Built Environment Plan Stage 2 (BEP 2) Update
- Stakeholder Engagement Report
Barani Book launch – City of Sydney
Redfern brand continues to gain momentum
Modification to temporary car parking in the Australian Technology Park
1 August – Koori Job Ready Course 3 begins
3 August - Redfern and Waterloo Community Learning and Research Group
4 August –REDWatch meeting with Tanya Plibersek MP
20 August – Saturday in Design
20 August - Redfern Waterloo Urban Renewal Study and Housing NSW Master Plan EXPO
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm
Eveleigh Artisans’ Market – first Sunday of the month, 10am to 3pm
Alexandria Community Garden – 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) has released the Stakeholder Engagement Report for the Built Environment Plan 2 (BEP 2). Undertaken by an independent consultant, Mediate Today, the report outlines the community feedback on the draft BEP 2, a planning framework for the renewal of social housing sites in Redfern-Waterloo and South Eveleigh over a 20-25 year timeframe.
The report concludes that a large number of respondents (across all stakeholder groups) generally support the potential changes that BEP 2 outlines. Key findings from the feedback forms are: residents want a safe environment; development caters for the needs of specific groups; and open space encompasses areas for vegetation and recreational facilities.
The Stakeholder Engagement Report will be used in preparation for further studies of the Redfern-Waterloo area and will consider the issues raised in the BEP 2 submissions about providing more detail on the design and allocation of open space and the social impacts of the changes and how these will be supported in the future. The RWA recognises the need to have a far reaching consultative process during this process.
The Stakeholder Engagement Report is available online at www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au
The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) and Housing NSW have appointed Cred Community Planning to prepare a report considering future community facility needs in the Redfern-Waterloo area. To date, Cred Community Planning has discussed community facility needs with a number of residents at three of RWA's BEP 2 Community Information Sessions and at two community barbeques. Workshops with non-government and government agencies have also been held. Additional consultation regarding community facilities will continue.
SMDA and Housing NSW
recognise that community engagement and capacity building are integral to
future planning. As part of its commitment, Housing NSW has initiated a Master
Plan Expo to inform the community regarding the Preliminary Master Plan for
Redfern and Waterloo social housing sites. In addition to the Expo, which is
being held on Saturday, 20 August 2011 at REDWater Markets, other activities
and workshops will be held in the near future on connecting shops and community
services, streets, parks and building design.
Aboriginal Employment
Program joins ATP
The Aboriginal Employment Program that mentors and trains young Aboriginal people in construction and hospitality is now based at Australian Technology Park.
Proudly supported by Australian Technology Park Sydney Ltd (ATPSL), the Aboriginal Employment Program manages the Koori Job Ready Program and the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training School that both run eight-week training courses for students and assists them in finding employment in the construction and hospitality industries.
The program was an initiative of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority but now sits under the ATPSL umbrella. Since the program began in 2006, more than 850 employment opportunities have been created for Aboriginal men and women with this number set to increase with the recent development of 80 positions for Aboriginal employees at the Central Park development on Broadway.
The Aboriginal Employment Program is continuing to achieve excellent outcomes with benefits for both the community and the construction and catering industries as graduates are equipped with the immediate skills they need to work after completing their training.
Barani/Barrabugu (Yesterday/Tomorrow) is a new guide that showcases the history and culture of Aboriginal Sydney, from first contact to today’s living culture. Produced by City of Sydney, the booklet features 60 sites across Sydney that have played a role in the culture of Aboriginal people. The guide describes important sites that reveal these histories, cultures and associations, features several walks as well as suggestions for cultural institutions and organisations to visit. Download your copy from the City of Sydney website at: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/VisitorGuidesInformation/HistoricalWalkingTours.asp
A story on the revitalisation on The Block appeared on National Nine News on 21 June, 2011 with reporter Peter Overton interviewing Redfern community members including Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company and Shane Phillips from Tribal Warrior on the positive developments happening in the area. The video can be viewed at www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/news/index.html
NAIDOC Week, which ran from 3-10 July 2011, was a big success with lots of activity in the Redfern area to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. A flag ceremony at the Redfern Community Centre marked the start of the week with the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence holding a Family and Sports Day on Friday, 8 July with over 2,500 people attending.
The Redfern brand to promote the area as a welcoming place for both business and visitors continues to gain momentum with more community engagement activities planned for the coming year. You may have already spotted someone wearing a Redfern-branded t-shirt or the Redfern street banners that are currently on display at Redfern St, Lawson St, Regent St, Cleveland St and Chalmers St. You can help promote the Redfern brand through www.facebook.com/redfernwaterloo or at www.twitter.com/redfern. Watch this space for more details about exciting activities taking place in Redfern and the surrounding area.
An application was received to modify the development consent to temporary car parking in the Australian Technology Park, which proposes to extend the temporary car parking arrangements within the lower, middle and upper car parks until the sites are required for development. The application is on exhibition from 13 July to 3 August, 2011.
The Koori Job Ready Course 3 begins covering OH&S (Induction Card), senior First Aid, carpentry, formwork, plastering, concreting, bricklaying, scaffolding and forklift operations. Only a few spots are available so if you are interested in securing a place, please contact Rohan Tobler on 0414 137 816 or email r.tobler@koorijobready.com.au.
Join the local Redfern-Waterloo research program to identify and progress priorities following on from a workshop held in October 2010 to discuss what a local Research Committee might look like and its core role. Held from 10am-12pm at The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan St, Waterloo. Call 9268 3517 for more information.
