Panel 1 If Obama Can, Can We? - 11.15 am – 12.15

Panel 2 The Big Picture? - 1.15-2.15pm

Panel 3 Keepin’ Culture in Sydney - 2.45- 3.45pm

YABUN 2009 Mainstage program

12.00     Chairperson/MC’s address

12.05     Aunty Wendy

12.30     Marlene Cummins

1.00        Dwayne Everett

1.15        Casey Donovan

1.45        Tjimba and the Young Warriors

2.15        Nadeena Dixon

2.35        Young Stunnaz

3.00        Young Black and Deadly

3.12        Kev Carmody

3.35        Kevin Kropenyeri

4.00        Glen Skuthorpe

4.30        Shelly Atkins

5.00        Zennith

5.30        Cindy Drummond

6.00        Vic Simms

6.30        FINISH

·       Bbq(sausage sizzle)

·       Fruit

·       Bottled water

·       Live & deadly,  acts

·       Jumping castle  

·       Face painting  

I believe drug dealing & drug use don’t belong to

aboriginal culture,    I know you do too!

Shane Phillips

Chief Executive Officer

Tribal Warrior Association Inc

111 Regent Street, Redfern NSW 2016

Tel: 02 9699 3491

Fax: 02 9699 3441

Book your New Year's Eve 2008 Cruise here

Family Day at the Block

 
 
This Saturday the 30^th Aug between 12:30pm &4pm
 
This is a call out to people who think unity/greatness/family is the way for our people
 
Reclaim our people & community
 
Come along and enjoy some family time with ya kids and family, hear some history , share some history,make a statement that black fullas are as strong & proud.....
 
There will be free
 
·       Bbq(sausage sizzle)
·       Fruit
·       Bottled water
·       Live & deadly, acts including 

 Michael Donovan
Street Warriors
Lawrence Barlow
Black turtles
Cuzco
Radical son
Connected by blood
And more.......

Please help , We need to stand together as one!!!!!
 
I believe drug dealing & drug use don’t belong to aboriginal culture, I know you do too!

Years of attempts to get the authorities to act have come to naught.

A Safety Audit conducted by police found the area was so rundown and crime-ridden, with lights not working and amenities in disrepair, that legitimate users were afraid to go near the park.

Acting Superintendent Bradley Monk said police patrols were tasked to Waterloo Green on every shift, often to attend to assaults and alcohol-related crime. However, making it an alcohol-free zone was impossible because it was departmental property. “It is difficult to tell people they cannot drink in what is effectively their own front yard,” he said.

Head of local Aboriginal training company Tribal Warrior, Shane Phillips, who was born and bred in Waterloo, said the people taking their children along to a day of drinking and drugging at Waterloo Green had little idea that what they were doing was wrong. He said addiction was like waking up with a light bulb in your face. You could see little else. And struggling people needed innovative programs rather than their children removed.

“Taking kids creates resentment and anger,” he said. “I've been to many corporate functions where people are going on as crazy as the people on Waterloo Green, but they are behind closed doors. We either toss aside the people who are struggling, or we start helping them break the cycle.”

A spokesman for NSW Minister for Community Services Kevin Greene said the government funded a large range of services for children in the Waterloo area. A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Housing said an action plan involving child welfare and numerous other agencies had been developed to reduce anti-social behavior associated with the excessive public drinking on Waterloo Green.

The Babana group, an Aboriginal men's organisation devoted to improving the lives and futures of Indigenous men, called upon its brothers in the community to come together and speak freely and honestly about their personal experiences and doubts in regards to health and health institutions.

The men’s health information day began with a peaceful cruise out to the island and a heartfelt welcome from the Babana group, Shane Phillips of the Tribal Warrior declaring, “This is our day to talk about things, our way”.

Aboriginal health levels lag far behind those of mainstream society and Aboriginal men have the lowest life expectancy and poorest health rates of all Australians.

“Increasing men's awareness of health issues is fundamental to improving Aboriginal men’s health,” Babana chairman Mark Spinks said. "However, it is also important for Aboriginal men to have a say about the way in which health messages are delivered."

The testimonies of the men present varied from person to person, with men from all age groups and walks of life participating in the discussions.

Despite this, sentiments of being “left out” and “not being taken seriously” were concurrent with most of the men present as services and solutions to Aboriginal men’s health issues continue to be developed by government “without sufficient input from consultation with aboriginal men”.

"Culturally appropriate men's groups, men's spaces and healing centres are an important part of the solution,” Mr Spinks told the group. “Aboriginal communities need to be supported and the men in those communities need to be empowered and given opportunities to develop their own practical solutions to the issues affecting them, their families and their community.”

Speakers (including league players David Peachey and Albert Torrens …) addressed important health risks and spoke at length about the need for men to have primary health screening checks including blood pressure and blood sugar tests on a regular basis. Stalls also provided information on a range of health issues including: dietrary health, general health and wellbeing, prostate and other cancers, drug and alcohol use, sexual health, relaxation and meditation.

Photo: Jack Carnegie - Three generations of Aboriginal men on the way to the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Expo

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:

Contents

Redfern-Waterloo: A diverse community

Vision

Minister's Letter

Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer

Overview

Principle Objectives

Organisational Structure

Corporate Governance

Board Member Profiles

Redfern-Waterloo Plan

Built Environment Plan (BEP)

Human Services Plan

Employment & Enterprise Plan (EEP)

Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal

Australian Technology Park (ATP)

National Indigenous Development Centre

Former Rachel Forster Hospital

Community Health Centre

North Eveleigh Training Centre

The Evolution of North Eveleigh

Elizabeth Street Public Housing Redevelopment

South Sydney Football Club

Redfern/Regent Streets Upgrade

Black Theatre Site

Sponsorships/Grants provided by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority

Directors' Statement

Appendices

Redfern-Waterloo Authority 2006-07 Annual Report

Contents

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-Waterloo: A diverse community

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.

Vision

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.

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 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 

Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer

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.

Overview

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:

• Australian Technology Park
• National ICT Australia Building
• Seven Network and Pacific Magazines Development
• Contemporary Performing Arts Centre
• Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre
• Eveleigh Heritage Walk
• National Indigenous Development Centre
• Community Health Centre
• Blacksmith's Workshop Community Markets
• Former Rachel Forster Hospital Residential Development Site
• Elizabeth Street Public Housing Development

Principle Objectives

• To encourage the urban renewal of Redfern—Waterloo into an active, vibrant and sustainable community;        
• To promote, support and respect the Aboriginal community in Redfern-Waterloo with regards to the importance of the area to the Aboriginal people;
• To promote the orderly development of Redfern-Waterloo whilst taking into consideration principles of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development;
• To provide and promote housing choices in the operational area;
• To enable the establishment of public areas in    Redfern-Waterloo; and
• To promote greater social cohesion and community safety in Redfern—Waterloo.

Organisational Structure

In order to achieve its principle objectives, the RWA maintains an undertaking to:

• Promote, facilitate, manage and secure the social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development and use of the operational area, including the development and management of land, the provision of infrastructure and the establishment of public areas;
• Provide and promote housing choices in the operational area (including for Aboriginal residents);
• Provide and promote employment opportunities for local residents, commercial opportunities for local businesses and cultural development (including the needs of the Aboriginal community) in the operational area;
• Enhance and manage public places in the operational area and to improve, maintain and regulate the use of those public places;
• Promote, co-ordinate, organise, manage, undertake, secure, provide and conduct cultural, educational, commercial, recreational, entertainment and transport activities and facilities in the operational area; and
• Do any other thing for the sustainable improvement of the operational area.

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.

Corporate Governance

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:

• To review the development and operation of the proposed affordable housing program for Redfern-Waterloo;
• To review the operation of the Affordable Housing Voluntary Planning Agreement for the CUB site; and
• To review the operation of the Affordable Housing Contributions Plan for Redfern-Waterloo.

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.

Board Member Profiles

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.           

Redfern-Waterloo Plan

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:

• Built Environment Plan - focusing on urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing, public housing, cultural heritage and urban renewal.
• Employment and Enterprise Plan - developing and implementing strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, particularly for those within the Indigenous community.
• Human Services Plan - reforming human services and health issues affecting residents of Redfern-Waterloo.

The RWA 's Plan is assisting in achieving three major priorities of the NSW Government's comprehensive State Plan:

• Stronger Aboriginal communities through improved health and education outcomes;
• Ensuring NSW is open for business; and
• An improved urban environment.

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.

Built Environment Plan (BEP)

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:

• Redfern Railway Station, Gibbons and Regent Streets
• Australian Technology Park
• North Eveleigh
• South Eveleigh
• Eveleigh Street
• Former Local Court House and Police Station
• Former Rachel Forster Hospital
• Former Redfern Public School

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.

Some Major Achievements

• Signed a landmark agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for the construction of a $123 million media centre,
• Constructed a $47 million, research facility at ATP to be occupied by National ICT Australia (NICTA) and the Department of Defence, Science &Technology (DSTO)
• Brokered the sale of the former Redfern Public School to the Indigenous Land Corporation for a $45 million National Indigenous Development Centre
• Completed a concept design study with RailCorp for the redevelopment of Redfern Railway Station
• Processed development applications on State Significant Sites with a capital investment value of less than $5m
• Finalised Built Environment Plan (Stage One) with SEPP
• Finalised the Development Contributions Plan to enable the delivery of $37 million for the provision of public amenities and services as well as providing an overview of works to be facilitated over the next decade.
• Finalised the Affordable Housing Contributions Plan which is expected to raise around $35 million over the next 10 -12 years which equates to 75 affordable housing dwellings in Redfern-Waterloo.
• Finalised a Voluntary Planning Agreement which will deliver $23 million in Affordable Housing Contributions from the former CUB Site.
• Committed $6 million towards the Eveleigh Heritage Walk and $3 million towards the adaptive re-use of the heritage Blacksmith's Workshop at North Eveleigh

The proposed Built Environment Plan (Stage Two) will focus primarily on the development of proposals to:

• Revitalise public housing stock;
• Improve the associated public domain;
• Reduce concentration of public housing;
• Increase the local population for a more sustainable social mix; and
• Facilitate the provision of affordable housing, including a shared equity model of home ownership.

