redfern Community Centre. Prince William was served up the best of Yaama’s morning tea offerings including custard tarts, lemon myrtle butter biscuits, chocolate truffles and a fruit cocktail.
Meeting for the first time in December 2009, the Redfern Waterloo Heritage Taskforce is underway and is currently seeking two Indigenous members. The Taskforce will meet approximately four times in the year with sub-groups meeting in between. Opportunities for conservation and re-use of heritage in Redfern Waterloo will be identified by project basis. Nominations for projects are currently open until 25th February 2010. For more information contact Juliet Suich on 9202 9100 or Juliet.suich@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
The Family Violence Taskforce is up and running with two meetings held late in 2009 and the first meeting in 2010 currently being scheduled. Non-government organisations have broadened membership and include the likes of South Sydney Community Aid, Scarba, Relationships Australia, Hillsong, Wirringia Baiya and St Vincent De Paul. For the year ahead the Taskforce is focussed on identifying service needs, training for workers and courses for victims, as well as reviewing current programs. For more information contact Julie Parsons on 9202 9100 or Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
The RWA held a community information meeting on 8 Central Avenue (the Channel 7 building) on 6th December 2009. More than 50 local residents turned out to hear from the RWA and representatives from Channel 7, Global Television (also tenants of the building along with Pacific Magazines), the City of Sydney Council and SDH & Associate Architects. Issues raised concerned better communication, parking, lighting and public transport. The RWA is planning for another community information meeting in the coming months. For more information contact Julie Parsons (Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au) or Ben Falkenmire (ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au) on 9202 9100.
On 18th December 2009 at the PCYC South Sydney, Redfern Police Superintendent Luke Freudenstein donned the gloves and took to the boxing ring to help promote the new facilities on offer at the club. It was reportedly a tough fight for the Superintendent, but he found support from the sidelines form the local kids he has been training on weekday mornings at the South Sydney PCYC. The RWA funded the supply of the boxing ring for the day which raised money for the PCYC and the Superintendent’s support of a local child through private schooling.
A development application for the erection of signage at 8 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park (the Channel 7 building) was approved on 28th January 2009. The development application provides for the erection of tenant signage on each façade of the building with associated illumination. The intensity of illuminated signage must be reduced by 50% between the hours of 10pm and 6am and must not cause objectionable glare or injury to the amenity of the neighbourhood.
The RWA approved a development application on 22nd December 2009 that will see animation star George Miller and his company create world-class movies at CarriageWorks. Miller’s production company Kennedy Miller Mitchell will make their new home in Bays 22-25 of CarriageWorks where the sequel to Happy Feet, and Mad Max: Fury Road will be produced in a purpose-built digital film studio.
Renowned chef Kylie Kwong will be cooking to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Saturday 20th February at the Eveleigh Farmers’ Market. The cooking demonstration will run from 10am-10:45am. Kylie will be using fresh produce from stallholders at the Market. “I love Eveleigh Farmers’ Market commitment to the promotion of sustainable living and ethical eating, and I feel very at home being surrounded by the abundance of fresh locally grown food and passionate producers,” she said. Kylie Kwong is a passionate advocator for the sustainable food movement and serves only locally grown, organic and bio dynamic produce in her Sydney restaurant Billy Kwong.
The REDWater Community Market continues to offer hand-made, recycled and second-hand goods on the third Saturday of each month. Get down to Redfern Park from 8am to find that treasure gift, hobby item or something unique for the home. To hold a stall call 0434 197 527 and for general information call 9698 9569.
Skipping the typically festive month of January, Family and Culture Day at The Block returns this month on 27th February with more live music, performances, food and activities for the family. This is a monthly event held on the last Saturday of the month. For more information contact Shane Phillips at Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491.
The Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre is back with the first term of students beginning today. This year’s course dates are as follows:
Term 1: 8th February to 1st April
Term 2: 3rd May to 2nd July
Term 3: 26th July to 24th Sept
Term 4: 11th October to 10th December
For more information contact Andrew Constantinidis on 9202 9100.
The Koori Job Ready team also commenced their first term today. Course dates for 2010, along with the relevant information days, are as follows:
Term 1: 8th February to 2nd April
Term 2: 19th April to 11th June (information day: 7th April)
Term 3: 5th July to 27th August (information day: 22nd June)
Term 4: 11th October to 3rd December (information day: 28th September)
For more information contact Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643) or Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0414 137 816).
To be added to the RWA Update distribution list, make comments or suggest a news item or event, please contact the RWA’s Communications Officer Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
If you live near the Australian Technology Park, keep abreast of the latest news on the Park by registering for the free ATP Newsletter. Head to www.atp.com.au, and click on “Newsletters” to subscribe.
Ben Falkenmire
Communications
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
1 Lawson Square
PO Box 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
T: 02 9202 9112
F: 02 9202 9111
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Redfern Health Centre completed
Christmas Banner Competition running
CEO meets with REDWatch and locals
Development Applications determined:
RWA Community Information Meeting – 15th December
Yaama Dhiyaan Graduation and 2010 – 18th December
PCYC Boxing Match with Redfern Police Chief – 18th December
Family and Culture Day at The Block – 18th December
Christmas Markets and Christmas Banner Competition – 19th December
REDWater markets – 19th December
As Christmas draws near I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on my first year as CEO of the Redfern Waterloo Authority. I have very much enjoyed my time at the Authority thus far and I appreciate the welcome and hospitality I have received from the community. Throughout the year I have met with many members of this vibrant community and I have learnt a great deal about the people of the Redfern Waterloo area. I look forward to working with you in 2010 as we further enhance this community’s standing. I would like to wish you and your families all the very best for Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Kind regards
Roy Wakelin-King
Last month construction at the Redfern Health Centre was completed. A smoking ceremony was held with a handful of staff moving in the following week. There will be an official opening in February 2010, after which the centre will be open for clients in the areas of mental health, drug and alcohol services, HIV services and health nursing. The proceeds of the sale of the Rachel Foster Hospital site contributed towards the funding of this important community asset.
Local schools and youth services have recently put themselves to the task of making the best Christmas Banner in the neighbourhood. The competition, created and run by the RWA in conjunction with the ATP, offers prize money for the winner, runner-up and the people’s choice award. You can vote on the people’s choice award at the Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets on Saturday 12th December. All prizes will be announced at the markets on Saturday 19th December.
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence moved one step closer to opening its doors to the wider public this month, with staff set to grace the premise before Christmas. Doors are expected to be opened in January next year, with NCIE CEO Jason Glanville targeting 5,000 young Aboriginal people to be using the centre every year.
On 5th November RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King met with community group REDWatch. There Roy provided an update from the RWA on matters such as the new Channel 7 building, the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, the family violence and youth taskforces and the progress with the Yaama Dhiyaan and Koori Job Ready training courses. Following on from this Roy met with Alexandria residents on 27th November to discuss key issues regarding the Channel 7 building. The RWA is intending to meet with the Chippendale Residents Interest Group in the coming months.
The campaign to reduce the number of roller doors at Redfern commercial spaces continues to reach out to the community. Part of the campaign is sending out the message that roller doors communicate an insecure, unsafe area which belongs to a Redfern and Waterloo of the past. Removing roller doors acknowledges the ongoing revitalization of the area. Letters have been sent to business owners in the area, and the RWA, together with the Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sydney, will be making in-store visits in the near future to the discuss opportunities to improve the commercial landspace.
In a letter to the editor of the South Sydney Herald, RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King responded to the article “Channel 7 rates poorly in Alexandria” (November, 2009). To read this letter head to www.redfernwaterloo.com.au under “Latest News”.
The Aboriginal men’s group Babana received recognition for its impact in the local male community recently. The SBS Program Living Black profiled the group and the positive impact they are making with young boys and men. Pay TV station NITV featured Babana’s Sunday walks where men of all ages come together on Sundays at 7:30am for a walk, yarn and a breakfast afterwards. The RWA is proudly sponsoring Babana t-shirts.
The Australian Technology Park office located at Eveleigh distributes a quarterly newsletter to subscribers updating them on developments at the Park. To receive this newsletter head to http://www.atp.com.au/newsletters and enter in your details.
Parking and roads at ATP
The RWA granted consent on 6th November for the relocation of boom gates at the ATP site and median strip and circulation works within the Middle Temporary Car Park. These works are part of the upgrades being made to traffic and traffic flow in the area and will help manage the impacts of the operation of the Channel 7 building.
The Draft Redfern Design Principles (formerly referred to as the Redfern Town Centre Guidelines) are on public exhibition until 5pm Friday 22 January 2010. The Draft Principles have been prepared in consultation with the RWA Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee and in accordance with legislative requirements for design excellence. The Draft Principles and can be viewed online at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au under “Development”, or in person at the Redfern-Waterloo Authority office (Level 11, Tower 2, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) and the Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre (158 Redfern Street, Redfern, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 12pm). Comments on the Draft Principles should be made before 5pm 22nd January 2010.
The RWA is exhibiting draft amendments to the RWA Contributions Plan 2006. The Contributions Plan enables the Minister for Planning, when granting consent to development, to impose a condition of consent requiring the payment of a development levy for the provision of public facilities and amenities within the RWA’s Operational Area. The draft amendments to the RWA Contribution Plan reflect the changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the need for further information on planning agreements and material public benefit arrangements, and an amended Works Schedule. The draft RWA Contributions Plan is on public exhibition from 16 December 2009 to 12 February 2010. It can be viewed online at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au or in person at the RWA office or the Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre.
In response to community interest to discuss the Channel 7 building at the ATP which is in its final stages of completion, the RWA and ATPPML are holding a Community Information Meeting next Tuesday 15th December from 6pm. The meeting will be held in Room 6B of Bay 8 at the Australian Technology Park on Locomotive Street. The tenants of the new building - Channel 7, Global Television and Pacific Magazines – are relocating to the new building in early 2010. Channel 7 and Global Television representatives will be present at the meeting.
The end of the year has arrived for the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre with their final graduation taking place Friday 18th December. The course dates for 2010 have now been confirmed. The four terms in 2010 will be: 8th February to 1st April, 3rd May to 2nd July, 26th July to 24th Sept and 11th October to 10th December. For more information contact Andrew Constantinidis on 9202 9100.
Redfern Police Chief Luke Freudenstein is donning the gloves and hopping into the ring to help raise money for the recently re-opened PCYC South Sydney. The fight will take place on Friday 18th December at the PCYC at around 6pm. The undercard begins at 3pm showcasing local talent. The Redfern Police chief has been hard at work three mornings a week training local youths and the Redfern All Blacks at the gym. This is an opportunity to see him live in the ring. Tickets of $25 include a sausage sizzle and drink. The PCYC South Sydney is located at 638 Elizabeth Street, Redfern (9310 4240).
It’s on again but at an earlier time than the usual last Sunday of the month because of Christmas. December’s Family and Culture Day at The Block is still sure to be alive with atmosphere, top Indigenous musicians, dancers and artists along with food and activities. A guaranteed fun-filled day in the neighbourhood. For more information contact Shane Phillips at Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491.
The Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets are holding their annual Christmas Markets on Saturday 19th December at the usual trading hours of 8am to 1pm. As well as procuring fresh Christmas produce for your family dining table, you can hear the winners of the Christmas banner competition be announced. The last round of voting for the people’s choice award will be on Saturday 12th December. Eveleigh Markets is located at 243 Wilson Street, adjacent to CarriageWorks.
REDWater markets held on the third Saturday of every month focus on goods which are handmade, recycled or second-hand. All monies raised from stallholder-fees are injected back into local community projects such as the Waterloo Recycling Workshop. This month’s markets will take place on Saturday 19th December from 8am to 4pm. Commercial stall space costs $40 with discounts available for local charities. For general enquiries contact 9698 9569. To book a stall call 0434 197 527.
The South Sydney Herald and Tribal Warrior are inviting people to join them aboard the Deerubbun ship for a unique Australia/Survival Day cruise around the harbour from 5pm to 9pm. Money raised on the day is in support of the ongoing operation of the South Sydney Herald. Tickets are $70/$60 which include a BBQ and soft drinks. Contact Trevor Davies on 0400 008 338 before 15th January to reserve a place.
The final Koori Job Ready class graduated earlier in the month with staff making preparations for a productive 2010. Four courses for 2010 have now been confirmed. The information day for the first course will be held on 19th January with the course running from 8th February to 2nd April. For the second course, the information day is 7th April, with the course running 19th April to 11th June. The third course: information day 22nd June, course 5th July to 27th August. The fourth and final course: information day 28th September, course 11th October to 3rd December. For more information contact Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643) or Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0414 137 816).
To be added to the RWA Update distribution list, make comments or suggest a news item or event, please contact the RWA’s Communications Officer Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
]]>Redfern: A Centre for Excellence
Premier highlights changing face of Redfern Waterloo
Human Services boost at the RWA
RWA CEO attends REDWatch meeting
Parking consultant engaged for Alexandria
RWA helps Babana find new home
New services map on RWA website
Coca Cola comes to Redfern Waterloo
Redfern Waterloo Newsletter at your doorstep
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm
REDWater Community Market – 20 March
Family and Culture Day on The Block – 27 March
Koori Job Ready: Information Day on 7 April
The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joined the local Redfern community in celebrating the opening of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence on Friday 26 February 2010. The Prime Minister said it was a proud day for Australians to see the $50 million Centre open in Redfern, marking a new era in Indigenous education, engagement and leadership. Yaama Dhiyaan catered for the 300- strong crowd, with Uncle Max performing the smoking ceremony and Chicka Dixon the Welcome to Country. The Minister for Redfern Waterloo and local Member Kristina Keneally, and NSW Governor Marie Bashir were on hand to congratulate those involved. The NCIE unofficially opened its doors early January 2010.
The NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has welcomed a reduction in crime and increase in property prices in Redfern Waterloo. The Premier was at the Tony Mundine Gym on 15 February 2010 to highlight independent data, which shows a reduction in crime in the area over the last two years, combined with solid increases in housing and unit prices in both suburbs over the past five years. House prices in Redfern have risen by 38% since 2005, with a 22% increase for Waterloo. The Premier thanked both the Local Police and Aboriginal community leaders for working together to achieve outcomes for the community. The NSW Government will invest $8 million in the Redfern Waterloo Authority during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 financial years. To read the full press release go to Latest News on the RWA home page www.redfernwaterloo.com.au.
The Human Services team at the Redfern Waterloo Authority has received a significant boost with the appointment of a Director and a Senior Project Manager. Melissa Gibson assumes the role of Director of Human Services, bringing her experience in human services delivery with both government and non-government agencies, including NSW Health, Housing NSW, and NSW Department for Women. She previously worked as a psychologist in residential and community health centres. Jennifer Duxley joins as the new Senior Project Manager, replacing Don Stewart. Formerly a solicitor, Jennifer comes across from Relationships Australia, having previously worked for the White Ribbon Foundation, the NSW Government’s Reduce Violence Against Women campaign and the Hawkesbury Community Legal Centre as the principal solicitor. Together with Julie Parsons, the Human Services team is positioned to make significant progress on the Human Services Plans, for the benefit of the homeless, people with disabilities, the aged, and migrant communities.
RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King and new Human Services Director Melissa Gibson met with community group REDWatch on Thursday March 4 as part of the RWA’s commitment to attend REDWatch meetings on quarterly basis. Mr Wakelin-King updated meeting attendees on the RWA’s activities across the planning and urban renewal, human services and employment and enterprise initiatives. The RWA will next attend a REDWatch meeting on Thursday June 3.
ATP Managing Director Roy Wakelin-King wrote to Alexandria residents on 1 March 2010 updating them on the engagement of a traffic consultant to manage a parking resolution for the area. The letter also listed the activities undertaken by the ATP since the community information meeting. To read this letter, go to Latest News on the RWA home page: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au.
The RWA’s Heritage team received a number of nominations for heritage projects before the window for nominations closed on 25 February 2010. The team is now prioritising and actioning these items in readiness for presentation to the Redfern Waterloo Heritage Taskforce at the next meeting on March 16. One indigenous seat on the Taskforce remains available. Head to the Heritage section of the RWA website to find more about the Heritage Taskforce, heritage projects, the terms of reference, Taskforce membership and a point of contact for Heritage matters.