The local Federal MP Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services and Social Inclusion, will attend the REDWatch Monthly Meeting to talk about her roles in Government in relation to the local area. From 6pm-8pm at The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan St, Waterloo. Contact Geoff Turnbull on 8004 1490 for more information.
Visit furniture store Great Dane on Saturday, 20 August for Saturday in Design, an annual trade event for the design community involving Australia’s premier designer furniture, finishes, fixtures and lighting showrooms. Attracting architects, designers, students and design-savvy members of the public, Eveleigh Farmers Market will be there too providing local food for purchase. 613 Elizabeth St, Redfern from 9am-6pm.
Visit RedWater Markets on 20 August to find out more about the Built Environment Plan Stage 2 (BEP 2), the Redfern Waterloo Urban Renewal Study and the Housing NSW Masterplan. There will be staff available to speak about these activities in more detail and to answer any questions you may have. Redfern Park, Corner of Chalmers St and Redfern St from 8am-4pm.
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market –
every Saturday 8am to 1pm
Stock up on fresh produce straight from the farm at Eveleigh Farmers’
Market, an undercover, and traditional weekly Farmers’ Market held in the
historic Blacksmith Workshop on Wilson Street in Darlington. Selling unique
produce from fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, flowers and gourmet treats,
Eveleigh Farmers Market is Sydney’s only ‘rain, hail, shine’ venue with an
inspiring heritage backdrop. Eveleigh Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday
from 8am to 1pm. For more information, please visit www.eveleighmarket.com.au.
Showcasing the best in Australian independent design, art and crafts, Eveleigh Artisans’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month from 10am-3pm under the heritage listed Blacksmith Workshop.
Interested in learning how to grow fruit and vegetables? Join other garden enthusiasts (both novices and experienced) at the Alexandria Community Garden. Working bees take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at Connect Redfern, Park St, Alexandria.
To be added to the RWA Email Update distribution list, to make comments, or to suggest a news item, please contact RWA’s A/Communications Manager Natalie Kikken on 9202 9112 or email natalie.kikken@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Source: RWA 25 July Issue 17
]]>The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is committed to the NSW Government’s priority of improving the quality of life in Redfern-Waterloo through the involvement of people who live in the community. We will implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy to ensure the best outcomes for all people who live in the Redfern-Waterloo area.
How your voice will be heard
The community consultation framework includes:
All Residents can be involved.
Ministerial
Advisory Committees
Community representatives
have been appointed to the three advisory
committees. The Committees also contain
Government agency representatives.
Built Environment – considering urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing and urban renewal.
Community Members:
M/s Jocelyn Jackson
Mr Alex Kibble
Mr Richard
Pembroke
Mr Shane Phillips
Mr Jonathan Rez
Mr
Steve Tamas
Mr Geoffrey Turnbull
M/s Ann
Weldon
Employment and Enterprise – considering strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, including the Indigenous community.
Community Members:
M/s Megan Gardiner
M/s Margaret Hobbs
Mr Anthony John Larkings
M/s Bronwyn Penrith
Mr Dennis Weatherall
Mr Michael Dalah
Human Services – considering human services and health issues affecting Redfern-Waterloo.
Community Members:
M/s Jill Edwards
Mr Howard Glenn
Mr Dominic (Dom) Grenot
Mr Paul Knight
M/s Shirley Lomas
Ms Lynette Stewart
Ms Mabel Chang
Human Services Meetings
Four service cluster groups met to address the first stage of the Human Services Plan. The cluster groups comprised of people responsible for providing services in Redfern-Waterloo.
The workshops each focused on one of the following areas:
Aboriginal Cluster Group (pdf
~214kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/aboriginal_cluster.pdf
Health Cluster Group (pdf ~264kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/health_cluster.pdf
Families and Children Cluster Group
(pdf ~323kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/family_cluster.pdf
Youth Cluster Group (pdf ~176kb) http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/other/youth_clusters.pdf
This text appeared on 7 October 2005 at http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/community_consultation/index.html
The RWA Annual report
contains some text at the top of pages and full page photos with text about
aspects of the RWA. For ease of reference we have add this text in italics at
the end of the relevant section of the RWA Annual Report that deals with the
topic covered by the photo or text.
Finally we have had to
exclude the financial and some diagrams and have noted in the text that to
obtain this information you will need to refer to the full PDF version.
The PDF version of the
RWA Annual report can be found at: 06-07 Annual Report - Full Version (pdf ~2mb)
For ease of locating information within this text version we have provided links below to the major sections of the RWAs Annual Report:
Redfern-Waterloo: A diverse community
Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Employment & Enterprise Plan (EEP)
Australian Technology Park (ATP)
National Indigenous Development Centre
Former Rachel Forster Hospital
North Eveleigh Training Centre
The Evolution of North Eveleigh
Elizabeth Street Public Housing Redevelopment
Redfern/Regent Streets Upgrade
Sponsorships/Grants provided by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Redfern-Waterloo Authority 2006-07 Annual Report
Coverage Map
Letter to the Minister
Statement from The Chairperson and Chief Executive officer
Overview
Principle Objectives
Organisational Structure
Corporate Governance
Board Member Profiles
Redfern-Waterloo Plan
Built Environment Plan
Human Services Plan
Employment and Enterprise Plan
Redfern-Waterloo Renewal
RWA Sponsorship and Grants
Director's Statement
Independent Auditor's Report
Financials
Appendices
Contact Details
Index
Registered office is
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority
Level 11, Tower 21
Lawson Square Redfern NSW 2016
PO Box 3332 Redfern 2016
T: 02 9202 9100 F: 02 9292 9111
redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au
www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Redfern and Waterloo are just south of Sydney's Central Business District. To the south-west of Redfern and Waterloo are Sydney's economic gateways, Port Botany and Sydney Airport.