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.

• There will be no cuts to the amount of public housing
• Current residents will not be disadvantaged
• All public tenancies are secure.

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.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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)

Human Services Plan

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:

• Improving dementia support;
• Improving service quality for migrant communities;
• Improving access to aged care and health services by Aboriginal people q5 years and older;
• Reducing homelessness;
• Improving identification of need and access to services for people with a disability;
• Reducing social isolation;
• Improving access to local and community transport for people who are transport disadvantaged; and
• Improving safety and amenity.

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:

• 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

Addresses the needs of children, young families and Indigenous people... and improvements to services for older people, those with disabilities, migrants and the homeless.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

• Implementation and evaluation of the Human Services Plan - Development of Phase Two of the Human Services Plan Draft - Development of a human services reform strategy -Youth Services Reform
• Community Capacity Building
• Development 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
• Organisation and hosting of the 'Sticky Beak' tour providing information on government services to sixty representatives from non government organisations.
• Organisation and hosting of the Family Violence Networking forum for q0 human service providers to develop an action plan to address family violence in the area.
• Provision of Governance Training in conjunction with NSW TAFE for Aboriginal organisations.
• Provision of Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training with NSW TAFE for 36 government and non government organisations.
• Development of the Police Youth Community Referral Project in conjunction with Redfern Local Area Command, various government and non government agencies.
• Provision of Catering Assistance Grants in partnership with the NSW Community Relations Commission for a number of community events.
• Management and evaluation of the Case Co-ordination Project.

FUTURE KEY TASKS

• Develop strategies specifically dealing with private and public housing
• Address the need for more affordable housing and service gaps for homelesspeople
• Make multi-purpose spaces and community facilities more available
• Implement strategies to improve safety and perceptions of safety within the community

The Plan also identifies priorities and actions to address improvement to the delivery of human services.

HUMAN SERVICES MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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

Employment & Enterprise Plan (EEP)

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:

• 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

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)

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

• The RWA's landmark Indigenous Employment Model has created more than 170 jobs for indigenous workers
• The establishment of a $750,000 cross-cultural construction and hospitality training centre, Yaama Dhiyaan at North Eveleigh
• 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
• Establishment of Redfern Waterloo Enterprise Services offering free one-on-one and confidential service with an experienced and qualified business professional
• Other training initiatives

FUTURE KEY TASKS

• Building on previous strategies, such as the implementation of the construction training and job placement program for Aboriginal people and the development of the Yaama Dhiyaan 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 - 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

Redfern-Waterloo’s Renewal

Australian Technology Park (ATP)

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.

National Indigenous Development Centre

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

Former Rachel Forster Hospital

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.

Community Health Centre

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.

North Eveleigh Training Centre

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 Evolution of North Eveleigh

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.

CONTEMPORARY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

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.

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.

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

EVELEIGH HERITAGE WALK

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.

Elizabeth Street Public Housing Redevelopment

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.

South Sydney Football Club

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

Redfern/Regent Streets Upgrade

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:

• Wider footpaths with new paving and more trees;
• New street furniture and decorative lighting;
• A new civic place and art installation at Jack Floyd Reserve; and
• Shared traffic/pedestrian/cycle zones in lanes adjacent to Redfern Street.

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.

Black Theatre Site

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.

Sponsorships/Grants provided by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority

Financial Year 1 July 2006 – 30 June 2007

ORGANISATION - PURPOSE - AMOUNT

• Cook Community Garden, Waterloo Public Housing Estate - Catering Assistance Grant l0th anniversary celebrations Cook Community Garden - $200.00
• Buddhist New Year Celebration - Catering Assistance Grant - $200.00
• Chinese New Year Celebrations - Catering Assistance Grant - $200.00
• ICAMPA - Catering Assistance - $250.00      
• Koori Careers Market Day - Support towards BBQ for Koori Careers Market Day - $300.00           
• Redfern All Blacks Netball Team - Sponsor accommodation expenses for the Team to attend Netball Tournament - $432.00
• Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout - PCYC activities at the Koori Knockout - $500.00
• Alex Park Community School - Sponsorship of NAIDOC Week activities performance/entertainment - $600.00
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School - Sponsorship of NAIDOC Week activities performances/entertainment - $600.00
• Save the Children Australia - Supporting organisations activities - $800.00
• Redfern Community Centre - Sponsorship for Christmas Party - $930.00
• Babana Aboriginal Men's Group - Sponsorship of Reconciliation week 2007 luncheon - $1000.00
• Kids Christmas on the Block - Assist with entertainment to the Kids Christmas Party - $1000.00
• Police Youth Referral - Assistance with printing of referral information cards - $1450.00
• Kidspeak & Barnardos - The Redfern-Waterloo Intensive Family Support Services - $581,124.00
• Mudgin-Gal - The Redfern-Waterloo In-home Family Support for Aboriginal Families - $70,000.00
• Centacare - The Redfern-Waterloo Family Support Counselling for CALD families - $70,000.00
• Sydney Metropolitan Aboriginal All Stars - Sponsorship to attend 7s Rugby League event in Coffs Harbour - $1,500.00
• Tribal Warrior Association - Sponsorship of NAIDOC Cultural cruise hosted by Babana Aboriginal Men's Group -$1500.00
• Connect Redfern and Alexandria Park Community School - Sponsorship for "Playgroups in the Park" event - $1700.00
• Police and Community Youth Club        Sponsorship for Boxing Match - $4,000.00
• Aboriginal Churches Partnership of Redfern —Waterloo - Sponsorship for Roll of honour & manufacture, PA & other equipment hire - $2,000.00
• Babana Aboriginal Men's Group - Support men's group activities - $2,210.05
• Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout - Sponsorship of Waterloo Storm Aboriginal RLFC Inc - $5,000.00
• Midnight Basketball - Sponsorship for midnight basketball tournament - $7,750.00
• Seniors Christmas Luncheon - Assistance with advertising, catering, hiring of venue and entertainment - $7,995.00
• Alexandria Park Community School - Assistance for Supply and installation of 2 sets of junior soccer goals - $9614.00
• Tribal Warrior Association - Annual Sponsorship - $20,000.00
• Alexandria Park Community School - Support Sports & Health Coordinator based at APCS - $33,000.00
• South Sydney Herald - "Support Independent Media Concert" assistance hire of venue and security - $1,311.20
• TOTAL SPONSORSHIP/GRANTS 2006-2007:  $827,166.25

Directors' Statement

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)

Appendices

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:

• 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, job commitment and quality client service
• Improved productivity

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

• To encourage the urban renewal of Redfern-Waterloo into an active, vibrant and sustainable community;
• To promote, support and respect the Aboriginal community in Redfern-Waterloo with regards to the importanceof the area to the Aboriginal people;
• To promote the orderly development of Redfern-Waterloo whilst taking into consideration principles of social,economic, ecological and other sustainable development;
• To enable the establishment of public areas in Redfern-Waterloo; and
• To promote greater social cohesion and community safety in Redfern-Waterloo.

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:

• Promote, facilitate, manage, undertake and secure the social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development and use of the operational area, including the development and management of land, the provision of infrastructure and the establishment of public areas;
• Provide and promote housing choices in the operational area (including for Aboriginal residents);
• Provide and promote employment opportunities for local residents, commercial opportunities for local businesses and cultural development (including the needs of the Aboriginal community) in the operational area;
• Enhance and manage public places in the operational area and to improve, maintain and regulate the use of those public places;
• Promote, co-ordinate, organise, manage, undertake, secure, provide and conduct cultural, educational, commercial, recreational, entertainment and transport activities and facilities in the operational area; and
• Do any other thing for the sustainable improvement of the operational area.

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 Plan -focusing on urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing, public housing, cultural heritage and urban renewal.
• Employment and Enterprise Plan -developing and implementing strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, including within the Indigenous community.
• Human Services Plan -reforming human services and health issues affecting residents of Redfern-Waterloo.

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

• Invested $47m in the construction of a six-storey building at ATP to be occupied by National ICT Australia(NICTA) and the Department of Defence, Science & Technology (DSTO) - the first building in an exciting new development phase for the Precinct
• Negotiated a landmark agreement with Sydney Broadcast Property for the construction of a $120m media centre at Australian Technology Park that will create 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs
• Negotiated with the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) for the purchase of the former Redfern Public School from the Department of Education and Training for refurbishment as a $35m National IndigenousDevelopment Centre
• Initiated a concept design study for the redevelopment of Redfern Railway Station and the creation of significant adjacent public space
• Began dealing directly with development applications on State Significant Sites with a capital investment value of less than $5m
• Committed $16m towards facilitating the provision of new dwellings over the next 10 years for affordable housing for Aboriginal residents

Future Key Tasks

• Finalise the draft Development Control Plan (DCP) for RWA's strategic sites, including one specifically for Australian Technology Park to reflect proposed new planning and design controls for the Site
• Finalise the draft Development Contributions Plan to enable the levying of contributions toward the provision of public amenities and services
• Finalise the draft Affordable Housing Contributions Plan and supporting Affordable Housing Program to provide a basis for levying contributions for the provision of affordable housing
• Finalise the draft Public Domain Improvement Plan to guide public improvements in Redfern-Waterloo and provide an overview of works to be facilitated over the next decade
• Establish a Stakeholder Partnership with the RTA, City of Sydney, Ministry of Transport, RailCorp and community representatives to facilitate improvements to local area traffic management.
• Conduct extensive research into the options for existing public housing and the possibilities to enhance the availability of affordable housing in partnership with the Department of Housing.