The RWA has assisted Babana in finding a new venue to hold monthly meetings and to meet up for their weekly Sunday walks. The RWA has paid for the hire of the South Sydney PCYC to foster and grow the reach of this valuable community organisation. For more information contact the RWA’s Julie Parsons on 9202 9112 (Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au) or Babana’s Mark Spinks on 9243 3546.
The RWA has provided a new services map on its website, located under the green Community house under ‘Services’. This map locates Aboriginal, Aged and Disability, Education and Employment, Family, Health, Multi Service and Youth organisations and service providers in the Redfern Waterloo area, including addresses and phone numbers. This is the first map and accompanying list of its kind for the area. Updates and improvements in presentation and usability will be made going forward. To aid this process, please email any necessary updates to Ben Falkenmire at ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Coca Cola joined a prestigious list of companies that have come to the Redfern Waterloo area to film or shoot at the North Eveleigh site. The company used a number of locations within North Eveleigh to film an advertisement for one of their drink products. It is understood that the advertisement will be released in the near future and run for approximately six months. Other companies that have recently used North Eveleigh include David Jones, the Cancer Council for their Big Morning Tea campaign, and Chinese New Year parade performers for rehearsals. All filming or photography was overseen by the RWA in accordance with its guidelines on filming and photographing on RWA sites. For more information head to Film and photography on the RWA website or contact Malcolm Hartley on 9202 9102 or Malcolm.hartley@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
The Redfern Waterloo newsletter was delivered to the doorsteps of homes in the Redfern Waterloo (including Darlington, Eveleigh and parts of Alexandria) towards the end of February. The February edition features a colourful cover article on the opening of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. Other articles include Kristina Keneally’s retainment of the Redfern Waterloo ministry as Premier, the arrival of world class film studios to Darlington and a profile of local Aboriginal Women’s Group Mudgin-Gal. To receive a copy, contact Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au, including your name and postal address.
The Australian Technology Park distributed its latest newsletter at the end of February to subscribers, updating them on developments at the Park. To read this newsletter head to http://www.atp.com.au/newsletters and follow the prompts. You can access prior newsletters on this page. Towards the bottom of the web page, enter your details to subscribe for future newsletters.
Eveleigh Market is an undercover, traditional, authentic weekly Saturday Farmers’ Market. The venue is the historic Blacksmith Workshop of the one-time Eveleigh Railyards, providing for Sydney’s only ‘rain, hail, shine’ venue and an inspiring heritage backdrop. The Farmers’ market is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. For more information head to http://www.eveleighmarket.com.au.
The REDWater Community Market continues to offer hand-made, recycled and second-hand goods on the third Saturday of each month. Get down to Redfern Park from 8am to find that treasure gift, hobby item or something unique for the home. To hold a stall call 0434 197 527 and for general information call 9698 9569.
Family and Culture Day on The Block returns 27 March with more live music, performances, food and activities for the family. This community event is held on the last Saturday of the month. For more information contact Shane Phillips at Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491.
The first term of the year at the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre finishes on 1 April. The remainder of this year’s course dates are as follows:
Term 2: 3rd May to 2nd July
Term 3: 26th July to 24th Sept
Term 4: 11th October to 10th December
For more information contact Andrew Constantinidis on 9202 9100.
An Information Day for the second term of the Koori Job Ready Course for the year is taking place on Wednesday 7 April. The dates for the Term 2 course, and for terms 3 and 4. are:
Term 2: 19th April to 11th June (information day: 7th April)
Term 3: 5th July to 27th August (information day: 22nd June)
Term 4: 11th October to 3rd December (information day: 28th September)
For more information contact Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643) or Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0414 137 816).
To be added to the RWA Update distribution list, make comments or suggest a news item or event, please contact the RWA’s Communications Officer Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Ben Falkenmire
Communications
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
1 Lawson Square
PO Box 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
T: 02 9202 9112
F: 02 9202 9111
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Welcome to the electronic RWA Update. This information service has been developed to provide you with the latest in development news, courses, events, programs and anything else that is a part of this vibrant community. In order to keep you informed, the RWA Update will now be delivered by email on an ongoing basis. Please direct suggestions, information and feedback to redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
IN THIS UPDATE
Channel 7 is moving to Eveleigh
Community Grants of $5,000 on offer
Markets hit a high in weekly Eveleigh calendar
Roll Up Redfern campaign rolled out
Local apprentices and trainee star at awards night
Redfern Town Centre Guidelines update
Redfern Town Centre SEPP amendment
150th Anniversary for Mount Carmel
Family and Cultural Day another Block success
RWA now a local chamber member
3-on-3 Basketball Competition in Waterloo: 14 October 2009
Family Violence Taskforce: 21 October 2009
Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Course: 2010
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The Channel 7 building in the Australian Technology Park is in its final stages of completion. When it is finished Channel 7 and its partner companies will relocate their offices from the north shore to the new site. More than 2,000 employees from Channel 7 will be spending their working lives in and around the area. Based on completion and relocation estimates, Channel 7 is expected to arrive early in 2010. The RWA are currently developing a program of activities to welcome Channel 7, Pacific Magazines and Global Television employees to the area.
The RWA is offering grants of up to $5,000 to non-for-profit organisations, community groups and individuals who service and/or live in the area. Applicants are required to be addressing local issues, thereby invigorating community resilience, building social capital and enhancing the well-being of the Redfern-Waterloo community. An applicant may receive a maximum of one grant each financial year. For more information contact the RWA’s Community Relations Manager, Julie Parsons on 9202 9100 or Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
On 19th September more than 4,000 walked through the Eveleigh Farmer’s Markets, a record day buoyed by the CarriageWorks’s hosting of Re-threads, a clothing recycling event. This day compliments an average attendance of over 3,000 people who are attracted to the fresh produce from the farm on offer. Summer fruits hit the shelves in November and should be an ideal time to head over on a Saturday from 8am to 1pm. The Artisans’ Arts and Craft Markets continues to reach out to the local community and artists showcasing indie design, art and craft on the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm. A new website for both markets is soon to go live, but in the meantime you can find all the information you need at www.eveleighmarkets.com.au.
The RWA, the Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sydney Council are working together with other key stakeholders to launch the Roll Up Redfern campaign to local businesses in the area. The campaign aims at encouraging local businesses to roll up their shutters to create inviting and vibrant streetscapes for new visitors to the area. More than 2,000 people will be calling the Redfern area their working home in the coming year with the arrival of Channel 7 and its partner companies. Rolling up shutters sends the message that Redfern is open for business and activity.
Three locally-trained young workers picked up commendable awards at the 2009 Apprentice and Trainee Awards night on 18th September hosted by My Gateway. Tara Lett who is currently working at Café On The Park at Redfern Oval won the Yaama Dhiyaan Trainee of the Year. Craig O’Donnell was the judges’ choice for the Les Tobler Construction Training Centre Trainee of the Year award. He is currently working as a 1st year apprentice plumber with Anvason Plumbing at the Redfern Community Health Centre site. Another O’Donnell, Haydon, was awarded the Aboriginal Apprentice of the Year. The Under 20’s South Sydney Football player is currently a 3rd year apprentice with J R Keefe Plumbing on the Channel 7 building.
The RWA congratulates them all.
RWA staff have been busily progressing a final draft of the proposed Redfern Town Centre guidelines which is expected to be exhibited late October 2009. This final draft is the result of preliminary consultation with a Ministerial Committee comprising community members. The Town Centre is envisaged to provide activity and a focus for jobs, housing, transport and importantly a meeting place for residents and workers.
The RWA lodged an amendment to the height of buildings in the Redfern Town Centre SEPP that was gazetted 25th September 2009. This amendment reduced the podium heights around three buildings. To view the amended map head to http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/mapindex?type=epi&year=2005&no=194, or for more information email redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Students in Year 10 and 11 from the Alexandria Park Community School took part in LOVE BiTES, a sexual assault and domestic and family violence program on 17th September 2009. Students created radio advertisements with the assistance of Koori Radio and developed posters about the prevention of violence against women in the community. The posters and advertisements will be showcased in an upcoming community event that will support White Ribbon Day, the international day to eliminate violence against women. The day was the result of a collaborated effort from the City of Sydney, The Factory, South Sydney Youth Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Redfern Police, Mudgin-Gal, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, South Sydney PCYC and the RWA.
The RWA were delighted to support the celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Waterloo. The event on 15th August 2009 included a Mass of Celebration with the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, followed by refreshments for the congregation at the Erskineville Bowling Club.
Another warm Saturday event welcomed Indigenous families, locals and kids at the most recent Family and Culture Day at The Block. Shane Phillips of Tribal Warrior estimated the crowd to be easily over 300 people and said the event continues to reach out into the community to both black and white. The Black Turtles, Nelly Dargan and the dancers were notable crowd pleasers. The event is held on the last Saturday of every month with the next one to take place on 31st October. Contact Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491 for more.
The RWA is one of the latest local groups to become a member with the Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Since 2003 the Chamber has been active in the area assisting local business. One initiative of the Chamber is a networking which the RWA hosted earlier on in the year. These nights present a unique opportunity for local business to chat with various levels of government about what is happening in the area and have their voice heard. Head to the RWCC’s website www.rwchamber.com.au to find out more or call President Mary Lynne Pidcock on 0419 657 888.
The RWA has reconvened the Youth Services Taskforce. The Taskforce is currently mapping service provision and support available to young people in the area. If you or your organisation would like to become involved in the Taskforce, please contact the RWA Community Relations Manager, Julie Parsons on 9202 9100.
The annual NSW Aboriginal rugby league knockout tournament, the Koori Knockout, was held in Armidale over the long October weekend. The RWA sponsored the Redfern All Blacks, the Waterloo Storm Men’s and Women’s Teams and the Redfern United Team.
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The Redfern Waterloo Community Drug Action Team is coordinating a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for Wednesday 14th October. The tournament is open for kids aged 12 to 20 years and will run from approximately 12pm to 3pm at the Waterloo Green basketball court on Raglan Street, Waterloo. A BBQ lunch will be provided and the event is alcohol free, raising awareness about binge drinking, illicit drug use and unsafe sex. Local organisations helping out include Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group, YMCA, AMS Redfern, City of Sydney and the RWA. To register a team or to find out more contact Kalmain Williams on 8303 5199 or will1kal@police.nsw.gov.au.
The RWA are reinstating the Family Violence Taskforce to continue to raise awareness of this issue, discuss and develop ideas to address it and to support the important work being undertaken in this area by organisations such as the Redfern Legal Centre, Redfern Local Area Command and Mudgin-Gal. A meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 October 2009 at the Australian Technology Park to kick off proceedings. To find out more about the Taskforce or if you would like to attend the meeting please contact the RWA’s Community Relations Manager, Julie Parsons on 9202 9100 or Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au
The final course for 2009 year starts 12th October but already the guys who run the Koori Job Ready Course at the Les Tobler Construction Centre are planning for a busy 2010. Courses run over eight weeks from 8:30pm to 2:30pm and the focus is on training graduates to be gainfully employed with knowledge of carpentry, formwork, plastering, concreting, bricklaying, scaffolding and forklift operations among other subjects. More than 500 jobs already have been created for graduates from the course. People can register their interest for the new year by contacting Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643, wayne.dargan@rwa.nsw.gov.au), Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0423 414 643, rohan.tobler@rwa.nsw.gov.au) or the centre down at 255 Wilson Street, Darlinghurst (9690 2497). The first construction course date has been confirmed for 15th February 2010.
Yaama is also running its final course for the year, beginning 19th October. If you missed out on this chance the hospitality centre is now registering interest for the new year. Indigenous cuisine is the specialty with courses running over nine weeks covering food and beverage service, customer service, cooking classes, responsible service of alcohol (RSA), responsible conduct of gaming (RCG) and barista (coffee) training. Over 100 people have graduated from course since early 2006 and nearly 70% of those found employment or moved into further education. Call Andrew Constantnidis on 9202 9130 to put your name down or to find out more.
]]>NSW Cabinet has approved plans to establish the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) which will create new sustainable urban centres with additional housing and commercial projects.
Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly announced the authority as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to link planning for new housing and jobs together with existing and planned transport.
“The SMDA will drive housing and employment opportunities in specific areas serviced by public transport and infrastructure, and build economies of urban centres,” Mr Kelly said.
“Sydney will need 770,000 more homes and 760,000 jobs by 2036. These will need to be near transport and services, and the authority will help plan and deliver that.
“It will undertake planning work, much like the Redfern Waterloo Authority has done in relation to the redevelopment of Redfern RSL - where 84 units are being built right now, next to Redfern Station.
Specifically the role of the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority will include:
The SMDA will use existing provisions of the Growth Centres (Development Corporations) Act and will assume the functions of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA).
As a priority, the authority will focus on areas currently administered by the Redfern Waterloo Authority, including North Eveleigh and the Australian Technology Park.
The Government has identified Granville Town Centre and Auto Alley as the next area for Cabinet consideration. It is anticipated Redfern and Granville will be the two priority areas for the SMDA over the next 12 months.
The authority builds on the Metropolitan Transport Plan, released in February 2010, and the updated Metropolitan Plan, to be released later this year.
“This Authority will be essential to our plans to better integrate land-use and transport planning, creating a more sustainable, affordable and liveable city,” Mr Kelly said.
“Its role will be to help prepare and implement plans for urban renewal precincts for commercial or housing development within Sydney’s existing borders, as well as in targeted Greenfield sites.
“It will have an important role boosting the amount, mix and choice of housing and commercial development within walking distance of key public transport hubs.
“This is a key way that the NSW Government will help plan for the extra homes and more jobs that we will need in Sydney by the year 2036.
“We will do this in partnership with the local councils and the Federal Government which, through the Federal Infrastructure Minister, will hold a position on the authority’s board.”
Mr Kelly said that this is about applying a model which works for the benefit of all of Sydney.
“The SMDA will operate under existing legislation in place for more than three decades, but will bring a new focus to strategic planning and urban rejuvenation in Sydney,” Mr Kelly said.
“This is about taking the model and powers we know work, and applying them in suitable precincts across Sydney so that the city grows in a more sustainable way.
“Of course public consultation will be central to the role of the SMDA, which will publicly exhibit any plans to revitalize these key precincts.”
Minister for Transport, John Robertson, welcomed the new Authority, and said it will help make Sydney a more sustainable city.
“We’re investing $50.2 billion in transport over the next ten years, and the Authority will ensure that contributes to a more sustainable city,” Mr Robertson said.
“It will help link the infrastructure we have, and the projects we are delivering, with where people will live and work.
“That’s good for public transport planning, urban planning, and easing congestion, and will help reduce commuting times by creating homes and jobs near public transport.”
CEO of the Redfern Waterloo Authority, Mr Roy Wakelin-King, will perform the role of Acting CEO of the new SMDA and he will sit on the interim Board, comprising:
Source: Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (PDF 170Kb) at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/default.aspx?tabid=381
]]>On 23 September 2010, the NSW Government announced its intention to establish to the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA). The purpose of the SMDA is to drive housing and employment opportunities in specific areas serviced by public transport and infrastructure, and build economies of urban centres.
As a priority, the SMDA will focus on areas currently administered by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA), including North Eveleigh and Australian Technology Park.
CEO of the RWA, Mr RoyWakelin-King, will perform the role of Acting CEO of the new SMDA and he will sit on the interim Board, comprising:
The CEO of the RWA advised that the work of the RWA will continue as per the current plans. This includes:
The urban renewal process that the RWA has undertaken in the Redfern Waterloo area has resulted in lasting benefits for this key area of Sydney and it also serves as a model for the work that will be undertaken by the SMDA.
Mr Wakelin-King further advised that the plans for the SMDA and how it will continue the above activities are currently being developed, but the work on these important initiatives will not stop.
Mr Wakelin-King also advised that the Australian Technology Park will remain part of the RWA and will ultimately be transferred to the SMDA.