The traditional owners of Redfern-Waterloo are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The area remains culturally and historically significant for Aboriginal people throughout Australia and has become home to people from many non-English speaking backgrounds. The most common languages spoken at home after English are Chinese, Russian, Greek, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Korean.
To establish Redfern-Waterloo as an active, vibrant and sustainable community by promoting and supporting greater social cohesion and community safety, and respect for the cultural heritage and orderly development of the area in consideration of social economic ecological and other sustainable development.
The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
Minister for Redfern-Waterloo
Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney
Dear Minister Sartor
It is with pleasure that I forward you the third Annual Report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority for the year ending 30 June 2007.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the NSW Annual Report legislation and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107.
Yours Sincerely
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer Redfern-Waterloo Authority
We are pleased to present the third Annual Report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, which was established on 17 January 2005.
In this, our second full financial year, many initiatives have been implemented to further promote investment in the operational area and to provide jobs and training for local unemployed, particularly within the Indigenous community.
A sound strategic platform has been laid for Redfern-Waterloo's future growth and social cohesion.
Over the last 12 months, we have continued to focus our efforts on further developing the Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is being implemented as part of the Government's 10-year urban renewal strategy. The three main components are Human Services, Employment & Enterprise and the Built Environment.
Stage One of the Built Environment Plan was released on 30 August 2006 and is primarily a planning framework to encourage future economic growth and the creation of up to 18,000 jobs throughout Redfern-Waterloo. The blueprint includes plans to generate more than 444,000sqm of new employment space, 2,000 new homes, a new Town Centre, improved pedestrian access to our residential and business hubs and better urban design.
We have also been driving and monitoring the implementation of Phase One of the Human Services Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan. Both Plans aim to enhance the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged within our community.
A draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) was finalised in 2007 that outlines key strategies for the improvement of services to older people, people with disabilities, homeless people and migrant communities. The RWA's small but dedicated Human Services reform team has worked assiduously in bringing disparate stakeholders together to generate momentum for beneficial changes within the local community.
Redfern-Waterloo is undergoing transformation with more than $500 million earmarked for urban renewal and a significant investment by the RWA as part of the NSW Governments 10 year plan.
The RWA has entered into an agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for a landmark $123 million development at Australian Technology Park which is due to commence construction in late 2007. Under the agreement, the Seven Network and their publishing company, Pacific Magazines (along with other commercial tenants), will relocate to the site within the next two years to occupy a 43,500sqm state-of-the-art media centre. This will be Redfern's largest commercial development in more than 10 years and will create 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs, including 6o for Indigenous construction workers. The multiplier effect in respect to further investment and jobs coming to Redfern is expected to be very significant.
The RWA has directly committed over $54 million at Australian Technology Park for the construction of new roads and associated infrastructure as well as the development of an 11,000 sqm research facility. The new building will house National ICT Australia and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and is due for completion in November 2007, while the finish date for the new Henderson Road entrance, internal roads and landscaping is October 2007.
Arts NSW's new $40 million Contemporary Performing Arts Centre in North Eveleigh at the heritage CarriageWorks building opened its doors in January 2007 to the Sydney Festival. It continues to bring new vibrancy and life to the formerly dilapidated industrial site.
RWA has also committed $3 million to the refurbishment of North Eveleigh's heritage Blacksmiths' Workshop adjoining the Performing Arts Centre to create a community market, arts space and car park. A development application was lodged in June 2007 and the new multi-purpose facility is scheduled to commence operation by mid 2008.
The RWA has also invested a further $6m for the Eveleigh Heritage Walk - a pedestrian/cycle bridge over the rail corridor to link ATP with North Eveleigh.
A further $750,000 has been spent by the RWA at North Eveleigh for the Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre which become operational in October 2006. The Centre offers job ready courses in hospitality and construction to local unemployed. This includes Australia's first and only Indigenous hospitality centre and café, Yaama Dhiyaan. Fifty-one students have already graduated in Certificate II Hospitality (Operations) along with certificates in Barista, Responsible Alcohol Service and Responsible Gaming Service. Directly underneath Yaama, the RWA's Les Tobler Construction Training Centre has commenced producing graduates from the Koori Job Ready Course to take advantage of the development opportunities opening up in Redfern-Waterloo.
A major investment by the Indigenous Land Corporation of $45 million has been committed to the development of a National Indigenous Development Centre at the former Redfern Public School. The ILC's purchase of the school from the Department of Education and Training was successfully brokered by the RWA. The ILC expects project approval in late 2007 with the Centre to become operational in 2009.
A concept plan was also lodged by the RWA in June for the proposed $50 million residential development of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site in Redfern. The RWA's sale of the site in late 2007 will provide funding for the transformation of the former Redfern Police Station and Courthouse into a $10 million Community Health Centre. The new health centre is expected to commence construction in early 2008 and become operational in 2009.
In June, the NSW Government announced a major $27 million public housing redevelopment at Elizabeth Street Redfern that will create 106 modern and eco-friendly dwellings. In addition, the Department of Housing will sell adjoining land for a private residential development of 158 new dwellings.
The RWA's commitment to the implementation of the Built Environment Plan includes developing an Affordable Housing Contributions Plan, which will deliver about $35 million or 75 affordable housing dwellings in Redfern-Waterloo over the next 10 years. The RWA will also be able to deliver an additional $23 million for affordable housing under the agreement it negotiated with the former owner over the future development of the CUB site in Chippendale. $16 million of the total funds available will be committed to affordable housing specifically for Aboriginal residents, which will be in addition to housing owned or proposed by the Aboriginal Housing Company on AHC land in and around The Block in Redfern.