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:

• Revitalise public housing stock
• Improve the associated public domain
• Reduce concentration of public housing
• Increase the local population to establish a more sustainable social mix
• Facilitate the provision of affordable housing, including a shared equity model of home ownership.

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.”

WEAR RED AND BRING YOUR BANNERS, YOUR FLAGS, PLACARDS…AND MOST OF ALL, YOUR MOB!!

On Saturday 24th a new Federal Government will be decided.  This meeting and rally, one week out from the election, is our chance to ensure Aboriginal voices are heard loud and clear and the injustices of the Government’s invasion of Aboriginal communities in the NT are known about.

Of all the criticisms of the 11 year Howard Government, their legacy in Indigenous Affairs will surely be remembered as a low point in the history of this country.

They were elected in 1996 on a wave of racism sparked by the former Liberal candidate Pauline Hanson and have since been unrelenting in their attacks on Indigenous rights and politics.  We can see this in their approval of the Hindmarsh Island Bridge, amendments to native title after Wik, the Reconciliation convention, the mounting of legal action defending past Government’s removal of children, the white-washing of Australia’s history, abolition of ATSIC, axing of the CDEP and now with the measures in the NT to name only a few.

In the NT the Government’s so-called emergency intervention followed the Anderson & Wild report on the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse in the NT.  The Federal Government initiated an ‘emergency response’ and have since passed several laws giving them wide ranging powers over Aboriginal people’s lives, land, resources, stores and enterprises.  These include new powers to manage welfare benefits of all Aboriginal people in the NT, changes to land rights (eg axing of permit system to communities), assumption of 5 year lease over Aboriginal land and greater controls by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (eg Minister can determine who can live in the community) and changes to bail and criminal law.

The Anderson & Wild report noted serious issues and the need for an urgent community led response.  No-where did it recommend taking Aboriginal land, abolishing the CDEP or control of the lives of Aboriginal people as if they're children.  This intervention has been criticised as compromising human rights, democracy, freedom, self-determination and Indigenous rights.  Others have said if these powers can be exercised over Aboriginal communities in the NT it can happen in NSW  as well.

Come along to this family friendly gathering at the Redfern Community centre where we will walk along Cleveland St to Victoria Park and join up with other events are being held in the Park.

Meet 10am, Sunday 18th November, 2007.

Response to RedWatch Candidates Questionnaire

March 2007

 Executive Summary

The NSW Government established the Redfern Waterloo Authority in 2004 to revitalize the Redfern-Waterloo area.

Achievements of the RWA in the last three years include:

New jobs and investment to Redfern-Waterloo:  The NSW Government, through the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, has made real progress in creating new jobs and opportunities for the local area and turning around social disadvantage.

We have seen a significant boost in the new jobs and investment flowing into the Redfern-Waterloo area, which is a direct attribute to the hard work of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.

Our clear plan has seen the RWA generate almost $300 million in new investment for the area, including more than $76 million directly committed by the Authority itself:

$123 million to be invested by Sydney Broadcast Property to build a new state-of-the-art media centre at the Australian Technology Park or ATP, starting in April 2007.

The development is expected to generate more than 600 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs. Will include 60 construction jobs for Indigenous workers, under Jobs Compact signed by the CFMEU and Redfern-Waterloo Authority on 15 May 2005.

$47.5 million being invested by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority in a new research building at the ATP:  Six-storey building that will house National Information and Communications Technology Australia and the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation. Estimated Six hundred permanent jobs and during construction 26 jobs for local Indigenous people and new apprentices. The building will be completed about August this year.

$40 million invested in a new Contemporary Arts Centre at North Eveleigh:  The project saw heritage buildings at North Eveleigh converted into this contemporary performing arts space in conjunction with the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and RailCorp. The Contemporary Performing Arts Centre opened in January 2007 in conjunction with the Sydney Festival. Delivered 21 construction jobs for Indigenous people.

$35 million investment by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) to purchase the former Redfern Public School and redevelop it into a new National Indigenous Development Centre. The new Centre will help young people achieve their full potential through mentoring, training and learning initiatives. Expected to help up to 5000 young people each year when fully operational.  Existing Murawina Child Care Centre and four school buildings will be refurbished.

$35.25 million delivered by an Affordable Housing Contribution Plan over the next 10 years, delivering about 75 affordable housing dwellings in the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area – plus another $23 million for affordable housing under the agreement negotiated between the RWA and Carlton and United Breweries over the future development of its Chippendale site.

$16 million to be invested by the RWA for Aboriginal affordable housing:  The RWA has committed to facilitating the provision of new dwellings over the next 10 years to provide affordable housing for Aboriginal residents of Redfern-Waterloo. These dwellings are proposed to be in addition to any housing currently owned or proposed to be privately developed by the Aboriginal Housing Company on AHC land on and around the Block in Redfern.

The RWA Contributions Plan will deliver about $36.7 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.

$10 million in transforming the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station into a new community health facility:  This new facility will become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for health service, designed in response to community feedback. The plan is to provide health assessments, early childhood and family support services, counselling, perinatal and family drug health services, mental health services, welfare support, sexual health services and more.

$6 million from the Redfern-Waterloo Authority to fund a new pedestrian/cycle link between North Eveleigh and the Technology Park

$6.5 million in new roads and infrastructure for the Technology Park.

$4.2 million invested by NSW Police in March 2005 to establish a new police station at the former TNT Tower.

Three-quarters of a million dollars to develop a new training centre at North Eveleigh, including the Yaama Dhinawan Indigenous hospitality training enterprise. 

145 jobs have been created for local indigenous people during the urban renewal process in Redfern Waterloo.

1.  Role of the RWA and Community Consultation

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 establishes and sets out the RWA’s principle functions, taking into consideration social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public areas, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.

The RWA’s tasks include:

• Generating jobs for the people of the area,
• Improving delivery of services to the community
• Promoting urban renewal that respects and strengthens the rich heritage that makes this community unique in Sydney.

Current activities of the RWA include:

• Development of job creation schemes for local unemployed, with a particular emphasis on the Indigenous community;
• Developing a Human Services Plan that will improve the delivery of social services to the community;
• Encouraging new anchor tenants and investors to build and bring jobs to the Australian Technology Park;
• Facilitating urban renewal and heritage restoration opportunities at North Eveleigh and other surplus government lands;
• Working on plans to enhance access to and refurbish Redfern Railway Station;
• Seeking a sustainable solution for the Block and its environs;
• Working with the RTA on improving traffic management/pedestrian safety/retail amenity on Regent and other major streets;
• Implementing a community consultation strategy that will include regular newsletters to residents providing news of latest events and activities, setting up an interactive website, quarterly community forums and smaller community meetings on specific issues.

The Redfern-Waterloo Plan is being developed in stages by the RWA with priority being given to economic revitalisation, human services and job creation.

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.

The community consultation framework includes:

• Three Ministerial Advisory Committees on Built Environment, Employment & Enterprise, Human Services;
• Public meetings notified to residents;
• Resident & business focus groups;
• Internet based feedback mechanism;
• Regular post feedback mechanism;
• Working groups of officers as required;
  

All residents can be involved.

Community representatives have been appointed to the three advisory committees. The Committees also contain Government agency representatives.

1.  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

2.  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

3.  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: Health Services, Youth Services, Services for Families and Children, Services for Aboriginal People.   

Community Consultation on the Draft Built Environment Plan and Draft State Environmental Planning Policy

The RWA undertook a comprehensive communication strategy to seek community and stakeholder input on the draft Plan.

This included advertising, information posted on the website, newsletters, information and feedback sessions, a community forum, presentations, briefings and residents meetings.

Key measures included:

1. Public exhibition of the Draft BEP and Draft SEPP for two months to April 14 2006.
2. 15,000 newsletters delivered to all residential dwellings within the RWA operational area advising of the draft BEP and SEPP and consultative arrangements.
3. 2,000 draft Plans distributed to stakeholders, key organisations and interest groups as well as members of the community.
4. A public meeting held March 4 2006 at Redfern Town Hall.
5. Daily Information/Feedback Sessions from 27 February to 10 March at the RWA offices, with additional information sessions held at the community’s request.
6. Special residents’ meetings, stakeholder briefings and interviews with local Aboriginal people.
   

2.      The Built Environment Plan

The Redfern-Waterloo Built Environment Plan (Stage One) is a component of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan.

The Built Environment Plan (Stage One) encourages an employment and investment based revitalisation of the area by providing a planning framework for the following Redfern-Waterloo sites as identified in State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005:

• Australian Technology Park
• North Eveleigh
• South Eveleigh Railyards
• Eveleigh Street Precinct (including the Block)
• Redfern Railway Station/ Gibbons Street/Regent Street Precinct
• Former Rachel Forster Hospital
• Former local Court House and Redfern Police Station
• Former Redfern Public School
  

Most of these sites, which total around 35 hectares, are State Government owned and are located near the Redfern Railway Station and Redfern Town Centre.

The Built Environment Plan proposes a consistent set of controls relating to urban design, land use zoning and the carrying out of future development of Redfern-Waterloo sites. It also identifies strategies for associated transport and traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain improvements, infrastructure provision, pedestrian and cycle access and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.

The Plan will be complemented by more detailed guidelines contained within

Development Control Plans and/or Concept Plans to be determined following consultation with the community.

It is estimated that the Plan will generate about 400,000 m2 of employment generating land, which translates to around 18,000 jobs. About 2,000 new dwellings could also be developed.

A State Environmental Planning Policy will provide the statutory basis for the implementation of the environmental planning aspects of the Plan.