]]>
Draft BEP 2 and Urban Renewal Study
Pemulwuy Project Community Information Event
Housing NSW Community Design Workshops
Vote for your favourite Christmas banner
Enlargement of Smokers' Balcony in Railz on Regent, 56 Regent Street, Redfern
Redfern RSL Club fit out on Level 2, 157 Redfern Street, Redfern
Clothing and bicycle retail shop at 116 Lawson Street, Redfern
23 and 24 November 2011 – Housing NSW Community Design Workshops
15 December 2011 – RWA Seniors Christmas Party
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm
Eveleigh Artisans’ Market –first Sunday of the month, 10am to 3pm
Alexandria Community Garden – 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
The NSW Government introduced the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Repeal Bill 2011 on Tuesday, 18 October 2011, which has received unanimous support from both the lower and upper houses of Parliament. The Bill will, subject to Parliamentary process, be finalised and proclaimed shortly.
The Repeal Bill will see the transfer of many of Redfern-Waterloo Authority’s functions to the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) and other Government agencies as appropriate to ensure the ongoing support and sustainable renewal of the Redfern-Waterloo area. This process has commenced and we will continue to provide further advice on this as key transfer details are finalised.
For information on the transfer of
Development Applications to the City of Sydney, the transfer of the Aboriginal
Employment Program, and the transfer of Draft Built Environment Plan 2 (BEP 2),
to the SMDA please visit www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au.
Full details of the RWA Repeal Bill can be viewed here.
The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority is currently considering the submissions received regarding the non-statutory exhibition of Draft BEP 2 which occurred earlier this year. The SMDA will also be carrying out further studies and analysis to support the appropriate future controls for the Draft BEP 2 sites. This forms part of an urban renewal study for the entire Redfern-Waterloo Precinct.
When complete, these studies and draft planning controls will be exhibited.
The key studies that will inform the future controls for Draft BEP 2 are:
To date the following consultants have been appointed:
The SMDA will progressively advise on its website of the appointment of consultants and welcomes feedback from individuals, organisations and other stakeholders on key issues which they would like considered in the relevant study by the SMDA. This will ensure the SMDA can consider key issues appropriately and in a timely manner.
If you have any questions, please contact the SMDA Urban Renewal Team on 9202 9100 or email contactus@smda.nsw.gov.au.
The ‘Smile, You’re in Redfern’ photo competition has been launched with $1600 worth of prizes up for grabs. Photographic entries should capture the ‘welcoming spirit’ of Redfern and demonstrate to the wider public the thriving community that exists here.
The prizes on offer are:
1st prize: $500 Eveleigh Market voucher
2nd prize: $400 Breville prize including a matching toaster and kettle valued at over $200 plus a voucher for $200
3rd prize: $290 South Sydney Rabbitohs membership package including a polo tshirt and cap
4th prize: $250 Woolworths voucher
5th prize: $200 Pitt St Diner dinner voucher
The photographic competition is part of the Redfern brand promotion to encourage more visitors and business to the area and is an initiative of the Roll Up Redfern Group comprising Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority, City of Sydney, South Sydney Business Chamber, South Sydney Rabbitohs and REDWatch.
The community can get involved by voting for their favourite Redfern photo at www.facebook.com/redfernwaterloo. The winners will then be put towards a judging panel of Redfern Ambassadors.
Entries close on Monday, 27 February 2012 with the winners announced at Eveleigh Market on Saturday, 3 March 2012. To enter, please read the Terms & Conditions here and follow the application guidelines.
The new Redfern Ambassadors to help promote Redfern were announced at the Roll Up Redfern business and community briefing on Wednesday 16 November 2011. The Redfern Ambassadors are passionate about the local area and will be spreading the word about the business, cultural and creative opportunities on offer here.
The Redfern Ambassadors are:
So look out for your favourite Redfern Ambassador at up and coming events in the Redfern area!
The Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) has prepared a development application for the Pemulwuy Project and invited comment from residents and stakeholders on the proposed redevelopment of The Block on Wednesday, 22 November 2011.
The development comprises of affordable housing, gymnasium, public car park (with 150 spaces), commercial, childcare, student accommodation, gallery, and modification of Caroline Lane.
The event provided the community with the opportunity to comment on the proposed redevelopment and addressed the transfer of City-owned Eveleigh Lane, part of Caroline Lane and 91-99 Eveleigh St and 119-121 Eveleigh St to the AHC with the City of Sydney presenting about the land transfer and the reconfiguration of Caroline Lane.
The event was held at the Redfern Community Centre.
Housing NSW will be running Community Design Workshops for the Redfern and Waterloo Preliminary Master Plans on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 November 2011.
The workshops will provide the opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to work together with urban designers on some of the key aspects of urban design including: shops and facilities, streets, parks and other open spaces. The workshops will also ask people for their ideas about how the areas can better connect to the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The workshops follow Housing NSW’s previous community consultation for the preliminary Master Plan for Redfern-Waterloo including bus trips to see other redeveloped areas, workshops and street corner sessions on topics related to the Master Plan and community meetings and the Planning Expo at the RedWater Market in August 2011.
The sessions will be held at Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt St, Redfern at the following times:
Redfern - 23 November 2011
9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided
6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided
Waterloo - 24 November 2011
9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided
6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided
To RSVP, please contact Martin Clark on 9268 3443 or email redfernwaterloo@facs.nsw.gov.au.
Local schools and youth groups have been utilising their creative skills by decorating banners for the Eveleigh Market Christmas Banner competition. Alexandria Park Community School has won the main prize for the last two years – who will it be this year?
The banners will be on display from 19 November 2011 and the community is encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award until Saturday, 4 December 2011.
The winners will be announced at Eveleigh Farmers’ Market on Saturday, 10 December 2011. The winner and People’s Choice Award winner will each receive $1,000 with the runners up winners each receiving $500.
The November 2011 issue of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority newsletter has been produced and is currently being distributed to local residents. The newsletter is also viewable online here.
If you are not on the mailing list and wish to receive a hard copy, please contact Natalie Kikken on 9202 9112 or email natalie.kikken@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Although consent authority functions for Development Applications and Modification Applications is now delegated to the City of Sydney, the Redfern-Waterloo Authority remains the consent authority for Development Applications received prior to 1 October 2011. The current Development Applications being considered by the RWA are:
The application to enlarge the existing balcony located on the eastern ground floor of the existing pub was approved on 22 October 2011. The application includes internal and external facade works to the building.
The application for the fit out and operation of the Redfern RSL Club on Level 2 was approved on 7 November 2011.
The application for the internal fit out of the ground floor of the existing building for use as a clothing and bicycle retail shop, including the installation of associated signage, was approved on 8 November 2011.
Housing NSW will be running Community Design Workshops for the Redfern and Waterloo Preliminary Master Plans on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 November 2011. The workshops will provide the opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to work together with urban designers on some of the key aspects of urban design, including: shops and facilities, streets, parks and other open spaces. The workshops will also ask people for their ideas about how the areas can better connect to the surrounding neighbourhoods. Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt St Redfern. Redfern sessions will be held on 23 November 2011. Times: 9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided and 6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided. Waterloo sessions will be held on 24 November 2011. Times: 9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided and 6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided.
RWA will be holding its Seniors Christmas Party on Thursday, 15 December 2011 from 12pm-2pm at Australian Technology Park, Bay 4, 2 Locomotive Workshop, Eveleigh NSW 2015. The lunch provides a great opportunity for local residents to get together during the festive season and enjoy a tasty Christmas lunch and some live entertainment. Bookings are essential. Please call 9202 9100 to secure your place.
Stock up on fresh produce straight from the farm at Eveleigh Farmers’ Market, an undercover, and traditional weekly Farmers’ Market held in the historic Blacksmith Workshop on Wilson Street in Darlington. Selling unique produce from fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, flowers and gourmet treats, Eveleigh Farmers Market is Sydney’s only ‘rain, hail, shine’ venue with an inspiring heritage backdrop. Eveleigh Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. For more information, please visit www.eveleighmarket.com.au
Showcasing the best in Australian independent design, art and crafts, Eveleigh Artisans’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month from 10am-3pm under the heritage listed Blacksmith Workshop.
Interested in learning how to grow fruit and vegetables? Join other garden enthusiasts (both novices and experienced) at the Alexandria Community Garden. Working bees take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at Connect Redfern, Park St, Alexandria.
To be added to the RWA Email Update distribution list, to make comments, or to suggest a news item, please contact RWA’s A/Communications Manager Natalie Kikken on 9202 9112 or email natalie.kikken@rwa.nsw.gov.au
]]>Built Environment Plan Stage 2 (BEP 2) Update
- Stakeholder Engagement Report
Barani Book launch – City of Sydney
Redfern brand continues to gain momentum
Modification to temporary car parking in the Australian Technology Park
1 August – Koori Job Ready Course 3 begins
3 August - Redfern and Waterloo Community Learning and Research Group
4 August –REDWatch meeting with Tanya Plibersek MP
20 August – Saturday in Design
20 August - Redfern Waterloo Urban Renewal Study and Housing NSW Master Plan EXPO
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm
Eveleigh Artisans’ Market – first Sunday of the month, 10am to 3pm
Alexandria Community Garden – 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) has released the Stakeholder Engagement Report for the Built Environment Plan 2 (BEP 2). Undertaken by an independent consultant, Mediate Today, the report outlines the community feedback on the draft BEP 2, a planning framework for the renewal of social housing sites in Redfern-Waterloo and South Eveleigh over a 20-25 year timeframe.
The report concludes that a large number of respondents (across all stakeholder groups) generally support the potential changes that BEP 2 outlines. Key findings from the feedback forms are: residents want a safe environment; development caters for the needs of specific groups; and open space encompasses areas for vegetation and recreational facilities.
The Stakeholder Engagement Report will be used in preparation for further studies of the Redfern-Waterloo area and will consider the issues raised in the BEP 2 submissions about providing more detail on the design and allocation of open space and the social impacts of the changes and how these will be supported in the future. The RWA recognises the need to have a far reaching consultative process during this process.
The Stakeholder Engagement Report is available online at www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au
The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) and Housing NSW have appointed Cred Community Planning to prepare a report considering future community facility needs in the Redfern-Waterloo area. To date, Cred Community Planning has discussed community facility needs with a number of residents at three of RWA's BEP 2 Community Information Sessions and at two community barbeques. Workshops with non-government and government agencies have also been held. Additional consultation regarding community facilities will continue.
SMDA and Housing NSW
recognise that community engagement and capacity building are integral to
future planning. As part of its commitment, Housing NSW has initiated a Master
Plan Expo to inform the community regarding the Preliminary Master Plan for
Redfern and Waterloo social housing sites. In addition to the Expo, which is
being held on Saturday, 20 August 2011 at REDWater Markets, other activities
and workshops will be held in the near future on connecting shops and community
services, streets, parks and building design.
Aboriginal Employment
Program joins ATP
The Aboriginal Employment Program that mentors and trains young Aboriginal people in construction and hospitality is now based at Australian Technology Park.
Proudly supported by Australian Technology Park Sydney Ltd (ATPSL), the Aboriginal Employment Program manages the Koori Job Ready Program and the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training School that both run eight-week training courses for students and assists them in finding employment in the construction and hospitality industries.
The program was an initiative of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority but now sits under the ATPSL umbrella. Since the program began in 2006, more than 850 employment opportunities have been created for Aboriginal men and women with this number set to increase with the recent development of 80 positions for Aboriginal employees at the Central Park development on Broadway.
The Aboriginal Employment Program is continuing to achieve excellent outcomes with benefits for both the community and the construction and catering industries as graduates are equipped with the immediate skills they need to work after completing their training.
Barani/Barrabugu (Yesterday/Tomorrow) is a new guide that showcases the history and culture of Aboriginal Sydney, from first contact to today’s living culture. Produced by City of Sydney, the booklet features 60 sites across Sydney that have played a role in the culture of Aboriginal people. The guide describes important sites that reveal these histories, cultures and associations, features several walks as well as suggestions for cultural institutions and organisations to visit. Download your copy from the City of Sydney website at: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/VisitorGuidesInformation/HistoricalWalkingTours.asp
A story on the revitalisation on The Block appeared on National Nine News on 21 June, 2011 with reporter Peter Overton interviewing Redfern community members including Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company and Shane Phillips from Tribal Warrior on the positive developments happening in the area. The video can be viewed at www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/news/index.html
NAIDOC Week, which ran from 3-10 July 2011, was a big success with lots of activity in the Redfern area to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. A flag ceremony at the Redfern Community Centre marked the start of the week with the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence holding a Family and Sports Day on Friday, 8 July with over 2,500 people attending.
The Redfern brand to promote the area as a welcoming place for both business and visitors continues to gain momentum with more community engagement activities planned for the coming year. You may have already spotted someone wearing a Redfern-branded t-shirt or the Redfern street banners that are currently on display at Redfern St, Lawson St, Regent St, Cleveland St and Chalmers St. You can help promote the Redfern brand through www.facebook.com/redfernwaterloo or at www.twitter.com/redfern. Watch this space for more details about exciting activities taking place in Redfern and the surrounding area.
An application was received to modify the development consent to temporary car parking in the Australian Technology Park, which proposes to extend the temporary car parking arrangements within the lower, middle and upper car parks until the sites are required for development. The application is on exhibition from 13 July to 3 August, 2011.
The Koori Job Ready Course 3 begins covering OH&S (Induction Card), senior First Aid, carpentry, formwork, plastering, concreting, bricklaying, scaffolding and forklift operations. Only a few spots are available so if you are interested in securing a place, please contact Rohan Tobler on 0414 137 816 or email r.tobler@koorijobready.com.au.
Join the local Redfern-Waterloo research program to identify and progress priorities following on from a workshop held in October 2010 to discuss what a local Research Committee might look like and its core role. Held from 10am-12pm at The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan St, Waterloo. Call 9268 3517 for more information.
The local Federal MP Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services and Social Inclusion, will attend the REDWatch Monthly Meeting to talk about her roles in Government in relation to the local area. From 6pm-8pm at The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan St, Waterloo. Contact Geoff Turnbull on 8004 1490 for more information.
Visit furniture store Great Dane on Saturday, 20 August for Saturday in Design, an annual trade event for the design community involving Australia’s premier designer furniture, finishes, fixtures and lighting showrooms. Attracting architects, designers, students and design-savvy members of the public, Eveleigh Farmers Market will be there too providing local food for purchase. 613 Elizabeth St, Redfern from 9am-6pm.
Visit RedWater Markets on 20 August to find out more about the Built Environment Plan Stage 2 (BEP 2), the Redfern Waterloo Urban Renewal Study and the Housing NSW Masterplan. There will be staff available to speak about these activities in more detail and to answer any questions you may have. Redfern Park, Corner of Chalmers St and Redfern St from 8am-4pm.
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market –
every Saturday 8am to 1pm
Stock up on fresh produce straight from the farm at Eveleigh Farmers’
Market, an undercover, and traditional weekly Farmers’ Market held in the
historic Blacksmith Workshop on Wilson Street in Darlington. Selling unique
produce from fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, flowers and gourmet treats,
Eveleigh Farmers Market is Sydney’s only ‘rain, hail, shine’ venue with an
inspiring heritage backdrop. Eveleigh Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday
from 8am to 1pm. For more information, please visit www.eveleighmarket.com.au.
Showcasing the best in Australian independent design, art and crafts, Eveleigh Artisans’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month from 10am-3pm under the heritage listed Blacksmith Workshop.
Interested in learning how to grow fruit and vegetables? Join other garden enthusiasts (both novices and experienced) at the Alexandria Community Garden. Working bees take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at Connect Redfern, Park St, Alexandria.
To be added to the RWA Email Update distribution list, to make comments, or to suggest a news item, please contact RWA’s A/Communications Manager Natalie Kikken on 9202 9112 or email natalie.kikken@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Source: RWA 25 July Issue 17
]]>The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is committed to the NSW Government’s priority of improving the quality of life in Redfern-Waterloo through the involvement of people who live in the community. We will implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy to ensure the best outcomes for all people who live in the Redfern-Waterloo area.
How your voice will be heard
The community consultation framework includes:
All Residents can be involved.
Ministerial
Advisory Committees
Community representatives
have been appointed to the three advisory
committees. The Committees also contain
Government agency representatives.
Built Environment – considering urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing and urban renewal.
Community Members:
M/s Jocelyn Jackson
Mr Alex Kibble
Mr Richard
Pembroke
Mr Shane Phillips
Mr Jonathan Rez
Mr
Steve Tamas
Mr Geoffrey Turnbull
M/s Ann
Weldon
Employment and Enterprise – considering strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, including the Indigenous community.