The RWA Contributions Plan will also deliver about $37 million in developer contributions for public domain and other public works as a result of future development in the area under the RWA's Built Environment Plan.
In partnership with the Department of Housing, the RWA has commenced work on Stage Two of the Built Environment Plan, which includes the aim of improving public housing stock, enhancing the mix of housing types and tenancies in order to reduce the concentration of public housing, establishing a more sustainable social mix and facilitating affordable housing.
Dr Col Gellatly Chairperson
Robert Domm Chief Executive Officer
A sound strategic platform has been laid for Redfern-Waterloo's future growth and social cohesion
The RWA Contributions Plan will deliver about $37 million for public domain and other public works.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) was created by a NSW Government Act of Parliament in Oct 200q (Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 200q No 107) and established on 17 January 2005.
The RWA is responsible for revitalising Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington through strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public spaces, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.
The RWA is responsible for… strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services
WORK IN PROGRESS - Redfern-Waterloo is undergoing transformation with more than $500 million earmarked for urban renewal and a significant investment by the RWA as part of the NSW Governments 10 year plan.
IN PROGRESS:
In order to achieve its principle objectives, the RWA maintains an undertaking to:
See full PDF for Organisational diagram
Promote, facilitate, manage and secure the social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development and use of the operational area.
The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Mr Frank Sartor MP, is responsible for the control and direction of the RWA. The Minister has established a Board of Governance and, while the Board establish the policies and directions for the RWA, its day to day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.
There are three Board Committees:
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Audit and Compliance Committee is the focal point for communication between the Board, the external auditors, the internal auditors and management, as their duties relate to the financial accounting, reporting and internal controls and compliance.
The Audit and Compliance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities as to accounting policies and reporting practices of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. It is to be the Board's principal agent in assuring the independence of RWA auditors, the integrity of management and the adequacy of the disclosures to the public.
Affordable Housing Committee
In accordance with RWA Board Procedures, the Affordable Housing Committee Terms of Reference are as follows:
Urban Renewal Committee
The Urban Renewal Committee reviews and advises on proposed urban renewal strategies in accordance with the RWA's Built Environment Plan.
(For the board committee diagram see the full PDF of the 06-07 RWA Annual Report.)
The Board of Governance includes the Audit & Compliance, Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal Committees.
Chair — Professor David Richmond AO BEc MEc (Syd) (Resigned July 2007)
Professor David Richmond AO held the position of Chairperson of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and the Australian Technology Park until the 1 July 2007. He is the Coordinator General, Office of the Coordinator General, Department of Premier and Cabinet. Also he advises the NSW Premier on infrastructure planning and implementation. Professor Richmond has had a distinguished public service career, including as CEO of the NSW Department of Health and the Land Commission. He is the former Director-General of the Olympic Coordination Authority and SOCOG, held a number of other senior Olympic Games positions and provided strategic advice to the President of the Athens 200q Olympic Games and Senior Managers of the Beijing Olympics. Professor Richmond is the inaugural Director and Professor of the University of Sydney's Graduate School of Government, author of the Richmond Report to the NSW Government, and in 299o, earned the National Council for Intellectual Disability's Making the Difference Award. In 2002 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to Public Administration, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
CEO—Mr Robert Domm BA LLB (Mon) MLLR (Syd) GDLP (AN U)
Robert Domm is Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Managing Director of Australian Technology Park. Mr Domm spent four years at the City of Sydney and was General Manager during a period of unprecedented growth and change, through Council boundary changes and amalgamation with South Sydney Council. He also served for three years as a Director and Company Secretary of the Sydney Festival Limited. A qualified legal practitioner and former labour advocate, Mr Domm has also worked as an adviser to Government and continues to bring broad experience and a strong commitment to social justice to his role as Chief Executive Officer with the RWA.
Mr Michael Collins FRICS
Michael Collins is Chair of the Heritage Council of NSW and is also on the Boards of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Australian Technology Park. He is the Managing Director of Michael Collins & Associates Pty United, a property consultancy company which advises private and public sector clients and specialises in land economics, real estate valuations and feasibility studies. He served as National President of the Australian Property Institute from 2003 to 200q and was NSW President from 1999 to 2001. Mr Collins played a key role in the redevelopment of Darling Harbour and the planning of Olympic Park, and served as chief property consultant to the NSW Government for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He has served on many industry committees including the City of Sydney's Development Advisory Committee and Venues Management Board.
Dr Col Gellatly (Appointed Chair, 1 July 2007) B Ag Ec(Hons)UNE, M Comm(Hons) UNSW, Ph.D NC State, FIPAA
Dr Col Gellatly was appointed Chairperson of the Redfern Waterloo Authority on the 1 July 2007 and he is also the Chairperson of the Australian Technology Park. He has held a number of senior management positions within the NSW public service, including as Director General of the Department of Land and Water Conservation. He has been NSW representative on a wide range of State/Commonwealth Working Parties and Committees and has had three periods as a part-time Commissioner with the Industries Assistance Commission. He has also served on a diverse range of boards and committees. Dr Gellatly has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW and a PhD from North Carolina State University
Mr Richard Johnson MBE M.Phil(UCL) B.Arch Honsi (UNSW) FRAIA
Richard Johnson is an award winning architect, Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales and a Director of Johnson Paton Walker Architects. He is an Associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Japan Institute of Architects, and a Member of the Design Institute of Australia. Mr Johnson was involved in the design of the Australian embassies in Beijing and Tokyo and is the Chief Architect for the Sydney Opera House. Other design credits include the Australian War Memorial, the Hilton Hotel and the Asian wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He also serves on the Board of Australian Technology Park and the Australian Architects Association. Mr Johnson has a Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours) from the University of NSW and a Master of Philosophy (Town Planning) from University College, London. In 1976 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Architecture.