The key principle of the Plan involves the creation of a Town Centre with an economic and civic heart focussed around Redfern Railway Station and pedestrian and cycleway links to business hubs at the Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh, Redfern and Regent Streets.

Urban Design

Urban design analysis has provided the basis for height controls and shaped the desired future character of each site. The Plan proposes general urban design guidelines that are supplemented by design concepts for each site, outlined in Section 4 of the Plan.

Transport

• The transport strategy outlines key initiatives including:
• the redevelopment of Redfern Railway Station
• improved connections to bus services
• management of traffic from new development
• improved traffic operations on Regent and Gibbons Street
• improved connection between ATP and North Eveleigh
• encouraging safe and easy cycling.
  

Infrastructure

Consultation with major service providers has indicated that capacity of essential services may be augmented to meet the increase in demand.

A Contributions Plan for the provision of public facilities and amenities is on public exhibition.

3.  State Significant Sites 

The first stage of urban renewal will centre on a number of sites in Redfern Waterloo declared to be State Significant Developments under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005. These are identified on Map 16 of the SEPP.

State significant development is development that the Minister for Planning has determined is of state or regional significance, and will therefore require his/her consent.

For example, the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is investigating essential developments for an accessible, efficient railway station. A heritage Station with steep steps and no easy access for elderly or disabled people and parents with young children, Redfern Station is the eighth busiest Station in the NSW network - a role which will increase in activity as the population grows. Redevelopment will improve access to and the efficiency of RailCorp operations and include commercial activity.

These State Significant sites in the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area include the following:

1. North Eveleigh Precinct
2. South Eveleigh Precinct
3. Eveleigh Street Precinct
4. City West
5. Australian Technology Park (ATP)
6. Eveleigh Street Precinct
7. Redfern Railway Station
8. Gibbons - Regent Street Precinct
9. Redfern Public School
10. Redfern Police Station / Court House
11. Rachel Forster Hospital
    

The Minister for Planning is the consent authority for development on all State significant sites in Redfern-Waterloo.  The Minister for Planning has delegated certain consent authority functions under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) including planning assessments and a minor determination role to officers of the Authority.

The consent authority functions that have been delegated to certain officers include:

• Assessment under Part 4 of the EPA&A and determination as a consent authority of developments as listed in Schedule 3 – Types of Development in the Instrument of Delegation executed by the Minister of Planning.
• The assessment and determination of all applications under Section 96 of the EP&A Act to modify a development consent where consent was issued either under the delegation or by the Minister of Planning (under a previous delegation) where the consent relates to development on State significant sites in Redfern-Waterloo.

Certain functions have also been delegated by the Director General of the Department of Planning to officers of the Authority. These include:

• The administration and processing of applications under Part 4 of the EP&A Act
• The preparation, consultation, recommendation for the Minister and adoption of an urban development plan or master plan.

In most cases the City of Sydney Council is the consent authority for development and/or works on all other land not identified as State Significant within the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area. Development applications for these proposals are lodged, processed and assessed by the Council.

4.  Open Space

The Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan has been amended to identify proposed open space areas including public open space, private open space and civic spaces.

The area commonly referred to as “Marian Street Park”, bounded by Gibbons Street and Rosehill Street, will be zoned ‘Public Recreation’ and the proposed maximum height limit of 18 storeys has been removed from the BEP. It is also proposed that the open space be dedicated to the Council of the City of Sydney, subject to adequate funding being committed to upgrade the park.

Other indicative locations of future and existing publicly accessible open space areas with the RWA’s strategic sites include:

• A new civic space that will link the Town Centre and Redfern Railway Station and providing a focus for enterprise and activity.
• Areas within North Eveleigh comprising around 15% of the total site.
• Areas within the Australian Technology Park including tennis courts, playing fields and pedestrian/cycle walkways.
• The zoning of the playing fields on the former Redfern Public School, comprising around 4,500 square metres, will be changed from ‘Special Uses’ to ‘Private Recreation’. The Indigenous Land Corporation, which is purchasing the site, has indicated that managed public access to the playing fields will be supported.
• Land located at the Pitt Street frontage of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site, which is currently zoned ‘Special Uses – Hospital’.
  

5.  Public Housing

The Government will neither reduce the amount of public housing in Redfern- Waterloo nor disadvantage its current residents.

One of the key elements identified during community consultations in 2003 was the need to provide better housing options in the area. The renewal of public housing estates will be investigated. No decision has been made on their future. Public housing accounts for thirty-five percent of residents and fifty percent of the housing stock in the area.

The Government is looking at all the options for the long-term future of public housing in Redfern and Waterloo. There will be substantial consultation with tenants, local organisations and other government and non-government agencies before any plans for the area are pursued.

The RWA proposes to address the public housing issue in a detailed way in Stage 2 of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan.

All tenancies are secure.

There are no plans to redevelop any public housing at this time, with the exception of the proposed Elizabeth Street development which has been the subject of extensive community consultation.

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004 provides that the Authority should provide and promote housing choice. Affordable housing levies will be obtained to assist the achievement of this.

6.  Human Services Plan

The findings of the 2004 Review of human services in Redfern Waterloo, called for better integration and coordination of both government and non government services in order to achieve improved outcomes for the local community.

To get these results, changes must be made to the way human services are being provided in the area. The Human Services Plan provides the framework, strategies and actions necessary to make this happen.

The NSW Government developed the Plan by working with the local community through cluster groups of representatives of Family and Children, Health, Aboriginal and Youth services.

This process involved residents, service providers, businesses, government and non-government organisations and identified the areas that they felt could be improved as well as discussing the best ways for services to work together to get results.

The feedback reports from each cluster group formed the basis of the draft Human Services Plan. This advice has been further strengthened and shaped by the Human Services Advisory Council, Chief Executive Officer Steering group, Senior Officers Working Group and the National Council of Social Service resulting in the draft Human Services Plan.

The public consultation phase provides another opportunity to provide further information that could influence the Plans direction and increase the effectiveness of the outcomes for the community.

The Plan is designed to reflect the hoped for potential of the Redfern Waterloo community and it focuses on the priority areas that require attention and support.

This includes concentrating on services for young people, children and families and Aboriginal people in the first stages of action. Services dealing with migrants, the aged, people with disabilities and homeless people will be addressed in early 2006 as Phase 2 of the Plan.

The Plan identifies the organisations that are essential to human service delivery and describes the type of actions needed to achieve the anticipated results.

The Plan already has the support and agreement from the government agencies involved in human services for Redfern Waterloo.

The contributions and support that will be required from the non government human service providers in order to achieve improved outcomes for our community are incorporated in the strategies and actions contained in the Plan.

A working group of Senior Officers from the government agencies responsible for the strategies included in the Plan has been set up to ensure that outcomes are met. This group called ISOG, will meet on a regular basis to progress action and will be supported by the RWA’s Human Services Team and report to the CEO’s Steering Committee.

The Human Services Team and ISOG will also work together with the non-government organisations whose services support the priority areas being addressed through the Plan to make sure that outcomes are achieved.

Local, regional and state representatives from non-government service organisations will also be invited to make presentations to the CEO Steering Committee and ISOG as part of the active exchange of information that will assist in improving co-ordination and service delivery for the community.

A Ministerial Advisory Committee on Human Services has also been established and includes representatives from government, non-government, Aboriginal organisations and community members. This group will play a role in providing ideas and suggestions as the plan is being put into action.

The RWA has developed a comprehensive communication strategy to keep the community and service providers informed on the progress on the Plan. This will include information posted on the website, newsletters, presentations, briefings, emails and meetings.

Over 200 people provided their input in the development of the Plan. This provided large amounts of advice and many viewpoints and suggestions on how to improve human services in Redfern Waterloo.

Every recommendation that could be achieved through the Plan was considered, and where like issues had a connection or relationship they were grouped together with the best options to address the issue investigated.

The community’s ongoing involvement and participation in the Human Service Plan will be a key factor in achieving successful outcomes for Redfern Waterloo. Feedback is always welcome. The Redfern Waterloo Authority has developed a range of community engagement strategies to provide opportunities for the community to comment throughout the life of the Plan.

7.  Emploment and Enterprise Plan

The RWA’s Employment and Enterprise Plan aims to directly challenge the area’s social and economic disadvantage by fostering jobs, educational and life opportunities and a higher standard of living.

The RWA sees wealth creation as an antidote to welfare dependency. The path to wealth creation through well-paid employment is education – whether this be education at university or through vocational education.

The statistics demonstrating the area’s current social and economic disadvantage are revealing.

40% of housing in Redfern-Waterloo is public housing (23% in Redfern and 73% in Waterloo). 38% of households have a weekly income of less than $400, with 16% being less than $200.

Almost one third (27.9%) of the population in Redfern-Waterloo is receiving income support in the form of Disability Support Pension, Newstart Allowance, Single Parenting Payment or Age Pension.

Details of people living in Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh or Darlington that are receiving income support at September 2005 are as follows:

• Age Pension - approximately 2,908
• Disability Support Pension - 2,023
• NewStart Allowance – 1,237
• NewStart Mature Aged Allowance - 46
• Single Parents Payment – 550
• Partnered Parenting Payment - 83
• Youth Allowance (not studying) – 89
• Youth Allowance (full time study) – 503
• CDEP Payment – 45    (source: Centrelink Data)
  

The RWA has developed several major strategies that we will progressively implement over the next ten years commencing in 2006.

The Built Environment Plan projections estimate that up to 18,000 jobs can be created in future years through commercial development on the nine sites currently designated as State Significant by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. Final projections will be in the final Built Environment Plan.

It should be noted that about 600 jobs alone will be created at the Australian Technology Park by 2007 with the RWA’s decision to borrow up to $47.5 million from NSW Treasury to commence construction in early 2006 of a new building to house National ICT Australia and the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation. A number of other significant building projects at the ATP are currently under contemplation by the RWA, demonstrating the huge employment generating potential of this site alone.