Community Members:
M/s Megan Gardiner
M/s Margaret Hobbs
Mr Anthony John Larkings
M/s Bronwyn Penrith
Mr Dennis Weatherall
Mr Michael Dalah
Human Services – considering human services and health issues affecting Redfern-Waterloo.
Community Members:
M/s Jill Edwards
Mr Howard Glenn
Mr Dominic (Dom) Grenot
Mr Paul Knight
M/s Shirley Lomas
Ms Lynette Stewart
Ms Mabel Chang
Human Services Meetings
Four service cluster groups met to address the first stage of the Human Services Plan. The cluster groups comprised of people responsible for providing services in Redfern-Waterloo.
The workshops each focused on one of the following areas:
Aboriginal Cluster Group (pdf
~214kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/aboriginal_cluster.pdf
Health Cluster Group (pdf ~264kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/health_cluster.pdf
Families and Children Cluster Group
(pdf ~323kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/family_cluster.pdf
Youth Cluster Group (pdf ~176kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/youth_clusters.pdf
This text appeared on 7 October 2005 at http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/community_consultation/index.html
The RWA Annual report
contains some text at the top of pages and full page photos with text about
aspects of the RWA. For ease of reference we have add this text in italics at
the end of the relevant section of the RWA Annual Report that deals with the
topic covered by the photo or text.
Finally we have had to
exclude the financial and some diagrams and have noted in the text that to
obtain this information you will need to refer to the full PDF version.
The PDF version of the
RWA Annual report can be found at: 06-07 Annual Report - Full Version (pdf ~2mb)
For ease of locating information within this text version we have provided links below to the major sections of the RWAs Annual Report:
Redfern-Waterloo: A diverse community
Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Employment & Enterprise Plan (EEP)
Australian Technology Park (ATP)
National Indigenous Development Centre
Former Rachel Forster Hospital
North Eveleigh Training Centre
The Evolution of North Eveleigh
Elizabeth Street Public Housing Redevelopment
Redfern/Regent Streets Upgrade
Sponsorships/Grants provided by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Redfern-Waterloo Authority 2006-07 Annual Report
Coverage Map
Letter to the Minister
Statement from The Chairperson and Chief Executive officer
Overview
Principle Objectives
Organisational Structure
Corporate Governance
Board Member Profiles
Redfern-Waterloo Plan
Built Environment Plan
Human Services Plan
Employment and Enterprise Plan
Redfern-Waterloo Renewal
RWA Sponsorship and Grants
Director's Statement
Independent Auditor's Report
Financials
Appendices
Contact Details
Index
Registered office is
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority
Level 11, Tower 21
Lawson Square Redfern NSW 2016
PO Box 3332 Redfern 2016
T: 02 9202 9100 F: 02 9292 9111
redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au
www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Redfern and Waterloo are just south of Sydney's Central Business District. To the south-west of Redfern and Waterloo are Sydney's economic gateways, Port Botany and Sydney Airport.
The traditional owners of Redfern-Waterloo are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The area remains culturally and historically significant for Aboriginal people throughout Australia and has become home to people from many non-English speaking backgrounds. The most common languages spoken at home after English are Chinese, Russian, Greek, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Korean.
To establish Redfern-Waterloo as an active, vibrant and sustainable community by promoting and supporting greater social cohesion and community safety, and respect for the cultural heritage and orderly development of the area in consideration of social economic ecological and other sustainable development.
The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
Minister for Redfern-Waterloo
Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney
Dear Minister Sartor
It is with pleasure that I forward you the third Annual Report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority for the year ending 30 June 2007.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the NSW Annual Report legislation and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107.
Yours Sincerely
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer Redfern-Waterloo Authority
We are pleased to present the third Annual Report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, which was established on 17 January 2005.
In this, our second full financial year, many initiatives have been implemented to further promote investment in the operational area and to provide jobs and training for local unemployed, particularly within the Indigenous community.
A sound strategic platform has been laid for Redfern-Waterloo's future growth and social cohesion.
Over the last 12 months, we have continued to focus our efforts on further developing the Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is being implemented as part of the Government's 10-year urban renewal strategy. The three main components are Human Services, Employment & Enterprise and the Built Environment.
Stage One of the Built Environment Plan was released on 30 August 2006 and is primarily a planning framework to encourage future economic growth and the creation of up to 18,000 jobs throughout Redfern-Waterloo. The blueprint includes plans to generate more than 444,000sqm of new employment space, 2,000 new homes, a new Town Centre, improved pedestrian access to our residential and business hubs and better urban design.
We have also been driving and monitoring the implementation of Phase One of the Human Services Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan. Both Plans aim to enhance the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged within our community.
A draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) was finalised in 2007 that outlines key strategies for the improvement of services to older people, people with disabilities, homeless people and migrant communities. The RWA's small but dedicated Human Services reform team has worked assiduously in bringing disparate stakeholders together to generate momentum for beneficial changes within the local community.
Redfern-Waterloo is undergoing transformation with more than $500 million earmarked for urban renewal and a significant investment by the RWA as part of the NSW Governments 10 year plan.
The RWA has entered into an agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for a landmark $123 million development at Australian Technology Park which is due to commence construction in late 2007. Under the agreement, the Seven Network and their publishing company, Pacific Magazines (along with other commercial tenants), will relocate to the site within the next two years to occupy a 43,500sqm state-of-the-art media centre. This will be Redfern's largest commercial development in more than 10 years and will create 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs, including 6o for Indigenous construction workers. The multiplier effect in respect to further investment and jobs coming to Redfern is expected to be very significant.
The RWA has directly committed over $54 million at Australian Technology Park for the construction of new roads and associated infrastructure as well as the development of an 11,000 sqm research facility. The new building will house National ICT Australia and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and is due for completion in November 2007, while the finish date for the new Henderson Road entrance, internal roads and landscaping is October 2007.
Arts NSW's new $40 million Contemporary Performing Arts Centre in North Eveleigh at the heritage CarriageWorks building opened its doors in January 2007 to the Sydney Festival. It continues to bring new vibrancy and life to the formerly dilapidated industrial site.
RWA has also committed $3 million to the refurbishment of North Eveleigh's heritage Blacksmiths' Workshop adjoining the Performing Arts Centre to create a community market, arts space and car park. A development application was lodged in June 2007 and the new multi-purpose facility is scheduled to commence operation by mid 2008.
The RWA has also invested a further $6m for the Eveleigh Heritage Walk - a pedestrian/cycle bridge over the rail corridor to link ATP with North Eveleigh.
A further $750,000 has been spent by the RWA at North Eveleigh for the Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre which become operational in October 2006. The Centre offers job ready courses in hospitality and construction to local unemployed. This includes Australia's first and only Indigenous hospitality centre and café, Yaama Dhiyaan. Fifty-one students have already graduated in Certificate II Hospitality (Operations) along with certificates in Barista, Responsible Alcohol Service and Responsible Gaming Service. Directly underneath Yaama, the RWA's Les Tobler Construction Training Centre has commenced producing graduates from the Koori Job Ready Course to take advantage of the development opportunities opening up in Redfern-Waterloo.
A major investment by the Indigenous Land Corporation of $45 million has been committed to the development of a National Indigenous Development Centre at the former Redfern Public School. The ILC's purchase of the school from the Department of Education and Training was successfully brokered by the RWA. The ILC expects project approval in late 2007 with the Centre to become operational in 2009.
A concept plan was also lodged by the RWA in June for the proposed $50 million residential development of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site in Redfern. The RWA's sale of the site in late 2007 will provide funding for the transformation of the former Redfern Police Station and Courthouse into a $10 million Community Health Centre. The new health centre is expected to commence construction in early 2008 and become operational in 2009.
In June, the NSW Government announced a major $27 million public housing redevelopment at Elizabeth Street Redfern that will create 106 modern and eco-friendly dwellings. In addition, the Department of Housing will sell adjoining land for a private residential development of 158 new dwellings.
The RWA's commitment to the implementation of the Built Environment Plan includes developing an Affordable Housing Contributions Plan, which will deliver about $35 million or 75 affordable housing dwellings in Redfern-Waterloo over the next 10 years. The RWA will also be able to deliver an additional $23 million for affordable housing under the agreement it negotiated with the former owner over the future development of the CUB site in Chippendale. $16 million of the total funds available will be committed to affordable housing specifically for Aboriginal residents, which will be in addition to housing owned or proposed by the Aboriginal Housing Company on AHC land in and around The Block in Redfern.
The RWA Contributions Plan will also deliver about $37 million in developer contributions for public domain and other public works as a result of future development in the area under the RWA's Built Environment Plan.
In partnership with the Department of Housing, the RWA has commenced work on Stage Two of the Built Environment Plan, which includes the aim of improving public housing stock, enhancing the mix of housing types and tenancies in order to reduce the concentration of public housing, establishing a more sustainable social mix and facilitating affordable housing.
Dr Col Gellatly Chairperson
Robert Domm Chief Executive Officer
A sound strategic platform has been laid for Redfern-Waterloo's future growth and social cohesion
The RWA Contributions Plan will deliver about $37 million for public domain and other public works.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) was created by a NSW Government Act of Parliament in Oct 200q (Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 200q No 107) and established on 17 January 2005.
The RWA is responsible for revitalising Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington through strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public spaces, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.
The RWA is responsible for… strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services
WORK IN PROGRESS - Redfern-Waterloo is undergoing transformation with more than $500 million earmarked for urban renewal and a significant investment by the RWA as part of the NSW Governments 10 year plan.
IN PROGRESS:
In order to achieve its principle objectives, the RWA maintains an undertaking to:
See full PDF for Organisational diagram
Promote, facilitate, manage and secure the social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development and use of the operational area.
The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Mr Frank Sartor MP, is responsible for the control and direction of the RWA. The Minister has established a Board of Governance and, while the Board establish the policies and directions for the RWA, its day to day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.
There are three Board Committees:
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Audit and Compliance Committee is the focal point for communication between the Board, the external auditors, the internal auditors and management, as their duties relate to the financial accounting, reporting and internal controls and compliance.
The Audit and Compliance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities as to accounting policies and reporting practices of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. It is to be the Board's principal agent in assuring the independence of RWA auditors, the integrity of management and the adequacy of the disclosures to the public.
Affordable Housing Committee
In accordance with RWA Board Procedures, the Affordable Housing Committee Terms of Reference are as follows:
Urban Renewal Committee
The Urban Renewal Committee reviews and advises on proposed urban renewal strategies in accordance with the RWA's Built Environment Plan.
(For the board committee diagram see the full PDF of the 06-07 RWA Annual Report.)
The Board of Governance includes the Audit & Compliance, Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal Committees.
Chair — Professor David Richmond AO BEc MEc (Syd) (Resigned July 2007)
Professor David Richmond AO held the position of Chairperson of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and the Australian Technology Park until the 1 July 2007. He is the Coordinator General, Office of the Coordinator General, Department of Premier and Cabinet. Also he advises the NSW Premier on infrastructure planning and implementation. Professor Richmond has had a distinguished public service career, including as CEO of the NSW Department of Health and the Land Commission. He is the former Director-General of the Olympic Coordination Authority and SOCOG, held a number of other senior Olympic Games positions and provided strategic advice to the President of the Athens 200q Olympic Games and Senior Managers of the Beijing Olympics. Professor Richmond is the inaugural Director and Professor of the University of Sydney's Graduate School of Government, author of the Richmond Report to the NSW Government, and in 299o, earned the National Council for Intellectual Disability's Making the Difference Award. In 2002 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to Public Administration, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
CEO—Mr Robert Domm BA LLB (Mon) MLLR (Syd) GDLP (AN U)
Robert Domm is Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Managing Director of Australian Technology Park. Mr Domm spent four years at the City of Sydney and was General Manager during a period of unprecedented growth and change, through Council boundary changes and amalgamation with South Sydney Council. He also served for three years as a Director and Company Secretary of the Sydney Festival Limited. A qualified legal practitioner and former labour advocate, Mr Domm has also worked as an adviser to Government and continues to bring broad experience and a strong commitment to social justice to his role as Chief Executive Officer with the RWA.
Mr Michael Collins FRICS
Michael Collins is Chair of the Heritage Council of NSW and is also on the Boards of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Australian Technology Park. He is the Managing Director of Michael Collins & Associates Pty United, a property consultancy company which advises private and public sector clients and specialises in land economics, real estate valuations and feasibility studies. He served as National President of the Australian Property Institute from 2003 to 200q and was NSW President from 1999 to 2001. Mr Collins played a key role in the redevelopment of Darling Harbour and the planning of Olympic Park, and served as chief property consultant to the NSW Government for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He has served on many industry committees including the City of Sydney's Development Advisory Committee and Venues Management Board.
Dr Col Gellatly (Appointed Chair, 1 July 2007) B Ag Ec(Hons)UNE, M Comm(Hons) UNSW, Ph.D NC State, FIPAA
Dr Col Gellatly was appointed Chairperson of the Redfern Waterloo Authority on the 1 July 2007 and he is also the Chairperson of the Australian Technology Park. He has held a number of senior management positions within the NSW public service, including as Director General of the Department of Land and Water Conservation. He has been NSW representative on a wide range of State/Commonwealth Working Parties and Committees and has had three periods as a part-time Commissioner with the Industries Assistance Commission. He has also served on a diverse range of boards and committees. Dr Gellatly has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW and a PhD from North Carolina State University
Mr Richard Johnson MBE M.Phil(UCL) B.Arch Honsi (UNSW) FRAIA
Richard Johnson is an award winning architect, Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales and a Director of Johnson Paton Walker Architects. He is an Associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Japan Institute of Architects, and a Member of the Design Institute of Australia. Mr Johnson was involved in the design of the Australian embassies in Beijing and Tokyo and is the Chief Architect for the Sydney Opera House. Other design credits include the Australian War Memorial, the Hilton Hotel and the Asian wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He also serves on the Board of Australian Technology Park and the Australian Architects Association. Mr Johnson has a Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours) from the University of NSW and a Master of Philosophy (Town Planning) from University College, London. In 1976 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Architecture.
Ms Samantha Mostyn BA LLB
Sam Mostyn has an extensive background in law, management and politics and is currently the Group Executive, Culture and Reputation at Insurance Australia Group (IAG), managing such areas as Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Government Relations and Policy and Community Engagement. She is a qualified lawyer and served as a senior Policy Adviser to former Prime Minister Paul Keating. In partnership with NRMA Insurance, police and local business, Ms Mostyn steered a pilot crime prevention strategy in the Redfern-Waterloo area which focused on crime reduction and community development. Ms Mostyn serves on the Academic Advisory Board of the Australian Institute of Management, is a Board member of the Sydney Festival, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Centenary Institute, and is a Trustee of the Australian Museum. She is a Director of the trustee company for the Insurance Australia Group and the NRMA Superannuation Plan and a member of the NSW Premier's Council for Active Living. She was also appointed the first female Commissioner of the Australian Football League.
Mr Warren Mundine AIMM MAICD
Warren was the 2006 - 20o? National President of the ALP, he is the current Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of NTSCORP Ltd, a member of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Executive member of the National Native Title Council Ltd, Chair of NSW Labor's Indigenous Policy Committee, former President and a Honorary Life Member of the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network, the former Deputy Mayor of Dubbo and former Chair of NSW Country Labor. He also is an Executive member of the St. Joseph's College Indigenous Fund, a Board member of NAISDA, a member of the Community Expert Advisory Committee of IAG and had previously served on the NSW PCYC State Board, a former Executive member of the Local Government Association of NSW, a commissioner with the NSW Local Government Grants Commission. Warren formerly was also a member of the NSW Attorney General's Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee.
Ms Lucy Turnbull LLB MBA
Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003 to 2004, Deputy Lord Mayor from 2999 to 2003. Ms Turnbull has extensive experience in planning, business and investment banking and currently chairs many companies, both private and public, including WebCentral Group Limited, Centrestone Wealth Management Pty Limited, and Pengana Holdings Limited. Former chair of the NSW Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biotechnology, Ms Turnbull has also served on the NSW Government's Information Industry Business Advisory Board. She is the author of Sydney– Biography of a City (1999) and has assisted with several community based initiatives in the Redfern area. She also serves on the Board of Australian Technology Park.