Ms Samantha Mostyn BA LLB
Sam Mostyn has an extensive background in law, management and politics and is currently the Group Executive, Culture and Reputation at Insurance Australia Group (IAG), managing such areas as Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Government Relations and Policy and Community Engagement. She is a qualified lawyer and served as a senior Policy Adviser to former Prime Minister Paul Keating. In partnership with NRMA Insurance, police and local business, Ms Mostyn steered a pilot crime prevention strategy in the Redfern-Waterloo area which focused on crime reduction and community development. Ms Mostyn serves on the Academic Advisory Board of the Australian Institute of Management, is a Board member of the Sydney Festival, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Centenary Institute, and is a Trustee of the Australian Museum. She is a Director of the trustee company for the Insurance Australia Group and the NRMA Superannuation Plan and a member of the NSW Premier's Council for Active Living. She was also appointed the first female Commissioner of the Australian Football League.
Mr Warren Mundine AIMM MAICD
Warren was the 2006 - 20o? National President of the ALP, he is the current Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of NTSCORP Ltd, a member of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Executive member of the National Native Title Council Ltd, Chair of NSW Labor's Indigenous Policy Committee, former President and a Honorary Life Member of the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network, the former Deputy Mayor of Dubbo and former Chair of NSW Country Labor. He also is an Executive member of the St. Joseph's College Indigenous Fund, a Board member of NAISDA, a member of the Community Expert Advisory Committee of IAG and had previously served on the NSW PCYC State Board, a former Executive member of the Local Government Association of NSW, a commissioner with the NSW Local Government Grants Commission. Warren formerly was also a member of the NSW Attorney General's Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee.
Ms Lucy Turnbull LLB MBA
Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003 to 2004, Deputy Lord Mayor from 2999 to 2003. Ms Turnbull has extensive experience in planning, business and investment banking and currently chairs many companies, both private and public, including WebCentral Group Limited, Centrestone Wealth Management Pty Limited, and Pengana Holdings Limited. Former chair of the NSW Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biotechnology, Ms Turnbull has also served on the NSW Government's Information Industry Business Advisory Board. She is the author of Sydney– Biography of a City (1999) and has assisted with several community based initiatives in the Redfern area. She also serves on the Board of Australian Technology Park.
Ms Ann Weldon
Ann Weldon is a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation and is one of the founding members of the NSW Aboriginal Children's Service. Ms Weldon has held executive positions and is a member of the Murawina Aboriginal Preschool, Aboriginal Housing Company, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Marrickville Aboriginal Consultative Committee, Aboriginal Housing Development Committee and ATSIC's National Women's Advisory and National Sport and Recreation Committees. Ms Weldon was a member of the Sydney ATSIC Regional Council for over 10 years, including a term as Chairperson. Ann was appointed to the inaugural Aboriginal Housing Board in 1998 as an ATSIC nominee and has remained Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board since her appointment in 2000. She is also on the Board of the Australian Technology Park.
Ms Jennifer Westacott BA (Hans) FAICD FVIPA
Jennifer recently joined KPMG after over 20 years in State Government in Victoria and New South Wales at Senior Executive and Chief Executive level. Jennifer has held the following positions: Deputy Director General, NSW Department of Housing; Deputy Director, NSW Department of Community Services; Executive Director, NSW Health Council; Director of Housing Victoria; Secretary Education and Training Victoria; and from May 2003 to October 2005 Jennifer was the Director General of Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources in New South Wales.
Jennifer is also a member of the Board of Advice Faculty of Economics, University of Sydney. Jennifer has also been appointed as the Adjunct Professor at the City Futures Research Centre, University of NSW.
THREE MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Built Environment, Employment and Enterprise and Human Services
Residents of Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington were also invited by the Minister to participate in any of three Ministerial Advisory Committees established to advise on matters relating to the development and implementation of RWA initiatives. These committees also include representatives from Federal, State and Local government and local Aboriginal communities.
The principle objectives of the RWA are being delivered as part of the NSW Government's 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan. The three-part Plan is designed as a "whole of community" strategy to address the complex issues of, and the needs of people who live within, the Redfern-Waterloo area. The Plan is being developed in stages, the first of which has been delivered, and ongoing community input will remain a major consideration.
The Redfern-Waterloo Plan consists of three components:
The RWA 's Plan is assisting in achieving three major priorities of the NSW Government's comprehensive State Plan:
The State Plan, a New Direction for NSW, was launched by the Premier, Morris lemma, in November, 2006 and is a blueprint for the betterment of a broad range of services for communities throughout NSW.
The three-part Plan addresses the complex issues of Redfern-Waterloo and the needs of those who live in the area.
The Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was released in August 2006 along with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to give legal effect to the new planning controls. The BEP is a landmark strategy to drive the physical renewal of Redfern and Waterloo with the aim to generate more than 400,000 square metres of new employment space and up to 2,000 new homes. This is being implemented through new zoning controls for eight key RWA strategic sites:
The key objective of the Plan involves creating an economic and civic centre around Redfern Station with improved pedestrian connectivity between the business hubs of Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh and the Redfern CBD.