However, the Redfern Waterloo area has not achieved its full economic and employment potential despite its strategic location as the southern gateway to the City, its public transport accessibility, its strategic position in the heart of the airport CBD corridor and its proximity to some of the largest tertiary campuses in the nation. The area provides a unique opportunity to achieve the highly sought after outcome of being able to live and work in one’s local community.

The RWA will investigate the benefits to the area of having Redfern-Waterloo designated an enterprise zone for up to a 10 year period, which could involve the offering of targeted payroll tax concessions to new or expanding small and medium sized businesses in the area, especially when linked with an employment and training strategy.

The RWA has identified several major strategies that will support the development of employment and enterprise opportunities for both local residents as well as the broader metropolitan community. These opportunities are located in walking distance to Sydney’s second most accessible railway station, thereby ensuring high levels of public transport patronage and limiting vehicle impacts on the local community.

The major strategies are focused on the following aspects:

1. Revitalising Redfern retail precinct

2. Increasing business development land

3. Capitalising on Research/Innovation Zone

4. Strengthening partnerships with local employers

5. Improving education and training opportunities for local residents

6. Developing industry based employment strategies

7. Targeting employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and youth

8. Supporting local business

The RWA’s employment and enterprise development strategy is a critical component of the overall Redfern-Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services and the Built Environment Plans. The strategy has been developed to ensure that the employment opportunities being created in the area both current and future are available to the local communities of Redfern, Waterloo, Darlington and Eveleigh.

The Employment and Enterprise Plan seeks to provide opportunities for wealth creation for the local community, through empowering those people that can work to create their own wealth through meaningful employment or enterprise development.

The Employment and Enterprise strategy will be focused initially on:

• Increasing supply of employment opportunities, particularly through increasing potential for commercial and residential development.
• Capitalising on the research/Biomedical Innovation Zone.
• Improving education and training including a dedicated vocational training centre, to provide people with the opportunities to gain access to well paid work.
• Strengthening partnerships with local employers.
• Industry based employment strategies.
• Employment and enterprise strategies for Aboriginal people and youth.
• Supporting local business

Whilst the plan is ambitious, the Authority has already in place significant education and employment strategies for the construction and hospitality industries with particular emphasis on opportunities for Aboriginal people (see below for more information on these strategies).

The plan draws on earlier work with the Authority’s partners from industry groups, group employment companies, job network providers, local schools and universities, employment services, vocational training providers and enterprise development agencies.

The overwhelming response to the Employment and Enterprise Plan has been positive and significant new partnerships with industry are currently being developed in those industries identified as having skill shortages, in order to maximise the job opportunities in these industries for locals.

How the Plan was developed

In October 2005 the RWA developed an initial Discussion Paper on Employment and Enterprise. The paper was distributed to the RWA Board and the Employment and Enterprise Ministerial Advisory Committee. The Ministerial Advisory Committee is made up of community and government representatives with an expertise in employment. Following feedback from these groups, a draft Employment and Enterprise Plan was developed.

Community Consultation on Draft Plan

The RWA has sought to identify those people in the community that are interested in employment and enterprise. We have done this through the RWA’s website registration, mailing list registration and individuals who have contacted the Authority to register their interest.

The Draft Plan was put on public exhibition for community consultation from December 12 2005 to February 28 2006. The Draft Plan was posted to people who had expressed an interest in employment and enterprise, community members, local NGO’s and Government agencies.

The Authority’s staff met with numerous individuals, community and industry organisations to discuss the Draft Plan and seek their feedback over the 2 month consultation period.

The Plan was also placed on the Redfern-Waterloo Authority website and was advertised through the January Redfern-Waterloo Update, the RWA’s regular community newsletter which is distributed to approximately 15,000 residences in the area. In addition, interested community members called the RWA offices and had the Draft Plan posted to them.

Eighteen submissions were received, with three being received after submissions had closed. The submissions received included five from NGO’s; four from residents; five from government departments and four from elected members of parliament or council.

The majority of respondents were supportive of the plan but wanted particular issues highlighted or strengthened in the final plan as follows:

• Supply of childcare provision;
• Employment & education opportunities for mature age people;
• Support for small business and enterprise development;
• Coordination with local service providers;
• Mismatch between future job opportunities and the capability of the local community;
• Ensure the employment meets the needs of residents, and is meaningful employment;
• Acknowledge that a concentration of people in the Redfern-Waterloo area are not able to work as they are well past working age, are ill or have high level of disabilities or other health issues; and
• Addressing the specific employment needs of culturally and linguistically diverse residents (CALD) and disabled residents.

In response to the consultation feedback, the Draft Plan was enhanced to include:

• More detailed information on the profile of local people on income support, including the finding that 62.5% of people on income support are receiving aged or disability support pensions.
• Highlighting the large concentration of people in the area who are unable to participate in the labour market due to age or ill health.
• Clarification that the Authority’s Plan is based on the creation of meaningful work, and ensuring improvement to education and training to provide access to this work.
• Strengthening the skills audit to capture information on individual’s career preferences.
• Clarification that the Plan adequately addresses the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, sole parents and people with a disability.
• Investigating the benefits of having the Redfern-Waterloo area designated as an enterprise zone to offer targeted payroll tax concessions to new or expanding small businesses when linked to a company’s employment and training strategy.
• The recommendation from the Human Services Plan to increase local, culturally appropriate and affordable childcare by 100 positions for children living in Redfern-Waterloo.
• Strengthening the vocational training needs of mature aged people in the community.
• Strengthening the details on the Authority’s training centre at North Eveleigh.
• Highlighting the benefits of the community’s involvement in local markets, including the potential for cultural industries development.
• Providing more detail on the cultural awareness program to support local businesses and strengthen the relationship between local residents and employers, including ongoing training and mentoring.

The final plan was approved by the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo on 19 May 2006.

Culture Of Work Project

A project is currently underway that is investigating strategies to motivate people in the Redfern-Waterloo area who are able to work but for various reasons are not in the labour force.

This project is working with the local community to gain an understanding of the factors that impact on how a community develops a culture of work and will focus on identifying current programs and initiatives that work, and developing strategies for the RWA and its partners to implement.

Improving Education And Training Opportunities For Local Residents

The vocational training centre at North Eveleigh is currently being refurbished. The RWA has committed $700,000 in 2005-2007 for capital works, fit out and start-up costs to establish the centre. Once completed, the centre will offer on-site accredited training in the construction, hospitality, transport and information technology industries.

The RWA is developing a partnership with schools in the local area to strengthen education outcomes as well as provide vocational education opportunities and link with the training centre at North Eveleigh and job opportunities being created in the area.

In order for industrial vocational courses to be taught at Alexandria Park Community School, the RWA purchased $5,000 worth of tools and equipment for use by local school children.

The RWA has commenced the Young Achievers Australia program currently being delivered for Aboriginal youth from Alexandria Park Community School, Eora College and local youth.

A Young Achievers Australia program will also be run for young mothers in the area. This program will show the young people how they can create job opportunities for themselves and others to enable them to contribute to the economic development of their community.

Three scholarships have been provided to local young people to take part in the PartyCp8 movie-making course, where they will make a feature movie and will learn all aspects of the movie making industry. These scholarships have been awarded to young people who will act as mentors and take up leadership roles in the local community.

Industry Based Employment Strategies

The first industries that the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is focussing on to create job

opportunities for locals are the construction and hospitality industries. At a later stage, the RWA will look at employment strategies for the following industries:

• retail;
• transport;
• commercial cleaning;
• information technology;
• services;
• cultural.

Employment in the Construction Industry

The RWA and the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) have signed a 10-year Jobs Compact agreement to work together with employers to create real jobs and training for unemployed Aboriginal people.

The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo and the CFMEU officially launched the Jobs Compact on 12 May 2005 at North Eveleigh.

The deal requires all contracts for construction on State-owned land in Redfern-Waterloo to include tougher provision and support aimed at increasing on-site work and training opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The RWA has developed an Indigenous employment model for use in the construction industry that expands on the Jobs Compact with the CFMEU.

The model delivers a streamlined recruitment, training and employment path for head contractors, coordinating:

• Recruitment;
• Training;
• Apprenticeships;
• Group employment; and
• Mentoring.

The RWA has developed partnerships with the agencies involved in delivering services to the employment model. The partners are:

• TAFE NSW;
• CFMEU;
• New Apprenticeship Centres- Macarthur and BWAC;
• Macarthur Group Employment and Training;
• Job Network Providers;
• AES
• Marrickville Training Organisation

On the construction projects currently operating, the RWA has negotiated 19 jobs for Aboriginal people at the Contemporary Performing Arts Centre site at North Eveleigh, 26 jobs for Aboriginal people at the Building D site at the Australian Technology Park and 60 jobs at the Channel 7 development at the Australian Technology Park.

These numbers will increase as more projects come online at the Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh and the Redfern Station precinct redevelopment.

The trades that these positions/apprenticeships/traineeships are in include:

• Electrical;
• Construction carpentry;
• Plumbing;
• Boiler making;
• Scaffolding;
• Painting;
• Brick laying;
• Fire sprinkler fitting;
• Sheet metal works;
• Labouring; and
• Landscaping.

Aboriginal Businesses in the Construction Industry

Part of the conditions for contractors on Government-owned land includes the contractor having to invite Aboriginal businesses in the construction industry to tender for works.

Employment in the Hospitality Industry – Yaama Dhinawan College

The hospitality section of the training Centre at North Eveleigh will be unique in that it will specialise in Australian Indigenous food and culture.

Yaama Dhinawan will operate a hospitality enterprise, which will offer a unique cross-cultural educational experience that focuses on providing hospitality training with an emphasis on practical work in the Yaama Dhinawan café.