Ms Ann Weldon
Ann Weldon is a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation and is one of the founding members of the NSW Aboriginal Children's Service. Ms Weldon has held executive positions and is a member of the Murawina Aboriginal Preschool, Aboriginal Housing Company, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Marrickville Aboriginal Consultative Committee, Aboriginal Housing Development Committee and ATSIC's National Women's Advisory and National Sport and Recreation Committees. Ms Weldon was a member of the Sydney ATSIC Regional Council for over 10 years, including a term as Chairperson. Ann was appointed to the inaugural Aboriginal Housing Board in 1998 as an ATSIC nominee and has remained Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board since her appointment in 2000. She is also on the Board of the Australian Technology Park.
Ms Jennifer Westacott BA (Hans) FAICD FVIPA
Jennifer recently joined KPMG after over 20 years in State Government in Victoria and New South Wales at Senior Executive and Chief Executive level. Jennifer has held the following positions: Deputy Director General, NSW Department of Housing; Deputy Director, NSW Department of Community Services; Executive Director, NSW Health Council; Director of Housing Victoria; Secretary Education and Training Victoria; and from May 2003 to October 2005 Jennifer was the Director General of Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources in New South Wales.
Jennifer is also a member of the Board of Advice Faculty of Economics, University of Sydney. Jennifer has also been appointed as the Adjunct Professor at the City Futures Research Centre, University of NSW.
THREE MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Built Environment, Employment and Enterprise and Human Services
Residents of Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington were also invited by the Minister to participate in any of three Ministerial Advisory Committees established to advise on matters relating to the development and implementation of RWA initiatives. These committees also include representatives from Federal, State and Local government and local Aboriginal communities.
The principle objectives of the RWA are being delivered as part of the NSW Government's 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan. The three-part Plan is designed as a "whole of community" strategy to address the complex issues of, and the needs of people who live within, the Redfern-Waterloo area. The Plan is being developed in stages, the first of which has been delivered, and ongoing community input will remain a major consideration.
The Redfern-Waterloo Plan consists of three components:
The RWA 's Plan is assisting in achieving three major priorities of the NSW Government's comprehensive State Plan:
The State Plan, a New Direction for NSW, was launched by the Premier, Morris lemma, in November, 2006 and is a blueprint for the betterment of a broad range of services for communities throughout NSW.
The three-part Plan addresses the complex issues of Redfern-Waterloo and the needs of those who live in the area.
The Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was released in August 2006 along with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to give legal effect to the new planning controls. The BEP is a landmark strategy to drive the physical renewal of Redfern and Waterloo with the aim to generate more than 400,000 square metres of new employment space and up to 2,000 new homes. This is being implemented through new zoning controls for eight key RWA strategic sites:
The key objective of the Plan involves creating an economic and civic centre around Redfern Station with improved pedestrian connectivity between the business hubs of Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh and the Redfern CBD.
Stage One also identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain enhancement, infrastructure provision and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
Identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection, public domain enhancement... and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
The proposed Built Environment Plan (Stage Two) will focus primarily on the development of proposals to:
Any proposals to revitalise public housing will be the subject of extensive community consultation, including during the concept formulation phase. The NSW Government's commitments on public housing in Redfern-Waterloo has been expressed very clearly.
Any work the RWA undertakes on public housing as part of the proposed Stage Two of the Built Environment Plan will be subject to the Government's firm guarantees and commitments to public housing tenants.
Mr Robert Domm -
Chairperson
Prof. Chris Johnson - Department of Planning
Mr Reg Fisk- Department of State and Regional Development
M/s Kathy Roil- Department of Housing
Mr Michael Bushby- Roads and Traffic Authority
Mr Richard Hemsworth- RailCorp
Ms Kathy Cusack - City of Sydney
Community Members:
M/s Jocelyn Jackson
Mr Alex Kibble
Mr Richard Pembroke
Mr Shane Phillips
Mr Jonathan Rez
Mr Steve Tamas
Mr Geoffrey Turnbull
Ms Ann Weldon (resigned in August 2006)
The RWA's Phase One Human Services Plan was published in December 2005 and sets out a framework for improving access to health, education, employment and other essential human services in the local community.
Phase One addressed services provided primarily for children and young families, young people and Aboriginal people. The Plan also identifies priorities and actions to address improvement to the delivery of human services.
The draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) identifies eight priority areas as well as improvements to service delivery for older people, people with disabilities, migrant communities and homeless people.
The eight priority areas are:
The draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) was placed on public exhibition from 3 October 2006 to 7 November 2006.
The Draft Phase Two Plan also contains strategies to strengthen the governance and day-to-day management of non-government service providers. Steps to achieve this include:
Addresses the needs of children, young families and Indigenous people... and improvements to services for older people, those with disabilities, migrants and the homeless.
The Plan also identifies priorities and actions to address improvement to the delivery of human services.
Ms Julie Parsons -
Co-Chair RWA
Ms Michelle Burrell - Co-Chair NCOSS
Mr Greg Slabb- Department of Aboriginal Affairs
M/s Anne-Maree Sabellico - Department of Community Services
Dr Phil Lambert- Department of Education and Training
Ms Margaret Malkjovich - Department of Housing
Dr Greg Stewart- Sydney South West Area Health Service
Superintendent Mark Walton - NSW Police Service Redfern Local Area Command
Mr Colin Kay- Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC)
Mr Paul Cramer - Department of Family and Community Services
M/s Ann Hoban-
City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Ms Mabel Chang
Ms Jill Edwards
Mr Howard Glenn
M/s Helen Campbell
Ms Shirley Lomas
Ms Lynette Stewart
The Employment & Enterprise Plan was published in May 2006 and is the first comprehensive training and employment strategy for the Redfern-Waterloo area. Its main aim is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market, to create educational opportunities and build on future growth potential.
The Plan initially focuses on:
The main aim of the EEP is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market.
Employment & Enterprise Plan (EEP)
Mr Robert Domm -
Chairperson
Dr Phil Lambert - Department of Education and Training
Mr Peter Roberts - TAFE NSW Sydney Institute
Ms Bernadette Selfe - Department of State and Regional Development
Mr Greg Slabb - Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Sharron Hawkins - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mr Mark Spinks - Centrelink
Mr Les Tobler - CFMEU
Ms Jan Campbell - City of Sydney
Community Members:
Mr Michael Dalah
M/s Megan Gardiner
Mr Anthony John Larkings
M/s Siobhan Bryson
Mr Karl King
Ms Dixie Link-Gordon
Mr John Newton
Mr Con Passas
ATP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RWA and occupies 13.9 hectares of the former railyards site. The Park is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, with planned development over the next few years expected to generate more than 2,60o new jobs— representing a 20 percent employment increase for the Redfern-Waterloo area.
Provision also exists for a number of additional buildings over the next decade.
The first of these is due for completion in November 2007 and occupies a 3000sqm site on the eastern side of the Park near the existing Garden Street entrance. The result of a $q7 million RWA investment and designed by Cox Richardson Architects, the six-storey building consists of 11,000sqm of floor space and 66 basement parking spaces. Purpose-built to house new research facilities for National ICT Australia (N ICTA), the building was constructed in accordance with the RWA Jobs Compact, employing local indigenous people and new apprentices as a key element.
In June 2006, the RWA brokered a landmark agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for an investment of $123 million in a 43,500sqm media centre at ATP.
Planning approval was granted in January 2007 for the state-of-the-art complex, which will include four television studios and a 12-storey office building for Channel 7 and their publishing company, Pacific Magazines. The agreement represents the largest commercial development in Redfern for over a decade and will create around 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs at ATP. Site testing and preliminary excavation works were undertaken in June 2007 with early works to commence in October 2007.
The RWA has also invested more than $7 million in new roads and infrastructure and committed a further $6 million for a pedestrian and cycle link between ATP and North Eveleigh to facilitate the Park's future prosperity.
ATP occupies former Eveleigh Railyards and is one of the RWA's most significant strategic development and employment generating sites.
AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK (ATP )- Planned development at ATP over the next 2 years is expected to generate a 20 percent employment increase for the area
Channel 7 Development- The RWA has entered into an agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for a landmark $123 million development at Australian Technology Park.
Photo: ATP Principal Project Manager, Eddie Swat In front of the Channel 7 development site at Australian Technology Park.
Australian Technology Park (ATP) - The RWA has directly invested over $54 million in ATP for new roads, infrastructure and an 11,000sqm research facility.
Following successful negotiations by the RWA for the sale of the former Redfern Public School from the Department of Education and Training to the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), the ILC lodged its project application for the redevelopment of the site as a National Indigenous Development Centre (NI DC). The Plan was publicly exhibited until 15 June 2009 for comment and includes an exciting new youth precinct and a facility to showcase Indigenous culture.
About $45 million is being invested by the ILC for the construction of a 25-metre heated swimming pool and sports field, multi-purpose classrooms, accommodation, and dining facilities for up to 100 people.
The venue will also be home to a number of established groups including the Exodus Foundation, which will set up a tutorial centre for young adolescents; the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia, which runs several sporting and life development programs for indigenous people; and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, an organisation providing opportunities for indigenous youth to become involved in various team sports. The existing Murawina Childcare Centre and four original school buildings will be refurbished, while the RWA and Department of Housing have jointly offered a $i million contribution towards the construction of a new Redfern PCYC as part of the proposed redevelopment.
Under the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model, a number of construction positions have been allocated for Aboriginal people.
When fully operational, the NI DC is expected to provide support and assistance to around 5,000 of the area's youth every year. The redevelopment is expected to be fully completed in 2009.
The redevelopment of the school will include a youth precinct and a facility to showcase Indigenous culture.
Former Redfern Public School - The Indigenous Land Corporation is investing $45 million in a centre of sporting, cultural an educational excellence as result of an agreement brokered by the RWA
RWA's concept planning and sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site (located on the corner of Pitt and Albert Streets, Redfern) will provide funding for the NSW Government's new $10 million Community Health Centre. The concept plan for the Hospital site was lodged with the Minister for Planning in June 2007 and the sale is expected to proceed in late 2007. The hospital site is earmarked for a $5o million residential development comprising approximately 150 dwellings and a new public park of more than l000sqm.
The RWA's sale of the former hospital site will fund the transformation of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station into a Community Health Centre.
Former Rachel Forster Hospital - The former hospital site is earmarked for a $50 million residential development comprising approximately 150 dwellings and more than 1,000 m2 of open space.
In January 2007, the RWA and NSW Health formed a Project Control Group for the transformation of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station in Redfern Street into a $10 million Community Health Centre.
The project is funded by the RWA's sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site. Development approval is anticipated in late 2007 with construction scheduled to commence shortly thereafter. The new health facility should become operational early in 2009 and provide a comprehensive range of community services including those in key areas such as drug counselling and mental health.
Initiated and funded by the RWA, the North Eveleigh Training Centre is a key component of the RWA's Employment and Enterprise Plan.
In 2006, the former canteen and carpenters workshop in the CarriageWorks complex was identified as suitable for use as a hospitality and construction industry training centre. The training is then linked to emerging employment opportunities in the local area, with a particular emphasis on those in the Aboriginal community.
The Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre opened its doors in October 2006 to offer a unique learning experience. An initiative of the RWA in partnership with Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, and young Aboriginal chef, Matthew Crib, the centre offers an accredited hospitality training course.
The courses teach students the basics of hospitality and specialise in indigenous Australian cuisine. Graduates then receive certification in Kitchen Operations, Barista, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Gaming Service (RGS). The quality and scope of the training provides graduates with the qualifications and experience for employment in the restaurant and café sectors, tourism operations, clubs, hotels and catering enterprises.
Training is offered to a minimum of 6o students over four courses delivered annually. More than 5o students have graduated since Yaama Dhiyaan commenced in October 2006.
"I have wanted to set up a training course like this for more than 3o years," says Aunty Beryl.
"I am thrilled to see this dream finally come to fruition with the support of the RWA.
There's a real feeling of pride amongst the local community that the Centre has been established here in Redfern."
Yaama Dhiyaan has also been contracted to provide catering services, which will prove an invaluable source of work opportunity for students. Significant on the job training and employment opportunities are also anticipated when the RWA commences operation of a commercial cafe and function centre in late 2007.
Located beneath Yaama Dhiyaan is the Les Tobler Construction Training Centre. A partnership of the RWA and TAFE NSW, the Centre is named in honour of Les Tobler, who was instrumental in establishing the first Job Ready Program and involved in recruiting unemployed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for pre-employment programs. In April 2007,15 indigenous students took part in what was the first of three 8-week Koori Job Ready Courses in Construction scheduled for 2007. On completing the courses, graduates can expect to be offered employment on various Redfern-necessary Waterloo building projects through the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model.
The RWA employs Terry Kelly and Rohan Tobler to mentor the apprentices and trainees and assist with job placements and ongoing support for their indigenous students. For Rohan, working with his people and seeing some success stories emerge is the attraction of the job. Rohan is also the President of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Reconciliation Committee.
Opposite: Staff of the North Eveleigh Training Centre with graduates of the Yaama a Dhiyaan and Les Tobler Construction Training Courses.
There's a real feeling of pride amongst the local community that the Centre has been established here in Redfern.
Les Tobler Construction Training Centre - The Centre offers courses in construction and graduates are placed into local building projects through the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model.
Photo: Along with Rohan Tobler, Tony Kelly (pictured) mentors the apprentices and trainees, assists with job placement and provides ongoing support for Indigenous students.
Yaama Dhiyaan - The RWA invested $750,000 in the establishment of the Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre at North Eveleigh.
Photo: Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo and chef, Mathew Crib.
The unveiling of the North Eveleigh Training Centre in 2006 is part of a spectacular multi-million dollar transformation of the 10.5 hectare North Eveleigh precinct.
With the support and assistance of the RWA, a $40 million transformation of the CarriageWorks at North Eveleigh was undertaken by the Ministry for the Arts and opened in conjunction with the Sydney Festival in January 2007.
The new Centre includes rehearsal rooms, workshops, two theatres, offices and a café provides Sydney with a
much needed performance venue. This adaptive reuse generates significant community and cultural activity and serves as a major impetus for renewal of the remaining areas of North Eveleigh.
The RWA has lodged a development application for the $3 million adaptive re-use of the heritage Blacksmiths' Workshop to create a multi-purpose community market, arts space and small car park.
The proposed undercover community market is scheduled to commence operation by mid-2008, with additional open air market capacity at the nearby former rail traverser. Significant local employment is expected to be created as a result of a flourishing food, produce and arts and crafts market, which will operate alongside the Contemporary Performing Arts Centre and the Yaama Dhiyaan Indigenous Café.
Significant local employment is expected to be created as a result of a flourishing food, produce and arts and crafts market.
Blacksmiths’ Workshop - The RWA has lodged a development application for the $3 million adaptive re-use of the heritage Blacksmiths' Workshop to create a multi-purpose community market, arts space and small car park
Another major boost to the area will be the RWA's proposed Eveleigh Heritage Walk— a $6m pedestrian/cycle bridge designed to provide a magnificent perspective of the rail history of the area and facilitate the research and innovation zone linking the University of Sydney and Australian Technology Park. Pedestrians will be able to cross between the northern and southern sides of the rail corridor with the bridge linking Wilson Street, Darlington with the ATP and suburbs beyond. The RWA has lodged a preliminary environmental assessment with the Minister for Planning and design work is currently underway.
The Eveleigh Heritage Walk is designed to provide a magnificent perspective of the rail history of the area.
The RWA welcomes a significant investment by the NSW Department of Housing in a public housing redevelopment in Redfern's Elizabeth Street. The Department lodged a development application for the $27 million project in June 2007.
The 106 new dwellings will replacing the existing homes on the site which were built in 1953. The proposal consists of 40 terraced family homes with backyards, medium-density units and custom-made apartments for the elderly. There will also be communal recreation areas and parklands along with environmentally-sustainable initiatives such as water tanks and energy saving inclusions.
Current residents are being offered alternative housing in the area and will have the option of returning to new housing appropriate to their needs within the new development. Once approved, the 18-month project is expected to commence in early 2008.
The area will also be enhanced by the sale of adjoining Department land for the development of a further 158 private dwellings, the sale of which will contribute to the cost of the new public housing.