Stage One also identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain enhancement, infrastructure provision and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
Identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection, public domain enhancement... and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
The proposed Built Environment Plan (Stage Two) will focus primarily on the development of proposals to:
Any proposals to revitalise public housing will be the subject of extensive community consultation, including during the concept formulation phase. The NSW Government's commitments on public housing in Redfern-Waterloo has been expressed very clearly.
Any work the RWA undertakes on public housing as part of the proposed Stage Two of the Built Environment Plan will be subject to the Government's firm guarantees and commitments to public housing tenants.
Mr Robert Domm -
Chairperson
Prof. Chris Johnson - Department of Planning
Mr Reg Fisk- Department of State and Regional Development
M/s Kathy Roil- Department of Housing
Mr Michael Bushby- Roads and Traffic Authority
Mr Richard Hemsworth- RailCorp
Ms Kathy Cusack - City of Sydney
Community Members:
M/s Jocelyn Jackson
Mr Alex Kibble
Mr Richard Pembroke
Mr Shane Phillips
Mr Jonathan Rez
Mr Steve Tamas
Mr Geoffrey Turnbull
Ms Ann Weldon (resigned in August 2006)
The RWA's Phase One Human Services Plan was published in December 2005 and sets out a framework for improving access to health, education, employment and other essential human services in the local community.
Phase One addressed services provided primarily for children and young families, young people and Aboriginal people. The Plan also identifies priorities and actions to address improvement to the delivery of human services.
The draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) identifies eight priority areas as well as improvements to service delivery for older people, people with disabilities, migrant communities and homeless people.
The eight priority areas are:
The draft Human Services Plan (Phase Two) was placed on public exhibition from 3 October 2006 to 7 November 2006.
The Draft Phase Two Plan also contains strategies to strengthen the governance and day-to-day management of non-government service providers. Steps to achieve this include:
Addresses the needs of children, young families and Indigenous people... and improvements to services for older people, those with disabilities, migrants and the homeless.
The Plan also identifies priorities and actions to address improvement to the delivery of human services.
Ms Julie Parsons -
Co-Chair RWA
Ms Michelle Burrell - Co-Chair NCOSS
Mr Greg Slabb- Department of Aboriginal Affairs
M/s Anne-Maree Sabellico - Department of Community Services
Dr Phil Lambert- Department of Education and Training
Ms Margaret Malkjovich - Department of Housing
Dr Greg Stewart- Sydney South West Area Health Service
Superintendent Mark Walton - NSW Police Service Redfern Local Area Command
Mr Colin Kay- Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC)
Mr Paul Cramer - Department of Family and Community Services
M/s Ann Hoban-
City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Ms Mabel Chang
Ms Jill Edwards
Mr Howard Glenn
M/s Helen Campbell
Ms Shirley Lomas
Ms Lynette Stewart
The Employment & Enterprise Plan was published in May 2006 and is the first comprehensive training and employment strategy for the Redfern-Waterloo area. Its main aim is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market, to create educational opportunities and build on future growth potential.
The Plan initially focuses on:
The main aim of the EEP is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market.
Employment & Enterprise Plan (EEP)
Mr Robert Domm -
Chairperson
Dr Phil Lambert - Department of Education and Training
Mr Peter Roberts - TAFE NSW Sydney Institute
Ms Bernadette Selfe - Department of State and Regional Development
Mr Greg Slabb - Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Sharron Hawkins - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mr Mark Spinks - Centrelink
Mr Les Tobler - CFMEU
Ms Jan Campbell - City of Sydney
Community Members:
Mr Michael Dalah
M/s Megan Gardiner
Mr Anthony John Larkings
M/s Siobhan Bryson
Mr Karl King
Ms Dixie Link-Gordon
Mr John Newton
Mr Con Passas
ATP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RWA and occupies 13.9 hectares of the former railyards site. The Park is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, with planned development over the next few years expected to generate more than 2,60o new jobs— representing a 20 percent employment increase for the Redfern-Waterloo area.
Provision also exists for a number of additional buildings over the next decade.
The first of these is due for completion in November 2007 and occupies a 3000sqm site on the eastern side of the Park near the existing Garden Street entrance. The result of a $q7 million RWA investment and designed by Cox Richardson Architects, the six-storey building consists of 11,000sqm of floor space and 66 basement parking spaces. Purpose-built to house new research facilities for National ICT Australia (N ICTA), the building was constructed in accordance with the RWA Jobs Compact, employing local indigenous people and new apprentices as a key element.
In June 2006, the RWA brokered a landmark agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for an investment of $123 million in a 43,500sqm media centre at ATP.
Planning approval was granted in January 2007 for the state-of-the-art complex, which will include four television studios and a 12-storey office building for Channel 7 and their publishing company, Pacific Magazines. The agreement represents the largest commercial development in Redfern for over a decade and will create around 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs at ATP. Site testing and preliminary excavation works were undertaken in June 2007 with early works to commence in October 2007.
The RWA has also invested more than $7 million in new roads and infrastructure and committed a further $6 million for a pedestrian and cycle link between ATP and North Eveleigh to facilitate the Park's future prosperity.
ATP occupies former Eveleigh Railyards and is one of the RWA's most significant strategic development and employment generating sites.
AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK (ATP )- Planned development at ATP over the next 2 years is expected to generate a 20 percent employment increase for the area
Channel 7 Development- The RWA has entered into an agreement with ATP Partnership Ltd for a landmark $123 million development at Australian Technology Park.
Photo: ATP Principal Project Manager, Eddie Swat In front of the Channel 7 development site at Australian Technology Park.