Leading Sydney restaurateurs Raymond and Jennice Kersh (formerly of Edna’s Table) and the Aboriginal elder and caterer Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo have formed a partnership with RWA to set up a world-class cross-cultural training and employment program in Indigenous Australian cuisine.

This training is open to all unemployed people who want a career in the hospitality industry.

Aboriginal Business Service

Any Aboriginal person who has an idea for a business and would like to know where to start, or who has an existing business and requires further assistance, can access the Aboriginal business service.

This is a FREE, ONE-ON-ONE & CONFIDENTIAL service with an experienced and qualified business professional that can help on a range of business issues including:

• Business Planning
• Understanding regulations
• Financing
• Management skills
• Marketing and market research
• Mentor support

The facilitator works out of the RWA office in Redfern. Call 9202-9100 to book in a time to meet with the business facilitator.

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is offering this service in Redfern in partnership with the Department of State and Regional Development.

Local Business Needs Survey

As part of the RWA’s on-going commitment to improving business and employment opportunities in the Redfern-Waterloo area, the RWA is conducting an Employment Opportunities - Business Needs survey of businesses. The RWA wants to work with you to help your business grow in the local area and we are looking for information from you on what your business needs to expand.

An important step in this process is gathering information from local business people about staffing needs and any unmet training requirement.

March 2007

 Executive Summary

The NSW Government established the Redfern Waterloo Authority in 2004 to revitalize the Redfern-Waterloo area.

Achievements of the RWA in the last three years include:

New jobs and investment to Redfern-Waterloo:  The NSW Government, through the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, has made real progress in creating new jobs and opportunities for the local area and turning around social disadvantage.

We have seen a significant boost in the new jobs and investment flowing into the Redfern-Waterloo area, which is a direct attribute to the hard work of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.

Our clear plan has seen the RWA generate almost $300 million in new investment for the area, including more than $76 million directly committed by the Authority itself:

$123 million to be invested by Sydney Broadcast Property to build a new state-of-the-art media centre at the Australian Technology Park or ATP, starting in April 2007.

The development is expected to generate more than 600 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs. Will include 60 construction jobs for Indigenous workers, under Jobs Compact signed by the CFMEU and Redfern-Waterloo Authority on 15 May 2005.

$47.5 million being invested by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority in a new research building at the ATP:  Six-storey building that will house National Information and Communications Technology Australia and the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation. Estimated Six hundred permanent jobs and during construction 26 jobs for local Indigenous people and new apprentices. The building will be completed about August this year.

$40 million invested in a new Contemporary Arts Centre at North Eveleigh:  The project saw heritage buildings at North Eveleigh converted into this contemporary performing arts space in conjunction with the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and RailCorp. The Contemporary Performing Arts Centre opened in January 2007 in conjunction with the Sydney Festival. Delivered 21 construction jobs for Indigenous people.

$35 million investment by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) to purchase the former Redfern Public School and redevelop it into a new National Indigenous Development Centre. The new Centre will help young people achieve their full potential through mentoring, training and learning initiatives. Expected to help up to 5000 young people each year when fully operational.  Existing Murawina Child Care Centre and four school buildings will be refurbished.

$35.25 million delivered by an Affordable Housing Contribution Plan over the next 10 years, delivering about 75 affordable housing dwellings in the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area – plus another $23 million for affordable housing under the agreement negotiated between the RWA and Carlton and United Breweries over the future development of its Chippendale site.

$16 million to be invested by the RWA for Aboriginal affordable housing:  The RWA has committed to facilitating the provision of new dwellings over the next 10 years to provide affordable housing for Aboriginal residents of Redfern-Waterloo. These dwellings are proposed to be in addition to any housing currently owned or proposed to be privately developed by the Aboriginal Housing Company on AHC land on and around the Block in Redfern.

The RWA Contributions Plan will deliver about $36.7 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.

$10 million in transforming the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station into a new community health facility:  This new facility will become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for health service, designed in response to community feedback. The plan is to provide health assessments, early childhood and family support services, counselling, perinatal and family drug health services, mental health services, welfare support, sexual health services and more.

$6 million from the Redfern-Waterloo Authority to fund a new pedestrian/cycle link between North Eveleigh and the Technology Park

$6.5 million in new roads and infrastructure for the Technology Park.

$4.2 million invested by NSW Police in March 2005 to establish a new police station at the former TNT Tower.

Three-quarters of a million dollars to develop a new training centre at North Eveleigh, including the Yaama Dhinawan Indigenous hospitality training enterprise. 

145 jobs have been created for local indigenous people during the urban renewal process in Redfern Waterloo.

1.  Role of the RWA and Community Consultation

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 establishes and sets out the RWA’s principle functions, taking into consideration social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public areas, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.

The RWA’s tasks include:

• Generating jobs for the people of the area,
• Improving delivery of services to the community
• Promoting urban renewal that respects and strengthens the rich heritage that makes this community unique in Sydney.

Current activities of the RWA include:

• Development of job creation schemes for local unemployed, with a particular emphasis on the Indigenous community;
• Developing a Human Services Plan that will improve the delivery of social services to the community;
• Encouraging new anchor tenants and investors to build and bring jobs to the Australian Technology Park;
• Facilitating urban renewal and heritage restoration opportunities at North Eveleigh and other surplus government lands;
• Working on plans to enhance access to and refurbish Redfern Railway Station;
• Seeking a sustainable solution for the Block and its environs;
• Working with the RTA on improving traffic management/pedestrian safety/retail amenity on Regent and other major streets;
• Implementing a community consultation strategy that will include regular newsletters to residents providing news of latest events and activities, setting up an interactive website, quarterly community forums and smaller community meetings on specific issues.

The Redfern-Waterloo Plan is being developed in stages by the RWA with priority being given to economic revitalisation, human services and job creation.

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.

The community consultation framework includes:

• Three Ministerial Advisory Committees on Built Environment, Employment & Enterprise, Human Services;
• Public meetings notified to residents;
• Resident & business focus groups;
• Internet based feedback mechanism;
• Regular post feedback mechanism;
• Working groups of officers as required;
  

All residents can be involved.

Community representatives have been appointed to the three advisory committees. The Committees also contain Government agency representatives.

1.  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

2.  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

3.  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: Health Services, Youth Services, Services for Families and Children, Services for Aboriginal People.   

Community Consultation on the Draft Built Environment Plan and Draft State Environmental Planning Policy

The RWA undertook a comprehensive communication strategy to seek community and stakeholder input on the draft Plan.

This included advertising, information posted on the website, newsletters, information and feedback sessions, a community forum, presentations, briefings and residents meetings.

Key measures included:

1. Public exhibition of the Draft BEP and Draft SEPP for two months to April 14 2006.
2. 15,000 newsletters delivered to all residential dwellings within the RWA operational area advising of the draft BEP and SEPP and consultative arrangements.
3. 2,000 draft Plans distributed to stakeholders, key organisations and interest groups as well as members of the community.
4. A public meeting held March 4 2006 at Redfern Town Hall.
5. Daily Information/Feedback Sessions from 27 February to 10 March at the RWA offices, with additional information sessions held at the community’s request.
6. Special residents’ meetings, stakeholder briefings and interviews with local Aboriginal people.
   

2.      The Built Environment Plan

The Redfern-Waterloo Built Environment Plan (Stage One) is a component of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan.

The Built Environment Plan (Stage One) encourages an employment and investment based revitalisation of the area by providing a planning framework for the following Redfern-Waterloo sites as identified in State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005:

• Australian Technology Park
• North Eveleigh
• South Eveleigh Railyards
• Eveleigh Street Precinct (including the Block)
• Redfern Railway Station/ Gibbons Street/Regent Street Precinct
• Former Rachel Forster Hospital
• Former local Court House and Redfern Police Station
• Former Redfern Public School
  

Most of these sites, which total around 35 hectares, are State Government owned and are located near the Redfern Railway Station and Redfern Town Centre.

The Built Environment Plan proposes a consistent set of controls relating to urban design, land use zoning and the carrying out of future development of Redfern-Waterloo sites. It also identifies strategies for associated transport and traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain improvements, infrastructure provision, pedestrian and cycle access and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.

The Plan will be complemented by more detailed guidelines contained within

Development Control Plans and/or Concept Plans to be determined following consultation with the community.

It is estimated that the Plan will generate about 400,000 m2 of employment generating land, which translates to around 18,000 jobs. About 2,000 new dwellings could also be developed.

A State Environmental Planning Policy will provide the statutory basis for the implementation of the environmental planning aspects of the Plan.

The key principle of the Plan involves the creation of a Town Centre with an economic and civic heart focussed around Redfern Railway Station and pedestrian and cycleway links to business hubs at the Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh, Redfern and Regent Streets.

Urban Design

Urban design analysis has provided the basis for height controls and shaped the desired future character of each site. The Plan proposes general urban design guidelines that are supplemented by design concepts for each site, outlined in Section 4 of the Plan.

Transport

• The transport strategy outlines key initiatives including:
• the redevelopment of Redfern Railway Station
• improved connections to bus services
• management of traffic from new development
• improved traffic operations on Regent and Gibbons Street
• improved connection between ATP and North Eveleigh
• encouraging safe and easy cycling.
  

Infrastructure

Consultation with major service providers has indicated that capacity of essential services may be augmented to meet the increase in demand.

A Contributions Plan for the provision of public facilities and amenities is on public exhibition.

3.  State Significant Sites 

The first stage of urban renewal will centre on a number of sites in Redfern Waterloo declared to be State Significant Developments under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005. These are identified on Map 16 of the SEPP.

State significant development is development that the Minister for Planning has determined is of state or regional significance, and will therefore require his/her consent.

For example, the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is investigating essential developments for an accessible, efficient railway station. A heritage Station with steep steps and no easy access for elderly or disabled people and parents with young children, Redfern Station is the eighth busiest Station in the NSW network - a role which will increase in activity as the population grows. Redevelopment will improve access to and the efficiency of RailCorp operations and include commercial activity.