Photos: morehead street east elevation and walker street west elevation
The proposal consists of 40 terraced family homes with backyards, medium-density units and custom-made apartments for the elderly.
The redevelopment of Souths Leagues Club complements the Redfern Oval upgrade, with extensive refurbishment heralding the team's 'Return to Redfern 20o8'. The NRL has earmarked Redfern Oval as the location for the launch of its centenary year— 2008— and 'Return to Redfern' is a joint project of the Leagues Club and Football Club with a view to having the entire precinct ready for the start of the 2008 season.
The Leagues Club and Football Club will be anchor tenants in the new facility, along with a range of high profile businesses and a gymnasium. Features will include 193 car spaces and expansive balconies on all levels.
Co-owner of Souths, Peter Holmes a Court, declared the plan a major step forward for the club.
"Redfern Park is the home of the Rabbitohs. Always was, always will be. It's where our heroes played some of the most famous games. The Rabbitohs will be proud to call the new Redfern Park our home and training ground. It's all about honouring the past and at the same time delivering first class facilities for our players."
Souths played their first match ar Redfern Park in 1948. It was a 19-All Draw with Easts!
Redfern Park's biggest crowd to date was in 1987 when a Souths v Manly match attracted 23,257 fans!
It's all about honouring the past and at the same time delivering first class facilities for The Rabbitohs.
South Sydney Football Club - The redevelopment complements the Redfern Oval upgrade and heralds the 'Return to Redfern' of the Rabbitohs
The Redfern and Regent Streets upgrade was part of a major initiative by the City of Sydney to revitalise the Redfern district and create a more vibrant, active and safe public domain. Works are expected to be finished by September 20o7.
The beautification between Elizabeth and Regent Streets has delivered key streetscape improvements such as:
As part of the RWA's groundbreaking Indigenous Employment Model the contractor for the upgrade (along with the Redfern Park redevelopment) created seven apprenticeships, traineeships and labouring positions specifically for Aboriginal persons.
The upgrade creates a more vibrant, active and safe public domain.
The Indigenous Land Corporation (I LC) is to invest $8m in the proposed redevelopment of the disused Black Theatre Site in Cope Street, Redfern. Vacant for two decades, the site was home to Sydney's first Aboriginal theatre. The ILC's plans include a three-storey mixed commercial development that will provide benefits to the local Aboriginal community and incorporate a radio station and recording studios for Gadigal Information Services, local broadcaster of Koori Radio. The ILC is working with the RWA to employ a number of Aboriginal people for construction work on the development, which is scheduled for completion by mid-2008.
The mixed commercial development will provide benefits to the local Aboriginal community.
Financial Year 1 July 2006 – 30 June 2007
ORGANISATION - PURPOSE - AMOUNT
Statement by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on the adoption of the financial statements for the year ended 3o June 2007.
Certificate under Section 41C of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.
Pursuant to Section 41C (B) and (C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and in our capacity as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, we declare that in our opinion:
The accompanying financial statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position of the Office of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority as at 3o June 2007 and transactions for the year ended on that date. The statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2000 and the Treasurer's Directions.
Further, we are not aware of any circumstances that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.
Dr Col
Gellatly
Chairman
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority
Sydney, dated this 24 October 207
Independent Auditor's Report Redfern-Waterloo Authority
(see the full PDF)
Financials – Redfern-Waterloo Authority
(see the full PDF)
CHARTER
The RWA was formed under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
CHIEF AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Robert Domm was Chief Executive Officer with the RWA during the 2006-2007 Financial Year.
Richard Clark was appointed as a Senior Executive Officer on the 6 April 2007
Staff Numbers by Employment Basis
Permanent Temporary Full-Time Part-Time Casual
Staff 14 4 18 0 0
% 78% 22% 100% 0% 0%
Men 6 0 6 0 0
Women 8 4 12 0 0
Aboriginal Person or Torres
Strait Islander
2
1
3
0
0
Person with
a Disability
0
0
0
0
0
Person from a Racial,
Ethnic or Ethno-Religious
Minority Group
1
1
2
0
0
People whose first
language
is not English
3
0
3
0
0
Staff Numbers by Level
Men Women Total
$49,792 - $63,006 0 1 1
$63,007 - $81,478 0 4 4
$81,479 - $101,849 2 5 7
>$101,849 (non SES) 2 2 4
>$101,849 (SES) 2 0 2
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
There was a change to legislation administered by the RWA during the reporting year.
2007 No27 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007. Assented to 4.7.2007. Date of commencement of Sch 2, assent, sec 2 (2).
OVERSEAS TRAVEL & CORPORATE CREDIT CARDS
No overseas travel fares were incurred during the reporting year, and as at 30 June 2007, no corporate credit cards had been issued to any RWA staff.
CORPORATE SERVICES
Finance, accounting and payroll services were provided to RWA by the finance division of Australian Technology Park. Information and technology services were provided by The Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU) of the Department of Commerce.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The RWA has a Business Risk Map of its operations. The primary objective of the Business Risk Map is to coordinate risk management activities within the RWA to ensure the activity is focused on areas of greatest risk and is also used by Business Audit to derive its strategic audit plan.
Contributions are made by the RWA to the Treasury Managed Fund for workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, property loss, public liability and various other insurable risks.
RWA staff have assigned wardens and participated in emergency evacuation drills. No OH&S incidents have arisen
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PROCEDURE
During the reporting period, one request was made,to the RWA under the Freedom of Information Act. In the same period, no major issues arose, and there were no investigations or applications for review submitted.
Formal requests made under the Freedom of Information Act for access to documents held by the RWA should be accompanied by a $30 application fee and directed to:
The FOl Coordinator
Redfern-Waterloo Authority PO Box 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
The contact number for all FOl inquiries is (02) 9202 9100
LAND DISPOSAL
There were no land disposals for the year ended 3o June 2007.
PLANS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CODE OF CONDUCT
The RWA has its own Code of Conduct which was developed in accordance with the principles of ethical and responsible decision-making and embodies the public sector values of respect for the law, the system of Government, the community and its persons, integrity, diligence, economy and efficiency, and accountability.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY (EEO)
Through its policy, the RWA implements the following principles of the EEO:
The RWA also has a policy for the Action Plan for Women along with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
DISABILITY ACCESS POLICY
The RWA complies with the NSW Government Disability framework through its Disability Access Policy. This provides a process for the RWA to better meet the needs of staff and the community in relation to persons with a disability. The RWA is committed to ensuring all people have reasonable access to the resources and spaces governed by the Authority.
ETHNIC AFFAIRS PRIORITY STATEMENT
The RWA recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of all the people
of NSW and endorses the four principles of multiculturalism as set out in the Community Relations Commission and principles of the Multicultural Act zoom
Towards this objective, the RWA will develop and implement policies sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients and ensure that its Boards and Committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community.
NSW GOVERNMENT ACTION PLAN FOR WOMEN
The RWA supports the NSW Government Action Plan for Women and will promote workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women's lives. It will also promote the position of women in all areas of society as well as access to and successful outcomes for women in all parts of the education and training system.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN
The RWA is committed to the occupational health, safety and welfare of its employees, those contracted to perform work on its behalf and visitors to the premises. It is committed to regular consultation with staff and their representatives, and where necessary, with contractors and suppliers of equipment and services to ensure OH&S management is of the highest standard.
WASTE REDUCTION AND PURCHASING POLICY
The RWA is committed to the implementation of the Government's Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP).
Following is a full list of RWA Plans and Policies:
Risk Management Policy
Risk Management Plan
Risk Management Framework
Information Management &Technology Disaster Recovery Strategy
Internal Audit Plan
External Audit Plan
Staff Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Board Members
Protected Disclosure Act Policy Statement
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
OH&S Management Plan
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement Disability Access Policy Action Plan for
Women
Aboriginal &Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy Procurement Policy
Complaints Handling Policy Business Ethics Statement Privacy Management Plan
Corporate Credit Card Policy Energy Management Policy
Fraud Corruption Control Strategy Environmental Management Policy
New Starter Induction Program
Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy
Publications
Newsletters (16,000 copies per issue):
July 2006
September 2006
October 2006
December 2006
February 2007
June 2007
Plans:
Built Environment Plan (Stage 1) - August 2006
Human Services Plan (Phase 2) Draft - October 2006
Affordable Housing Contribution Plan - May 2007
Affordable Housing Planning Agreement (for the CUB site) - June 2007
RWA Contributions Plan - May 2007
Annual Report - October 2006
Annual Report
The RWA 2006-2007 Annual Report is made available electronically at
www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
The total cost of external production and printing was $41,750 (ex GST)
Contact Details
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone: +612 9202 9100
Reception 9am — 5pm Monday— Friday
Website: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Registered office is Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2 1 Lawson Square Redfern NSW PO Box 3332 Redfern 2016 T: 02 9202 9100 F: 02 9292 9111 redfernwaterloo@rwa. nsw.gov.au www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Redfern-Waterloo: A diverse community
The traditional owners of Redfern-Waterloo are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Today, the area is one of cultural and historical focus for Aboriginal people throughout NSW and Australia. People from many backgrounds live in Redfern-Waterloo and the most common languages spoken at home after English are Russian, Chinese, Greek, Arabic, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Vision
To establish Redfern-Waterloo as an active, vibrant and sustainable community by promoting and supporting greater social cohesion and community safety, respect for the cultural heritage and orderly development of the area in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development.
Minister's Letter
The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
Minister for Redfern-Waterloo
Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney
Dear Minister Sartor
It is with pleasure that I forward you the second Annual Report for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority for the year ending 30 June 2006.
This report has been prepared in accordance with NSW Annual Report legislation and the Redfern-Waterloo Act 2004 No 107.
Yours Sincerely
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
We have great pleasure in welcoming you to the second Annual Report for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.
As part of the Government's 10-year vision for the revitalisation of the Redfern-Waterloo area, our first full year of operation has already yielded some exciting results.
Since opening its doors in January 2005, the energy and commitment of the Board and staff of the RWA in undertaking our charter has been unwavering. Many initiatives are well and truly underway, particularly in the area of promoting investment and related job creation schemes for local unemployed, with a particular emphasis on training and employment for the Indigenous community.
A highly visible community cooperation now exists that includes regular informative newsletters home delivered to residents, an interactive website, consultation on major issues, public forums, meetings, discussion groups and direct access to the RWA via phone, email and in person.
For the last six months of the reporting period, our efforts have been focused on finalising plans for the built environment and employment and enterprise, as well as driving and monitoring the implementation of Phase One of the Human Services Plan (HSP), which aims to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged within our community.
The Human Services, Employment & Enterprise and Built Environment Plans are components of the overall Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is currently being implemented as part of the Government's 10-year strategy.
The first stage of the RWA's Built Environment Plan is a key driver in the social and economic revitalisation of the area. Since the RWA's commencement in 2005, the NSW Government has directly facilitated the investment of nearly $300 million towards infrastructure development in Redfern-Waterloo. Of this amount, more than $76 million has been directly committed by the RWA.
The major investment includes a $35 million Indigenous youth centre at the former Redfern Public School, a $40 million contemporary performing arts space at the former North Eveleigh railyards, a $10 million community health centre at the former Courthouse/Police Station, $16 million for Aboriginal affordable housing, $6 million for a pedestrian/cycle bridge linking the ATP with North Eveleigh and $6 million for essential infrastructure works at the Australian Technology Park (ATP).
In June 2006, the RWA entered a landmark agreement with Sydney Broadcast Property Limited for the construction of a 43,500 sqm state-of-the-art media centre at the ATP. Under the agreement, the Seven Network and Pacific Magazines will relocate to Redfern within the next three years, along with other commercial tenants. This project represents the largest commercial development in Redfern for at least a decade and will deliver 600 construction jobs and 2000 permanent jobs. 60 of the construction jobs will be created for unemployed Aboriginal workers.
A further 600 permanent jobs will be created at the ATP with the RWA's current $47 million construction of new premises for the National Information Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). 26 Aboriginal jobs have also been created on this project, bringing the total to more than 120 construction jobs in the RWA's area of operation.
The RWA's job creation strategies are geared towards the local community being a major beneficiary of the urban renewal program, particularly the more disadvantaged sections of the community where unemployment and welfare dependency are major factors. The RWA's Employment & Enterprise Plan, released in May 2006, is a strategy designed to provide opportunities through meaningful training and employment, thereby addressing the root causes of social disadvantage.
Ministerial Advisory Committees have been established to advise the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo on matters relating to built environment, employment and enterprise and the delivery of human services in the area and a full list of current Committee members is included in this report.
While much has been achieved by the RWA in a short space of time, the Board and staff remain fully focussed on the difficult challenges ahead. We look forward with the confidence that momentum has been achieved towards building opportunities for the Redfern-Waterloo community.
David Richmond AO Chairperson
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer
Principle Objectives
Overview
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) was created by a NSW Government Act of Parliament in Oct 2004 (Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107) and established on 17 January 2005.
The RWA is responsible for revitalising Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington through strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public spaces, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.
The principle objectives of the RWA are being delivered as a result of the NSW Government's 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is designed as a "whole of community" strategy to address the complex issues of, and the needs of people who live within, the Redfern-Waterloo community.
As it is intended to be a "living" document that builds upon its earlier priorities and strategies, The Plan is being developed in stages, with ongoing community input a major component.
Function
Organisational Structure
Chief Executive Officer, RWA Managing Director, ATP
Infrastructure Enterprise and Employment Community Relations
Office Management
Information Management and Technology Australian Technology Park Precinct Management Urban Renewal
Planning
Reforming Human Services
In order to achieve its vision, the RWA has undertaken to:
Corporate Governance
(see PDF version)
The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Mr Frank Sartor MP, is responsible for the control and direction of the RWA. The Minister has established a Board of Governance and, while the Board establish the policies and directions for the RWA, its day to day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.
Three Board Committees were also established:
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Audit and Compliance Committee is the focal point for communication between the Board, the external auditors, the internal auditors and management, as their duties relate to the financial accounting, reporting and internal controls and compliance.
The Audit and Compliance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities as to accounting policies and reporting practices of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. It is to be the Board's principal agent in assuring the independence of RWA auditors, the integrity of management and the adequacy of the disclosures to the public.
Profile: Michael Bremner
Michael Bremner of Mackenzie Bremner Architects and Interior Design in Regent St Redfern has lived and worked in the area for 10 years. A member of the Redfern- Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Michael believes there has been a significant decline in crime levels over the last couple of years. He's an advocate of the RWA's proposed urban renewal plans.
Anything that increases the area's socio economic mix is a good thing."
Affordable Housing Committee
The Affordable Housing Committee reviews the development and operation of an affordable housing program for Redfern-Waterloo and the operation of affordable housing developer agreements.
Urban Renewal Committee
The Urban Renewal Committee reviews the RWA's built environment strategies and plans, advises staff and makes recommendations to the Board.
Ministerial Advisory Committees
Following community consultation, the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Frank Sartor MP invited Expressions of Interest from residents of Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington to participate in any of three Ministerial Advisory Committees.
These Committees also consist of representatives from NSW government agencies and local Aboriginal communities and were set up to advise the Minister on matters relating to the development and implementation of the initiatives of the RWA.
Key Strategies
The NSW Government's 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan comprises three major components:
Built Environment
The Draft Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was published in February 2006 and, along with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), is a landmark strategy providing a consistent set of controls relating to urban design, land use zoning or re-zoning and the carrying out of future development on eight RWA strategic sites:
• Redfern Railway Station, Gibbons and Regent Streets
• Australian Technology Park (ATP)
• North Eveleigh
• South Eveleigh
• Eveleigh Street
• Former Local Court House and Police Station
• Former Rachel Forster Hospital
• Former Redfern Public School
The Plan also identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection,open space and public domain improvements, infrastructure provision, pedestrian and cycle accessand guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
The key principle of the Plan involves the creation of an economic and civic centre around RedfernStation, along with pedestrian and cycleway links to business hubs at ATP, North Eveleigh, and Redfernand Regent Streets.