Australian Technology Park (ATP) - The RWA has directly invested over $54 million in ATP for new roads, infrastructure and an 11,000sqm research facility.
Following successful negotiations by the RWA for the sale of the former Redfern Public School from the Department of Education and Training to the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), the ILC lodged its project application for the redevelopment of the site as a National Indigenous Development Centre (NI DC). The Plan was publicly exhibited until 15 June 2009 for comment and includes an exciting new youth precinct and a facility to showcase Indigenous culture.
About $45 million is being invested by the ILC for the construction of a 25-metre heated swimming pool and sports field, multi-purpose classrooms, accommodation, and dining facilities for up to 100 people.
The venue will also be home to a number of established groups including the Exodus Foundation, which will set up a tutorial centre for young adolescents; the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia, which runs several sporting and life development programs for indigenous people; and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, an organisation providing opportunities for indigenous youth to become involved in various team sports. The existing Murawina Childcare Centre and four original school buildings will be refurbished, while the RWA and Department of Housing have jointly offered a $i million contribution towards the construction of a new Redfern PCYC as part of the proposed redevelopment.
Under the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model, a number of construction positions have been allocated for Aboriginal people.
When fully operational, the NI DC is expected to provide support and assistance to around 5,000 of the area's youth every year. The redevelopment is expected to be fully completed in 2009.
The redevelopment of the school will include a youth precinct and a facility to showcase Indigenous culture.
Former Redfern Public School - The Indigenous Land Corporation is investing $45 million in a centre of sporting, cultural an educational excellence as result of an agreement brokered by the RWA
RWA's concept planning and sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site (located on the corner of Pitt and Albert Streets, Redfern) will provide funding for the NSW Government's new $10 million Community Health Centre. The concept plan for the Hospital site was lodged with the Minister for Planning in June 2007 and the sale is expected to proceed in late 2007. The hospital site is earmarked for a $5o million residential development comprising approximately 150 dwellings and a new public park of more than l000sqm.
The RWA's sale of the former hospital site will fund the transformation of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station into a Community Health Centre.
Former Rachel Forster Hospital - The former hospital site is earmarked for a $50 million residential development comprising approximately 150 dwellings and more than 1,000 m2 of open space.
In January 2007, the RWA and NSW Health formed a Project Control Group for the transformation of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station in Redfern Street into a $10 million Community Health Centre.
The project is funded by the RWA's sale of the former Rachel Forster Hospital site. Development approval is anticipated in late 2007 with construction scheduled to commence shortly thereafter. The new health facility should become operational early in 2009 and provide a comprehensive range of community services including those in key areas such as drug counselling and mental health.
Initiated and funded by the RWA, the North Eveleigh Training Centre is a key component of the RWA's Employment and Enterprise Plan.
In 2006, the former canteen and carpenters workshop in the CarriageWorks complex was identified as suitable for use as a hospitality and construction industry training centre. The training is then linked to emerging employment opportunities in the local area, with a particular emphasis on those in the Aboriginal community.
The Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre opened its doors in October 2006 to offer a unique learning experience. An initiative of the RWA in partnership with Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, and young Aboriginal chef, Matthew Crib, the centre offers an accredited hospitality training course.
The courses teach students the basics of hospitality and specialise in indigenous Australian cuisine. Graduates then receive certification in Kitchen Operations, Barista, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Gaming Service (RGS). The quality and scope of the training provides graduates with the qualifications and experience for employment in the restaurant and café sectors, tourism operations, clubs, hotels and catering enterprises.
Training is offered to a minimum of 6o students over four courses delivered annually. More than 5o students have graduated since Yaama Dhiyaan commenced in October 2006.
"I have wanted to set up a training course like this for more than 3o years," says Aunty Beryl.
"I am thrilled to see this dream finally come to fruition with the support of the RWA.
There's a real feeling of pride amongst the local community that the Centre has been established here in Redfern."
Yaama Dhiyaan has also been contracted to provide catering services, which will prove an invaluable source of work opportunity for students. Significant on the job training and employment opportunities are also anticipated when the RWA commences operation of a commercial cafe and function centre in late 2007.
Located beneath Yaama Dhiyaan is the Les Tobler Construction Training Centre. A partnership of the RWA and TAFE NSW, the Centre is named in honour of Les Tobler, who was instrumental in establishing the first Job Ready Program and involved in recruiting unemployed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for pre-employment programs. In April 2007,15 indigenous students took part in what was the first of three 8-week Koori Job Ready Courses in Construction scheduled for 2007. On completing the courses, graduates can expect to be offered employment on various Redfern-necessary Waterloo building projects through the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model.
The RWA employs Terry Kelly and Rohan Tobler to mentor the apprentices and trainees and assist with job placements and ongoing support for their indigenous students. For Rohan, working with his people and seeing some success stories emerge is the attraction of the job. Rohan is also the President of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Reconciliation Committee.
Opposite: Staff of the North Eveleigh Training Centre with graduates of the Yaama a Dhiyaan and Les Tobler Construction Training Courses.
There's a real feeling of pride amongst the local community that the Centre has been established here in Redfern.
Les Tobler Construction Training Centre - The Centre offers courses in construction and graduates are placed into local building projects through the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model.
Photo: Along with Rohan Tobler, Tony Kelly (pictured) mentors the apprentices and trainees, assists with job placement and provides ongoing support for Indigenous students.
Yaama Dhiyaan - The RWA invested $750,000 in the establishment of the Yaama Dhiyaan Training Centre at North Eveleigh.