These State Significant sites in the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area include the following:

1. North Eveleigh Precinct
2. South Eveleigh Precinct
3. Eveleigh Street Precinct
4. City West
5. Australian Technology Park (ATP)
6. Eveleigh Street Precinct
7. Redfern Railway Station
8. Gibbons - Regent Street Precinct
9. Redfern Public School
10. Redfern Police Station / Court House
11. Rachel Forster Hospital
    

The Minister for Planning is the consent authority for development on all State significant sites in Redfern-Waterloo.  The Minister for Planning has delegated certain consent authority functions under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) including planning assessments and a minor determination role to officers of the Authority.

The consent authority functions that have been delegated to certain officers include:

• Assessment under Part 4 of the EPA&A and determination as a consent authority of developments as listed in Schedule 3 – Types of Development in the Instrument of Delegation executed by the Minister of Planning.
• The assessment and determination of all applications under Section 96 of the EP&A Act to modify a development consent where consent was issued either under the delegation or by the Minister of Planning (under a previous delegation) where the consent relates to development on State significant sites in Redfern-Waterloo.

Certain functions have also been delegated by the Director General of the Department of Planning to officers of the Authority. These include:

• The administration and processing of applications under Part 4 of the EP&A Act
• The preparation, consultation, recommendation for the Minister and adoption of an urban development plan or master plan.

In most cases the City of Sydney Council is the consent authority for development and/or works on all other land not identified as State Significant within the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area. Development applications for these proposals are lodged, processed and assessed by the Council.

4.  Open Space

The Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan has been amended to identify proposed open space areas including public open space, private open space and civic spaces.

The area commonly referred to as “Marian Street Park”, bounded by Gibbons Street and Rosehill Street, will be zoned ‘Public Recreation’ and the proposed maximum height limit of 18 storeys has been removed from the BEP. It is also proposed that the open space be dedicated to the Council of the City of Sydney, subject to adequate funding being committed to upgrade the park.

Other indicative locations of future and existing publicly accessible open space areas with the RWA’s strategic sites include:

• A new civic space that will link the Town Centre and Redfern Railway Station and providing a focus for enterprise and activity.
• Areas within North Eveleigh comprising around 15% of the total site.
• Areas within the Australian Technology Park including tennis courts, playing fields and pedestrian/cycle walkways.
• The zoning of the playing fields on the former Redfern Public School, comprising around 4,500 square metres, will be changed from ‘Special Uses’ to ‘Private Recreation’. The Indigenous Land Corporation, which is purchasing the site, has indicated that managed public access to the playing fields will be supported.
• Land located at the Pitt Street frontage of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site, which is currently zoned ‘Special Uses – Hospital’.
  

5.  Public Housing

The Government will neither reduce the amount of public housing in Redfern- Waterloo nor disadvantage its current residents.

One of the key elements identified during community consultations in 2003 was the need to provide better housing options in the area. The renewal of public housing estates will be investigated. No decision has been made on their future. Public housing accounts for thirty-five percent of residents and fifty percent of the housing stock in the area.

The Government is looking at all the options for the long-term future of public housing in Redfern and Waterloo. There will be substantial consultation with tenants, local organisations and other government and non-government agencies before any plans for the area are pursued.

The RWA proposes to address the public housing issue in a detailed way in Stage 2 of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan.

All tenancies are secure.

There are no plans to redevelop any public housing at this time, with the exception of the proposed Elizabeth Street development which has been the subject of extensive community consultation.

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004 provides that the Authority should provide and promote housing choice. Affordable housing levies will be obtained to assist the achievement of this.

6.  Human Services Plan

The findings of the 2004 Review of human services in Redfern Waterloo, called for better integration and coordination of both government and non government services in order to achieve improved outcomes for the local community.

To get these results, changes must be made to the way human services are being provided in the area. The Human Services Plan provides the framework, strategies and actions necessary to make this happen.

The NSW Government developed the Plan by working with the local community through cluster groups of representatives of Family and Children, Health, Aboriginal and Youth services.

This process involved residents, service providers, businesses, government and non-government organisations and identified the areas that they felt could be improved as well as discussing the best ways for services to work together to get results.

The feedback reports from each cluster group formed the basis of the draft Human Services Plan. This advice has been further strengthened and shaped by the Human Services Advisory Council, Chief Executive Officer Steering group, Senior Officers Working Group and the National Council of Social Service resulting in the draft Human Services Plan.

The public consultation phase provides another opportunity to provide further information that could influence the Plans direction and increase the effectiveness of the outcomes for the community.

The Plan is designed to reflect the hoped for potential of the Redfern Waterloo community and it focuses on the priority areas that require attention and support.

This includes concentrating on services for young people, children and families and Aboriginal people in the first stages of action. Services dealing with migrants, the aged, people with disabilities and homeless people will be addressed in early 2006 as Phase 2 of the Plan.

The Plan identifies the organisations that are essential to human service delivery and describes the type of actions needed to achieve the anticipated results.

The Plan already has the support and agreement from the government agencies involved in human services for Redfern Waterloo.

The contributions and support that will be required from the non government human service providers in order to achieve improved outcomes for our community are incorporated in the strategies and actions contained in the Plan.

A working group of Senior Officers from the government agencies responsible for the strategies included in the Plan has been set up to ensure that outcomes are met. This group called ISOG, will meet on a regular basis to progress action and will be supported by the RWA’s Human Services Team and report to the CEO’s Steering Committee.

The Human Services Team and ISOG will also work together with the non-government organisations whose services support the priority areas being addressed through the Plan to make sure that outcomes are achieved.

Local, regional and state representatives from non-government service organisations will also be invited to make presentations to the CEO Steering Committee and ISOG as part of the active exchange of information that will assist in improving co-ordination and service delivery for the community.

A Ministerial Advisory Committee on Human Services has also been established and includes representatives from government, non-government, Aboriginal organisations and community members. This group will play a role in providing ideas and suggestions as the plan is being put into action.

The RWA has developed a comprehensive communication strategy to keep the community and service providers informed on the progress on the Plan. This will include information posted on the website, newsletters, presentations, briefings, emails and meetings.

Over 200 people provided their input in the development of the Plan. This provided large amounts of advice and many viewpoints and suggestions on how to improve human services in Redfern Waterloo.

Every recommendation that could be achieved through the Plan was considered, and where like issues had a connection or relationship they were grouped together with the best options to address the issue investigated.

The community’s ongoing involvement and participation in the Human Service Plan will be a key factor in achieving successful outcomes for Redfern Waterloo. Feedback is always welcome. The Redfern Waterloo Authority has developed a range of community engagement strategies to provide opportunities for the community to comment throughout the life of the Plan.

7.  Emploment and Enterprise Plan

The RWA’s Employment and Enterprise Plan aims to directly challenge the area’s social and economic disadvantage by fostering jobs, educational and life opportunities and a higher standard of living.

The RWA sees wealth creation as an antidote to welfare dependency. The path to wealth creation through well-paid employment is education – whether this be education at university or through vocational education.

The statistics demonstrating the area’s current social and economic disadvantage are revealing.

40% of housing in Redfern-Waterloo is public housing (23% in Redfern and 73% in Waterloo). 38% of households have a weekly income of less than $400, with 16% being less than $200.

Almost one third (27.9%) of the population in Redfern-Waterloo is receiving income support in the form of Disability Support Pension, Newstart Allowance, Single Parenting Payment or Age Pension.

Details of people living in Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh or Darlington that are receiving income support at September 2005 are as follows:

• Age Pension - approximately 2,908
• Disability Support Pension - 2,023
• NewStart Allowance – 1,237
• NewStart Mature Aged Allowance - 46
• Single Parents Payment – 550
• Partnered Parenting Payment - 83
• Youth Allowance (not studying) – 89
• Youth Allowance (full time study) – 503
• CDEP Payment – 45    (source: Centrelink Data)
  

The RWA has developed several major strategies that we will progressively implement over the next ten years commencing in 2006.

The Built Environment Plan projections estimate that up to 18,000 jobs can be created in future years through commercial development on the nine sites currently designated as State Significant by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. Final projections will be in the final Built Environment Plan.

It should be noted that about 600 jobs alone will be created at the Australian Technology Park by 2007 with the RWA’s decision to borrow up to $47.5 million from NSW Treasury to commence construction in early 2006 of a new building to house National ICT Australia and the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation. A number of other significant building projects at the ATP are currently under contemplation by the RWA, demonstrating the huge employment generating potential of this site alone.

However, the Redfern Waterloo area has not achieved its full economic and employment potential despite its strategic location as the southern gateway to the City, its public transport accessibility, its strategic position in the heart of the airport CBD corridor and its proximity to some of the largest tertiary campuses in the nation. The area provides a unique opportunity to achieve the highly sought after outcome of being able to live and work in one’s local community.

The RWA will investigate the benefits to the area of having Redfern-Waterloo designated an enterprise zone for up to a 10 year period, which could involve the offering of targeted payroll tax concessions to new or expanding small and medium sized businesses in the area, especially when linked with an employment and training strategy.

The RWA has identified several major strategies that will support the development of employment and enterprise opportunities for both local residents as well as the broader metropolitan community. These opportunities are located in walking distance to Sydney’s second most accessible railway station, thereby ensuring high levels of public transport patronage and limiting vehicle impacts on the local community.

The major strategies are focused on the following aspects:

1. Revitalising Redfern retail precinct

2. Increasing business development land

3. Capitalising on Research/Innovation Zone

4. Strengthening partnerships with local employers

5. Improving education and training opportunities for local residents

6. Developing industry based employment strategies

7. Targeting employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and youth

8. Supporting local business

The RWA’s employment and enterprise development strategy is a critical component of the overall Redfern-Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services and the Built Environment Plans. The strategy has been developed to ensure that the employment opportunities being created in the area both current and future are available to the local communities of Redfern, Waterloo, Darlington and Eveleigh.