The final Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was released in August 2006 and included:
• Plans for a $10m community health centre at the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station
• A new Town Centre around an upgraded Redfern Station
• A $6m pedestrian and cycle bridge to link Australian Technology Park with North Eveleigh
• The re-zoning of Marian Street Park for public recreation
Significant Achievements
Future Key Tasks
Public and affordable housing strategies form the basis of the proposed Built Environment Plan (Stage Two), which will focus primarily on the development of proposals to:
Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr David Richmond -Chair
Professor Chris Johnson -Department of Planning
Mr Warwick Glenn -Department of State and Regional Development
Ms Kathy Roil -Department of Housing Superintendent Catherine Burn -NSW Police Service Mr Chris Ford -Roads and Traffic Authority Mr Richard Hemsworth -RailCorp
Ms Catherine Hart -City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Ms Jocelyn Jackson Mr Alex Kibble
Mr Richard Pembroke Mr Shane Phillips Mr Jonathan Rez Mr Steve Tamas Mr Geoffrey Turnbull Ms Ann Weldon
Human Services
Following a review in 2004 of human services within the Redfern-Waterloo area, the RWA's Phase One Human Services Plan was published in December 2005 and sets out a framework for improving access to health, education, employment and other essential human services in the local community.
Phase One addresses services provided primarily for children and young families, young people and Aboriginal people and included:
• Improving the health and wellbeing of children
• Lifting local school numeracy and literacy levels, and school attendance and retention rates to at least the State average
• Improving support for vulnerable people
• Reducing the incidence of family violence
• Increasing participation and involvement of young people in the community
• Increasing numbers of young people accessing employment and training opportunities
• Reducing drug and alcohol misuse, and offending and recidivism
• Building community capacity
Significant Achievements
• Implementation and evaluation of the Human Services Plan
• Development of a human services reform strategy
• Establishment of three taskforces
-Youth Services Reform
-Community Capacity Building
-Drug & Alcohol Taskforce
• Approval in principle for the setting up of a Redfern-Waterloo Fund (RWF) in partnership with the Sydney Community Foundation to attract corporate and individual financial or in-kind contributions
• Establishment of Aboriginal Women's and Men's community groups
Future Key Tasks
• Develop strategies specifically dealing with private and public housing
• Investigate the establishment of high and low care residential facilities for older people, including facilities specifically for Aboriginal people
• Address the need for more affordable housing and service gaps for homeless people
• Make multi-purpose spaces and community facilities more available
• Implement strategies to improve safety and perceptions of safety within the community
The strategies in Phase One are also of benefit to the aged, homeless people, people with disabilities and migrant communities, with the release of the Draft Phase 2 Human Services Plan in October 2006 involving the development of further improvements to services for all these groups.
The key priorities proposed in Phase Two include:
• Increased access to dementia support
• Improved service quality for migrants
• Better access to aged care and health services by Aboriginal people 45 years and older
• Reducing the negative impact of homelessness through early intervention and support
• Improving identification of need and access to services for people with disabilities
• Reducing social isolation
• Improving access to local and community transport for people who are transport disadvantaged
• Improving safety and amenity within the Redfern-Waterloo area
Amongst its proposals, the Human Services Plan aims to consolidate some services for families, children and young people by forming three services precincts. The proposed precincts will be located in:
• Redfern East - initially focusing on the Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) on Phillip Street
• Waterloo -focusing on the services currently provided by the South Sydney Youth Service at Waterloo Oval
• Redfern West -focusing around the Redfern Community Centre in Hugo Street
The Draft Phase Two Human Services Plan also contains strategies to strengthen the governance and day-to-day management of non-government service providers. Steps to achieve this include:
• Joint service planning
• Sharing of administrative resources
• Common reporting, monitoring and evaluation arrangements
• Physical and virtual co-location of services using modern communication technologies and out-sourcing arrangements
• Training and professional development of staff; and the improvement of facilities
Human Services Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Aldo Pennini -Co-Chair
Mr Gary Moore -Co-Chair NCOSS
Mr Ivan Simon -Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Anne-Maree Sabellico -Department of Community Services Dr Phil Lambert -Department of Education and Training Mr John Becker -Department of Housing
Mr Greg Stewart -Sydney South West Area Health Service Superintendent Catherine Burn -NSW Police Service
Mr Colin Kay -Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) Mr Paul Cramer -Department of Family and Community Services Ms Helen Campbell -Redfern Legal Centre
Ms Monica Barone -City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Ms Maybelle Chang Ms Jill Edwards
Mr Howard Glenn Mr Dominic Grenot Ms Shirley Lomas Ms Lynette Stewart
Employment & Enterprise
Following a Draft version released in December 2005, the Employment & Enterprise Plan was published in May 2006 and is the first comprehensive training and employment strategy for the Redfern-Waterloo area. It s main aim is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market, to create educational opportunities and build on future growth potential.
The Plan initially focuses on:
• Increasing supply of employment opportunities, particularly through commercial and residential development
• Capitalising on the Research/Biomedical Innovation Zone
• Improving education and training including a dedicated vocational training centre
• Strengthening partnerships with local employers
• Industry based employment strategies
• Employment and enterprise strategies for Aboriginal people and youth
• Supporting local business
Significant Achievements
• The landmark Indigenous Employment Model created more than 120 jobs for indigenous workers under the Jobs Compact between the RWA and the CFMEU
• A $750,000 commitment to establishing a cross-cultural construction and hospitality training centre at North Eveleigh Railyards
• Establishment of an Indigenous Enterprise Hub at the RWA's Redfern office to provide business support to Aboriginal business owners
• Koori Job Ready Course in Construction which, in conjunction with TAFE, trains Aboriginal people who want to work in the construction industry and then place them into jobs being created by the RWA in Redfern-Waterloo
• Other training initiatives
Future Key Tasks
• Building on previous strategies, such as the implementation of the construction training and job placement program for Aboriginals and the development of the North Eveleigh hospitality and training centre
• Targeting the employment opportunities emerging at Australian Technology Park and other RWA strategic sites
• Developing strategies for employment opportunities in the service industries
• Working with the local community to ensure opportunities for young Aboriginal people in the area are maximised through university based cadetships
• Expanding cultural industries through means such as design production, and realising export potential
• Strengthening connections to universities to encourage local children to move into tertiary education
• Facilitating the running of enterprise summer schools
Employment & Enterprise Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Robert Domm -Chair
Dr Phil Lambert -Department of Education and Training
Mr Jim Spinks -TAFE NSW
Ms Julie Scott -Department of State and Regional Development
Mr Steve Merritt -Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Sharron Hawkins -Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mr Mark Spinks -Centrelink Mr Les Tobler -CFMEU
M/s Catherine Hart -City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Mr Michael Dalah Ms Megan Gardiner
Mr Anthony John Larkings
Ms Bronwyn Penrith Mr Dennis Weatherall
State Significant Development
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act provides for the RWA to be delegated as the authority for development within its area of operation declared to be State Significant. The Minister has delegated consent functions for developments with a capital investment value of less than $5m.
Australian Technology Park (ATP) at the former railway workshops at Eveleigh falls under this jurisdiction. Formerly owned by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore
Authority (SHFA), ATP is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RWA, with planned development on the site over the next two to three years expected to create more than 2,000 new jobs - a 20 percent employment increase for the Redfern-Waterloo area. Provision exists for six new sites and up to 14 additional buildings over the next decade.
The result of a $47m investment by the RWA, a six-storey building currently under construction - to be occupied by National ICT Australia (NICTA) and the Department of Defence, Science & Technology (DSTO) -is the first in a new development phase for the ATP.
Designed by Cox Richardson Architects, the building is located on the eastern edge of the ATP with frontages to Garden Street and Mitchell Way. It occupies a site of around 3,000sqm and will provide just over 11,000sqm of floor space with 66 secure parking spaces. Construction is in accordance with the RWA Jobs Compact, employing local indigenous people and new apprentices as a key element.
In June 2006, Sydney Broadcast Property announced a $120m investment to construct a 43,500sqm media centre at ATP primarily to house television production facilities and commercial offices for Channel 7 and their magazine publishing arm, Pacific Magazines. In a deal negotiated by the RWA, the project will create approx. 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs. The largest commercial development in Redfern for over a decade, construction of the state-of-the-art media facility is expected to begin in early 2007 and completed by the end of 2008.
The RWA will also invest around $6m in new roads and infrastructure and a further $6m for a pedestrian and cycle link between ATP and North Eveleigh to facilitate access and future development. The Built Environment Plan proposes a second potential pedestrian/cycle bridge to the west of Redfern Station.
"This is a significant milestone in Australian Technology Park's development." Robert Domm CEO
Redfern Public School
The RWA helped negotiate the purchase of the former Redfern Public School from the Department of Education and Training for the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) to establish a new youth precinct and showcase of indigenous culture.
Up to $35m is being invested by the ILC in the project and plans include a 25- metre heated swimming pool and sports field and construction of multi-purpose classrooms, accommodation and dining facilities for up to 100 people. The Centre will also accommodate a number of established programs, including the Exodus Foundation, which will set up a tutorial centre for children aged 10 -14; the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia, which runs a number of sporting and life development programs for Indigenous people; and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, which provides opportunities for indigenous youth to become involved in rugby union, netball and golf. The existing Murawina Childcare Centre and four original school buildings will be refurbished.
When fully operational, the NIDC is expected to help up to 5,000 kids a year. The redevelopment is expected to commence early in 2007 and be fully completed in 2009.
Community Health Centre
The RWA brokered an agreement with the Department of Health to establish a new $10m Community Health Centre by way of adaptive reuse and refurbishment of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station The venture is co-funded by NSW Health, RWA and proceeds from the sale of the surplus Rachel Forster Hospital (rezoned for residential use). Services will include: health assessments and education, early childhood and family support services, counselling, referral, perinatal and family drug health services, mental health services, rehabilitation, welfare support, screening for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, sexual health services and other community health services.
RWA Training Centre, North Eveleigh
The former Canteen and Carpenters workshop building at North Eveleigh was identified as suitable for use as a training centre -initially for hospitality and construction.
Initiated and funded by the RWA, the centre will provide industry based training linked to emerging employment opportunities for the local area including the Aboriginal community. The Centre is due to commence training
and operating as an Indigenous and modern Australian cuisine café in October 2006 and will be known as Yaama Dhinawan (or 'welcome emu').
The establishment of the RWA Training Centre at North Eveleigh is a central component of the RWA Employment and Enterprise Plan.
Marian Street Park
In response to community wishes, the area between Gibbons and Rosehill Streets in Redfern - commonly referred to as Marian Street Park - was zoned by the Government as "public recreation" with proposed landscaping poised to transform the site into a genuine park for future generations to enjoy. The RWA has proposed the open space be dedicated to the Council of the City of Sydney, subject to its commitment to upgrading.
Contemporary Performing Arts Centre
A $40m transformation of the former Carriageworks building and Blacksmith's Workshop at the North Eveleigh Railyards into a new Contemporary Performing Arts Centre was undertaken by the Ministry for the Arts. With the
support and assistance of the RWA, the adaptive reuse will generate significant new community and cultural activity and serve as a major impetus for renewal of the remaining areas of North Eveleigh. The Centre is due to
open in conjunction with the Sydney Festival in January 2007.
Board Member Profiles
Chair - Professor David Richmond AO BEc MEc (Syd)
Professor David Richmond AO is current Chairperson of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, the Australian Technology Park and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority. He also advises the NSW Premier on infrastructure planning and implementation. Professor Richmond has had a distinguished public service career, including as CEO of the NSW Department of Health and the Land Commission. He is the former Director-General of the Olympic Coordination Authority and SOCOG and held a number of other senior Olympic Games positions. He recently provided strategic advice to the President of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and to senior managers of the Beijing Olympics. He is the inaugural Director and Professor of the University of Sydney's Graduate School of Government. Professor Richmond is the author of the Richmond Report to the NSW Government, and in 1990 earned the National Council for Intellectual Disability's Making the Difference Award. In 2002 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to Public Administration, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
CEO - Mr Robert Domm BA LLB (Mon) MLLR (Syd) GDLP (ANU)
Robert Domm is Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Managing Director of the Australian Technology Park. He previously spent four years at the City of Sydney where he was General Manager during a period of unprecedented growth and change, through Council boundary changes and
amalgamation with South Sydney Council. He served for three years as a Director and Company Secretary of the Sydney Festival Limited. A qualified legal
practitioner and former labour advocate, Mr Domm has also worked as an adviser to Government. He brings broad experience and a strong commitment to social justice to the workings of the Authority.
Mr Michael Collins
Michael Collins is Chair of the Heritage Council of NSW. He is also on the Boards of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and the Australian Technology Park. He is the Managing Director of Michael Collins & Associates Pty Limited, a property consultancy company which advises private and public sector clients and specialises in land economics, real estate valuations and feasibility studies. He served as National President of the Australian Property Institute from 2003 to 2004 and was NSW President from 1999 to 2001. Mr Collins played a key role in the redevelopment of Darling Harbour and the planning of Olympic Park, and served as chief property consultant to the NSW Government for the Sydney 2000 Games. He has served on many industry committees including the City of Sydney Development Advisory Committee and the City of Sydney Venues Management Board.
Ms Marcia Ella-Duncan OAM (Resigned May 2006)
Marcia Ella-Duncan has held several senior positions in government, most recently in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Ms Ella-Duncan was formerly the Chairperson for the Sydney Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and has previously held several key Indigenous positions with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the NSW Attorney-General's Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council and the Department of Juvenile Justice. A member of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and active in numerous other Indigenous organisations, Ms Ella-Duncan represented Australia in netball from 1985-87 and was awarded the Order of Australia medal for services to the sport in 1988.
Dr Col Gellatly
Dr Col Gellatly was appointed Director-General of the Premier's Department in 1994. He has held a number of senior management positions within the NSW public service, including as Director General of the Department of Land and Water Conservation. He has been NSW representative on a wide range of State/Commonwealth Working Parties and Committees and has had three periods as a part-time Commissioner with the Industries Assistance Commission. He has also served on a diverse range of boards and committees. Dr Gellatly has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW and a PhD from North Carolina State University.
Mr Richard Johnson MBE
Richard Johnson is an award winning architect, Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales and a Director of Johnson Pilton Walker Architects. He is an Associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and
the Japan Institute of Architects, and a Member of the Design Institute of Australia. Mr Johnson was involved in the design of the Australian embassies in Beijing and Tokyo. He is the Chief Architect for the Sydney Opera House and is also currently working on projects including the Australian War Memorial, the Hilton Hotel and the Asian wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He also serves on the Board of the Australian Technology Park and the Australian Architects Association. Mr Johnson has a Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours) from the University of NSW and a Master of Philosophy (Town Planning) from University College, London. In 1976 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Architecture.
Ms Samantha Mostyn BA LLB
Sam Mostyn has an extensive background in law, management and politics. She is currently the Group Executive, Culture and Reputation at Insurance Australia Group (IAG), managing such areas as Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Government Relations and Policy and Community Engagement. She is a qualified lawyer and served as a senior Policy Adviser to former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Ms Mostyn has also steered a pilot crime prevention strategy in the Redfern-Waterloo area, in partnership with NRMA Insurance, police and local business, focusing on crime reduction and community development. Ms Mostyn serves on the Academic Advisory
Board of the Australian Institute of Management, is a Board member of the Sydney Festival, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Centenary Institute, and is a Trustee of the Australian Museum.
She is a Director of the trustee company for the Insurance Australia Group and the NRMA Superannuation Plan and is also a member of the NSW Premier's Council for Active Living. She was recently appointed as the first female Commissioner of the Australian Football League.
Ms Lucy Turnbull LLB MBA
Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003 to 2004, Deputy Lord Mayor from 1999 to 2003 and has recently been appointed an Administrator of Tweed Shire Council. She has extensive experience in planning, business and investment banking. She currently chairs many companies, both private and public, including WebCentral Group Limited, Centrestone Wealth Management Pty Limited, and Pengana Holdings Limited. Former chair of the NSW Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biotechnology, Ms Turnbull has also served on the NSW Government's Information Industry Business Advisory Board. She is the author of Sydney - Biography of a City (1999) and has assisted with several community based initiatives in the Redfern area. She also serves on the Board of the Australian Technology Park.
Ms Jennifer Westacott BA (Hons) FAICD FVIPA
Ms Westacott has had a distinguished senior management career in the public service of NSW and Victoria and was formerly the Deputy Director-General of the
NSW Department of Housing and Secretary of the Department of Education and Training in Victoria and most recently held the position of the Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. Ms Westacott is also a member of the Board of Advice of the Faculty of Economics and
Business at the University of Sydney and in 2003 was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to the community through public administration. Jennifer has also been appointed as the Adjunct Professor at the City Futures Research Centre, University of NSW.