The Employment and Enterprise Plan seeks to provide opportunities for wealth creation for the local community, through empowering those people that can work to create their own wealth through meaningful employment or enterprise development.

The Employment and Enterprise strategy will be focused initially on:

• Increasing supply of employment opportunities, particularly through increasing potential for commercial and residential development.
• Capitalising on the research/Biomedical Innovation Zone.
• Improving education and training including a dedicated vocational training centre, to provide people with the opportunities to gain access to well paid work.
• Strengthening partnerships with local employers.
• Industry based employment strategies.
• Employment and enterprise strategies for Aboriginal people and youth.
• Supporting local business

Whilst the plan is ambitious, the Authority has already in place significant education and employment strategies for the construction and hospitality industries with particular emphasis on opportunities for Aboriginal people (see below for more information on these strategies).

The plan draws on earlier work with the Authority’s partners from industry groups, group employment companies, job network providers, local schools and universities, employment services, vocational training providers and enterprise development agencies.

The overwhelming response to the Employment and Enterprise Plan has been positive and significant new partnerships with industry are currently being developed in those industries identified as having skill shortages, in order to maximise the job opportunities in these industries for locals.

How the Plan was developed

In October 2005 the RWA developed an initial Discussion Paper on Employment and Enterprise. The paper was distributed to the RWA Board and the Employment and Enterprise Ministerial Advisory Committee. The Ministerial Advisory Committee is made up of community and government representatives with an expertise in employment. Following feedback from these groups, a draft Employment and Enterprise Plan was developed.

Community Consultation on Draft Plan

The RWA has sought to identify those people in the community that are interested in employment and enterprise. We have done this through the RWA’s website registration, mailing list registration and individuals who have contacted the Authority to register their interest.

The Draft Plan was put on public exhibition for community consultation from December 12 2005 to February 28 2006. The Draft Plan was posted to people who had expressed an interest in employment and enterprise, community members, local NGO’s and Government agencies.

The Authority’s staff met with numerous individuals, community and industry organisations to discuss the Draft Plan and seek their feedback over the 2 month consultation period.

The Plan was also placed on the Redfern-Waterloo Authority website and was advertised through the January Redfern-Waterloo Update, the RWA’s regular community newsletter which is distributed to approximately 15,000 residences in the area. In addition, interested community members called the RWA offices and had the Draft Plan posted to them.

Eighteen submissions were received, with three being received after submissions had closed. The submissions received included five from NGO’s; four from residents; five from government departments and four from elected members of parliament or council.

The majority of respondents were supportive of the plan but wanted particular issues highlighted or strengthened in the final plan as follows:

• Supply of childcare provision;
• Employment & education opportunities for mature age people;
• Support for small business and enterprise development;
• Coordination with local service providers;
• Mismatch between future job opportunities and the capability of the local community;
• Ensure the employment meets the needs of residents, and is meaningful employment;
• Acknowledge that a concentration of people in the Redfern-Waterloo area are not able to work as they are well past working age, are ill or have high level of disabilities or other health issues; and
• Addressing the specific employment needs of culturally and linguistically diverse residents (CALD) and disabled residents.

In response to the consultation feedback, the Draft Plan was enhanced to include:

• More detailed information on the profile of local people on income support, including the finding that 62.5% of people on income support are receiving aged or disability support pensions.
• Highlighting the large concentration of people in the area who are unable to participate in the labour market due to age or ill health.
• Clarification that the Authority’s Plan is based on the creation of meaningful work, and ensuring improvement to education and training to provide access to this work.
• Strengthening the skills audit to capture information on individual’s career preferences.
• Clarification that the Plan adequately addresses the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, sole parents and people with a disability.
• Investigating the benefits of having the Redfern-Waterloo area designated as an enterprise zone to offer targeted payroll tax concessions to new or expanding small businesses when linked to a company’s employment and training strategy.
• The recommendation from the Human Services Plan to increase local, culturally appropriate and affordable childcare by 100 positions for children living in Redfern-Waterloo.
• Strengthening the vocational training needs of mature aged people in the community.
• Strengthening the details on the Authority’s training centre at North Eveleigh.
• Highlighting the benefits of the community’s involvement in local markets, including the potential for cultural industries development.
• Providing more detail on the cultural awareness program to support local businesses and strengthen the relationship between local residents and employers, including ongoing training and mentoring.

The final plan was approved by the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo on 19 May 2006.

Culture Of Work Project

A project is currently underway that is investigating strategies to motivate people in the Redfern-Waterloo area who are able to work but for various reasons are not in the labour force.

This project is working with the local community to gain an understanding of the factors that impact on how a community develops a culture of work and will focus on identifying current programs and initiatives that work, and developing strategies for the RWA and its partners to implement.

Improving Education And Training Opportunities For Local Residents

The vocational training centre at North Eveleigh is currently being refurbished. The RWA has committed $700,000 in 2005-2007 for capital works, fit out and start-up costs to establish the centre. Once completed, the centre will offer on-site accredited training in the construction, hospitality, transport and information technology industries.

The RWA is developing a partnership with schools in the local area to strengthen education outcomes as well as provide vocational education opportunities and link with the training centre at North Eveleigh and job opportunities being created in the area.

In order for industrial vocational courses to be taught at Alexandria Park Community School, the RWA purchased $5,000 worth of tools and equipment for use by local school children.

The RWA has commenced the Young Achievers Australia program currently being delivered for Aboriginal youth from Alexandria Park Community School, Eora College and local youth.

A Young Achievers Australia program will also be run for young mothers in the area. This program will show the young people how they can create job opportunities for themselves and others to enable them to contribute to the economic development of their community.

Three scholarships have been provided to local young people to take part in the PartyCp8 movie-making course, where they will make a feature movie and will learn all aspects of the movie making industry. These scholarships have been awarded to young people who will act as mentors and take up leadership roles in the local community.

Industry Based Employment Strategies

The first industries that the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is focussing on to create job

opportunities for locals are the construction and hospitality industries. At a later stage, the RWA will look at employment strategies for the following industries:

• retail;
• transport;
• commercial cleaning;
• information technology;
• services;
• cultural.

Employment in the Construction Industry

The RWA and the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) have signed a 10-year Jobs Compact agreement to work together with employers to create real jobs and training for unemployed Aboriginal people.

The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo and the CFMEU officially launched the Jobs Compact on 12 May 2005 at North Eveleigh.

The deal requires all contracts for construction on State-owned land in Redfern-Waterloo to include tougher provision and support aimed at increasing on-site work and training opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The RWA has developed an Indigenous employment model for use in the construction industry that expands on the Jobs Compact with the CFMEU.

The model delivers a streamlined recruitment, training and employment path for head contractors, coordinating:

• Recruitment;
• Training;
• Apprenticeships;
• Group employment; and
• Mentoring.

The RWA has developed partnerships with the agencies involved in delivering services to the employment model. The partners are:

• TAFE NSW;
• CFMEU;
• New Apprenticeship Centres- Macarthur and BWAC;
• Macarthur Group Employment and Training;
• Job Network Providers;
• AES
• Marrickville Training Organisation

On the construction projects currently operating, the RWA has negotiated 19 jobs for Aboriginal people at the Contemporary Performing Arts Centre site at North Eveleigh, 26 jobs for Aboriginal people at the Building D site at the Australian Technology Park and 60 jobs at the Channel 7 development at the Australian Technology Park.

These numbers will increase as more projects come online at the Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh and the Redfern Station precinct redevelopment.

The trades that these positions/apprenticeships/traineeships are in include:

• Electrical;
• Construction carpentry;
• Plumbing;
• Boiler making;
• Scaffolding;
• Painting;
• Brick laying;
• Fire sprinkler fitting;
• Sheet metal works;
• Labouring; and
• Landscaping.

Aboriginal Businesses in the Construction Industry

Part of the conditions for contractors on Government-owned land includes the contractor having to invite Aboriginal businesses in the construction industry to tender for works.

Employment in the Hospitality Industry – Yaama Dhinawan College

The hospitality section of the training Centre at North Eveleigh will be unique in that it will specialise in Australian Indigenous food and culture.

Yaama Dhinawan will operate a hospitality enterprise, which will offer a unique cross-cultural educational experience that focuses on providing hospitality training with an emphasis on practical work in the Yaama Dhinawan café.

Leading Sydney restaurateurs Raymond and Jennice Kersh (formerly of Edna’s Table) and the Aboriginal elder and caterer Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo have formed a partnership with RWA to set up a world-class cross-cultural training and employment program in Indigenous Australian cuisine.

This training is open to all unemployed people who want a career in the hospitality industry.

Aboriginal Business Service

Any Aboriginal person who has an idea for a business and would like to know where to start, or who has an existing business and requires further assistance, can access the Aboriginal business service.

This is a FREE, ONE-ON-ONE & CONFIDENTIAL service with an experienced and qualified business professional that can help on a range of business issues including:

• Business Planning
• Understanding regulations
• Financing
• Management skills
• Marketing and market research
• Mentor support

The facilitator works out of the RWA office in Redfern. Call 9202-9100 to book in a time to meet with the business facilitator.

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is offering this service in Redfern in partnership with the Department of State and Regional Development.

Local Business Needs Survey

As part of the RWA’s on-going commitment to improving business and employment opportunities in the Redfern-Waterloo area, the RWA is conducting an Employment Opportunities - Business Needs survey of businesses. The RWA wants to work with you to help your business grow in the local area and we are looking for information from you on what your business needs to expand.

An important step in this process is gathering information from local business people about staffing needs and any unmet training requirement.