Two new members were appointed to the RWA Board in August 2006.
Warren Mundine is CEO of NSW Native Title Services based in Redfern, and Chair of NSW Labor's Indigenous Policy Committee.
Ann Weldon has chaired the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board since 2000, is founding member of the Redfern Aboriginal Housing Company, the Redfern Aboriginal Legal Service, the Redfern Murrawina Child Care Centre and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, as well as a Redfern School ASSPA committee member.
RWA Sponsorships and Grants
Organisation Amount and Purpose
The Factory Community Centre Waterloo - $100 Community Garden Open Day & Buddhist New Year celebration
Alexandria Park Community School - $500 Support for Multicultural Day event
Koori Unit of the AIDS Council of NSW - $500 Assistance for the Koori Unit to participate in the annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
Waterloo Neighbourhood Advisory Board - $500 Support for multicultural day event
Gadigal Information Service Corporation - $600 Aboriginal Information Stall at 4th Annual YABUN Concert
Connect Redfern - $800 Support for the Early Literacy Program - Schools as Community Centres Program
Centrelink - $800 Xmas Party for the kids on The Block
Essere (To Be) - $825 Funding Living Skills & Self-Esteem Workshop - Miss Indigenous Program
Connect Redfern -$1,000 Schools as Community Centres Program Support for the Inner West Early Literacy program
Redfern-Waterloo Men's Group - $1,459 Support Men's Group activities
Department of Sport & Recreation - $1,500 Support of the Nuramani Sports Carnival
Tribal Warrior Association - $1,549 Business names registration assistance
Aboriginal Mens Cultural Camp - $1,920 Assistance with accommodation costs
Inner-City Domestic Violence Action Group - $2,200 Support anti-violence community events for the "Black-Out Violence" Program
ATP - $4,000 - World Cup Soccer Replays
Wyanga Aged Care - $4,025 Mother's Day Luncheon and other general support
Alexandria Park Community School - $5,000 Purchase tools for the school's teaching program
Knockout Rugby League Inc. $5,000 Support youth activities/entertainment
Midnight Basketball Australia $10,000 Support the inaugural and second Midnight Basketball tournaments ($5,000 per tournament)
Tribal Warrior Association $5,103 Sponsored the design and production of company banners and display kits
ICAMPA - Inter City NAIDOC Working Party $5,500 Sponsorship of NAIDOC Week activities
Total funding for 05/06 financial year: $47,381
Independent Audit Report
To Members of the New South Wales Parliament
Audit Opinion
In my opinion, the financial report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (the Authority):
· presents fairly the Authority's and the consolidated entity's (defined below) financial position as at 30 June 2006 and their performance for the year ended
on that date, in accordance with Accounting Standards and other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia, and
• complies with section 41 B of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (the Act), and the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2005.
My opinion should be read in conjunction with the rest of this report.
Scope
The Financial Report and Directors' Responsibility
The financial report comprises the balance sheets, income statements, statements of changes in equity, cash flow statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements for the Authority and consolidated entity, for the year ended 30 June 2006.
The consolidated entity comprises the Authority and the entities it controlled during the year.
The members of the Board of the Authority are responsible for the preparation and true and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with the Act. This includes responsibility for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for the accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in the financial report.
Audit Approach
I conducted an independent audit in order to express an opinion on the financial report. My audit provides reasonable assurance to Members of the New South Wales Parliament that the financial report is free of material misstatement.
My audit accorded with Australian Auditing Standards and statutory requirements, and I:
• assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Board in preparing the financial report, and
• examined a sample of evidence that supports the amounts and disclosures in the financial report.
An audit does not guarantee that every amount and disclosure in the financial report is error free. The terms 'reasonable assurance' and 'material' recognise that an audit does not examine all evidence and transactions. However, the audit procedures used should identify errors or omissions significant enough to
adversely affect decisions made by users of the financial report or indicate that Directors had not fulfilled their reporting obligations.
My opinion does not provide assurance:
• about the future viability of the Authority or its controlled entities,
• that they have carried out their activities effectively, efficiently and economically, or
• about the effectiveness of their internal controls.
Audit Independence
The Audit Office complies with all applicable independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements.
The Act further promotes independence by:
• providing that only Parliament, and not the executive government, can remove an Auditor-General, and
• mandating the Auditor-General as auditor of public sector agencies but precluding the provision of non-audit services, thus ensuring the Auditor-General and the Audit Office are not compromised in their role by the possibility of losing clients or income.
David Jones
Director, Financial Audit Services SYDNEY, 20 October 2006
Directors' Statement
Statement by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on the adoption of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2006.
Certificate Under Section 41 C (B) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.
Pursuant to Section 41 C (B) and 1 (C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and in our capacity as Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, we declare that in our opinion:
The accompanying financial statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority as at 30 June 2006 and transactions for the year ended on that date.
The Statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2000 and the Treasurer's Directions.
Further, we are not aware of any circumstances that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.
David Richmond AO
Chairperson
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Sydney,
dated this 20 October 2006
Financial Statements - See PDF version of annual report
Appendices
Charter
The RWA is formed under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
Chief and Senior Executive Officer
During 2005-06 Robert Domm was employed as Chief Executive Officer by the the RWA.
Staff Numbers by Employment Basis
Permanent Temporary Full-Time Part-Time Casual
Staff 15 6 21 0 1
% 68% 27% 95% 0% 5%
Men 7 1 8 0 0
Women 8 5 13 0 1
Aboriginal Person or Torres
Strait Islander 2 1 3 0 0
Person with a Disability 0 0 0 0 0
Person from a Racial, Ethnic or
Ethno-Religious Minority Group 0 1 1 0 0
People whose first language
was not English 4 1 5 0 0
Staff Numbers by Level
Men Women Total
$60,584 - $78,345 1 5 6
$78,346 - $97,932 2 5 7
>$97,932 4 4 8
>$97,932 (SES) 1 - 1
Legislative Changes
There were no changes to any legislation administered by RWA during the reporting year.
Overseas Travel and Corporate Credit Cards
No overseas travel fares for staff were incurred during the reporting year, and as at 30 June 2006, staff of RWA were not issued with any corporate credit cards.
Corporate Services
The Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU) of the Department of Commerce provides a comprehensive range of corporate services. The finance and accounting and payroll services were provided to the end of September 2005. The information and technology services are ongoing and were provided to the end of June 2006.
Risk Management
RWA has a Business Risk Map of its operations. The primary objective of the Business Risk Map is to coordinate risk management activities within RWA to ensure that the activity is focused on areas of greatest risk and is also used by Business Audit to derive its strategic audit plan.
Contributions are made by the RWA to the Treasury Managed Fund for workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, property loss, public liability and various other insurable risks.
Staff of the RWA have assigned wardens and participated in emergency evacuation drills. No occupational health and safety incidents have been raised.
Land Disposal
There were no land disposals for the year ended 30 June 2006.
Plans, Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct
The RWA has its own Code of Conduct which has been developed in accordance with the principles of ethical and responsible decision-making and embodies the public sector values of respect for the law, the system of Government, the community and persons, integrity, diligence, economy and efficiency and accountability.
Freedom of Information Procedure
During the reporting period, one request was made to the RWA under the Freedom of Information Act. In the same period, no major issues arose, and there were no investigations or applications for review submitted.
Formal requests made under the Freedom of Information Act for access to documents held by the RWA should be accompanied by a $30 application fee and directed to:
The FOI Coordinator
Redfern-Waterloo Authority POBox 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
The contact number for all FOI inquiries is (02) 9202 9100
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Through its policy, RWA will implement the following principles of the EEO:
Fair practices in the workplace
Management decisions made without bias
Recognition of and respect for the social and cultural backgrounds of all staff and clients Employment practices which produce staff satisfaction, commitment to the job and the delivery of quality services to clients
Improved productivity
Along with the EEO policy, RWA also has a policy for the Action plan for women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
Disability Plans
RWA complies with the NSW Government Disability framework through its Disability Access Policy. This policy provides a process for RWA in how to better meet the needs of staff and community in relation to those people with disabilities. RWA wants to ensure that all people have reasonable access to the resources and space governed by the Authority.
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement
The RWA recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of all the people of NSW and endorses the four principles of multiculturalism as set out in the Community Relations
Commission and principles of the Multiculturalism Act 2000.
Towards this objective, RWA will develop and implement policies sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients and ensure that the Boards and Committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community.
NSW Government Action Plan for Women
The RWA supports the NSW Government Action Plan for Women and will promote workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives. It will also promote the position of women
in all areas of society as well as access to and successful outcomes for women in all parts of the education and training system.
Occupational Health & Safety
The RWA is committed to the occupational health, safety and welfare of all its employees, those contracted to perform work on its behalf and visitors to its premises. It is committed to regular consultation with staff and their representatives and where necessary with contractors and suppliers of equipment and services to ensure occupational health and safety management is of the highest standard.
Waste Reduction and Purchasing Plan
During the 2005-2006 financial year, the RWA addressed a number of issues including the development of bulk waste management guidelines for construction and maintenance activities focusing on compliance and waste minimisation and the development of an office paper and printing toner policy.
The RWA is committed to the implementation of the Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP).
The full list of RWA Plans and Policies is as follows:
Risk Management Policy Risk Management Plan
Risk Management Framework
Information Management & Technology Disaster Recovery Strategy
Internal Audit Plan
External Audit Plan
Staff Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Board members Protected Disclosure Act Policy Statement Equal Employment Opportunity Policy OH&S Management Plan
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement Disability Access Policy
Action Plan for Women
Aboriginal Employment Strategy Procurement Policy
Complaints Handling Policy
Business Ethics Statement
Privacy Management Plan
Corporate Credit Card Policy
Energy Management Policy
Fraud Corruption Control Strategy Environmental Management Policy New Starter Induction Program
Waste Reduction & Purchasing Policy
Publications
Newsletters:
(16,000 copies per issue)
August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 January 2006 February 2006
Plans:
Draft Phase One Human Services Plan (Oct 2005) Phase One Human Services Plan (Dec 2005) Draft Employment & Enterprise Plan (Dec 2005) Employment & Enterprise Plan (May 2006)
Draft Built Environment Plan (Stage One) (Feb 2006) Inaugural RWA Annual Report (Oct 2005)
Annual Report
The RWA Annual Report is available electronically at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au The total cost of external production and printing was $32,725
Contact Details
Redfern-Waterloo Authority Level 11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
PO Box 3332 Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone: +61 2 92029100
Reception 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
Website: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
Reception 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday Telephone: +61 2 9202 9100 www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
THE RWA ANNUAL REPORT 05:06 ALSO CONTAINED PROFILES OF A NUMBER OF LOCAL PEOPLE WHICH WAS INTERSPERSED WITH THE REPORT INFORMATION. FOR EASE OF PRESENTATION IN THE TEXT VERSION WE HAVE PUT THESE PROFILES AT THE END.
Faces
and Places: open to the possibilities
01 Carol de Souza redfern "I love the cultural diversity of the residents.
I think it's a vibrant and beautiful community."
02 Brian Smith redfern "I love
it here. There's no reason to go anywhere else. I intend to stay as long as I
can."
03 Bill Easterbrook redfern Bill was on the Steering Committee for the
development of the local skate park. He was also instrumental in its design.
04 Sandra Soulos "I've noticed a drop in the crime rate and feel very safe
in this area."
05 Michael Bremner redfern "Anything that increases the area's socio
economic mix is a good thing."
06 Bradley Sly redfern "People are always saying hello when they pass
by."
07 Marlene Newton
"I'm particularly pleased with recent RWA initiatives like the range of
community events."
08 Justin and Angela darlington "We enjoy living in the area and love that
it's so close to everything and just a short walk to the train station."
09 Melinda Walker waterloo Melinda feels the RWA will generate growth and new
jobs for the area.
10 Tommy Simpson redfern "I've always felt happy here and I'll be staying
for a while yet."
11 Anthony Ashby redfern "I've seen many changes for the better over the
last few years in Redfern."
12 Peter Holmes à Court redfern "I believe Redfern and Waterloo will develop into an even better
part of this great city."
Cover image:
Australian-born of Indian parents, Carol de Souza is an artist and educator who
lives in Redfern and works in the city. As a member of the community based
SQUAT SPACE, Carol helps conduct tours of the local area.
Profile: Brian Smith
Brian Smith has lived in Redfern for
the last 8 years, loves the proximity to the city and says he's looking forward
to the RWA's urban renewal of the area.
Brian says he's here for the long haul. "I love it here. There's no reason
to go anywhere else. I intend to stay as long as I can.”
“I've already noticed a lot of changes, particularly since the RWA
started."
Profile: Bill Easterbrook
15-year old Bill Easterbrook has lived in the Redfern area all his life and
attends Alexandria
Community School.
Through Shane Brown and South Sydney Youth Services, Bill was on the Steering
Committee for the development of the local skate park. He was also instrumental
in its design.
Profile: Sandra Soulos
Sandra Soulos is a fashion designer and runs her label from a studio on Botany Road in Waterloo. Sandra's worked
in the area for the last 14 years and loves the close proximity to transport
which she needs to ship her garments around the country.
Sandra is also as much a supporter of the Rabbitohs as she is of the RWA's
plans for the area. "I've noticed a drop in the crime rate and feel very
safe in this area."
Profile: Bradley Sly
Bradley Sly has been a firefighter for 18 months, the last year at Redfern Fire
Station.
A former high level representative junior Rugby League player for South Sydney, Bradley enjoys the friendliness of the
locals.
"People are always saying hello when they pass by."
Profile: Marlene Newton
Along with her husband, Marlene has lived in Waterloo for almost 10 years. Representing
Turanga on the Neighbourhood Advisory Board and serving as a committee member
with CEDA (until its closure), PTC and the Redfern-Waterloo Drug Action Team,
Marlene is regarded as a community stalwart by her peers. Marlene says that
seeing people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds now living in harmony
is one of her greatest joys.
"I'm particularly pleased with recent RWA initiatives like the range of
community events."
Profile: Justin Moor and Angela Larkin
Justin Moor and Angela Larkin of Darlington
both work in the IT industry and have lived in the area for 18mths. They get
involved in local building and planning issues on an as-needs basis. They have
both added a submission to the RWA's urban renewal plan and mentioned the
development of the Performing Arts Centre as of particular interest.
We enjoy living in the area and love that it's so close to everything and just
a short walk to the train station."
Profile: Melinda Walker
Originally from the NSW mid-north coast, Melinda Walker from the 'Tiara'
Apartments in Waterloo
is a young Aboriginal woman working as an Assistant Project Officer with the
RWA.
Melinda feels the RWA will generate growth and new jobs for the area.
Profile: Tommy Simpson
Scotsman Tommy Simpson lives in Redfern with his wife Fiona and young daughter
Jamie. "Redfern's close to work for both of us and there's great day care
nearby for Jamie.”
Tommy believes Redfern is a great place already and says the success of his
beloved Souths footy team will galvanise the area and create a greater sense of
pride and belonging for residents.
“I've always felt happy here and I'll be staying for a while yet."
Profile: Anthony Ashby
Based in Redfern's Regent St.,
Anthony Ashby is Australia's
first indigenous chartered accountant. Originally from Coonabarabran, Anthony
spent two years living in The Block as a teenager and attended Darlington Public School. "I'm very positive
about the RWA's urban renewal project and hopeful the area retains its
uniqueness. I've seen many changes for the better over the last few years."
Profile: Peter Holmes à Court
“Redfern is both our corporate headquarters and the spiritual home to the South
Sydney Rabbitohs. The area is steeped in history and tradition and it’s where
our club was founded in 1908. The Redfern Waterloo urban renewal program will
see the area evolve into a prime strategic location for businesses to flourish
in, whilst retaining the wonderfully rich cultural diversity of its residential
population. Through South’s Cares,
the Rabbitohs are pleased to both instigate and participate in local community
initiatives and work together with the RWA to assist our neighbours.”
“I believe Redfern and Waterloo
will develop into an even better part of this great city.”