Photo: Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo and chef, Mathew Crib.
The unveiling of the North Eveleigh Training Centre in 2006 is part of a spectacular multi-million dollar transformation of the 10.5 hectare North Eveleigh precinct.
With the support and assistance of the RWA, a $40 million transformation of the CarriageWorks at North Eveleigh was undertaken by the Ministry for the Arts and opened in conjunction with the Sydney Festival in January 2007.
The new Centre includes rehearsal rooms, workshops, two theatres, offices and a café provides Sydney with a
much needed performance venue. This adaptive reuse generates significant community and cultural activity and serves as a major impetus for renewal of the remaining areas of North Eveleigh.
The RWA has lodged a development application for the $3 million adaptive re-use of the heritage Blacksmiths' Workshop to create a multi-purpose community market, arts space and small car park.
The proposed undercover community market is scheduled to commence operation by mid-2008, with additional open air market capacity at the nearby former rail traverser. Significant local employment is expected to be created as a result of a flourishing food, produce and arts and crafts market, which will operate alongside the Contemporary Performing Arts Centre and the Yaama Dhiyaan Indigenous Café.
Significant local employment is expected to be created as a result of a flourishing food, produce and arts and crafts market.
Blacksmiths’ Workshop - The RWA has lodged a development application for the $3 million adaptive re-use of the heritage Blacksmiths' Workshop to create a multi-purpose community market, arts space and small car park
Another major boost to the area will be the RWA's proposed Eveleigh Heritage Walk— a $6m pedestrian/cycle bridge designed to provide a magnificent perspective of the rail history of the area and facilitate the research and innovation zone linking the University of Sydney and Australian Technology Park. Pedestrians will be able to cross between the northern and southern sides of the rail corridor with the bridge linking Wilson Street, Darlington with the ATP and suburbs beyond. The RWA has lodged a preliminary environmental assessment with the Minister for Planning and design work is currently underway.
The Eveleigh Heritage Walk is designed to provide a magnificent perspective of the rail history of the area.
The RWA welcomes a significant investment by the NSW Department of Housing in a public housing redevelopment in Redfern's Elizabeth Street. The Department lodged a development application for the $27 million project in June 2007.
The 106 new dwellings will replacing the existing homes on the site which were built in 1953. The proposal consists of 40 terraced family homes with backyards, medium-density units and custom-made apartments for the elderly. There will also be communal recreation areas and parklands along with environmentally-sustainable initiatives such as water tanks and energy saving inclusions.
Current residents are being offered alternative housing in the area and will have the option of returning to new housing appropriate to their needs within the new development. Once approved, the 18-month project is expected to commence in early 2008.
The area will also be enhanced by the sale of adjoining Department land for the development of a further 158 private dwellings, the sale of which will contribute to the cost of the new public housing.
Photos: morehead street east elevation and walker street west elevation
The proposal consists of 40 terraced family homes with backyards, medium-density units and custom-made apartments for the elderly.
The redevelopment of Souths Leagues Club complements the Redfern Oval upgrade, with extensive refurbishment heralding the team's 'Return to Redfern 20o8'. The NRL has earmarked Redfern Oval as the location for the launch of its centenary year— 2008— and 'Return to Redfern' is a joint project of the Leagues Club and Football Club with a view to having the entire precinct ready for the start of the 2008 season.
The Leagues Club and Football Club will be anchor tenants in the new facility, along with a range of high profile businesses and a gymnasium. Features will include 193 car spaces and expansive balconies on all levels.
Co-owner of Souths, Peter Holmes a Court, declared the plan a major step forward for the club.
"Redfern Park is the home of the Rabbitohs. Always was, always will be. It's where our heroes played some of the most famous games. The Rabbitohs will be proud to call the new Redfern Park our home and training ground. It's all about honouring the past and at the same time delivering first class facilities for our players."
Souths played their first match ar Redfern Park in 1948. It was a 19-All Draw with Easts!
Redfern Park's biggest crowd to date was in 1987 when a Souths v Manly match attracted 23,257 fans!
It's all about honouring the past and at the same time delivering first class facilities for The Rabbitohs.
South Sydney Football Club - The redevelopment complements the Redfern Oval upgrade and heralds the 'Return to Redfern' of the Rabbitohs
The Redfern and Regent Streets upgrade was part of a major initiative by the City of Sydney to revitalise the Redfern district and create a more vibrant, active and safe public domain. Works are expected to be finished by September 20o7.
The beautification between Elizabeth and Regent Streets has delivered key streetscape improvements such as:
As part of the RWA's groundbreaking Indigenous Employment Model the contractor for the upgrade (along with the Redfern Park redevelopment) created seven apprenticeships, traineeships and labouring positions specifically for Aboriginal persons.
The upgrade creates a more vibrant, active and safe public domain.
The Indigenous Land Corporation (I LC) is to invest $8m in the proposed redevelopment of the disused Black Theatre Site in Cope Street, Redfern. Vacant for two decades, the site was home to Sydney's first Aboriginal theatre. The ILC's plans include a three-storey mixed commercial development that will provide benefits to the local Aboriginal community and incorporate a radio station and recording studios for Gadigal Information Services, local broadcaster of Koori Radio. The ILC is working with the RWA to employ a number of Aboriginal people for construction work on the development, which is scheduled for completion by mid-2008.
The mixed commercial development will provide benefits to the local Aboriginal community.
Financial Year 1 July 2006 – 30 June 2007
ORGANISATION - PURPOSE - AMOUNT
Statement by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on the adoption of the financial statements for the year ended 3o June 2007.
Certificate under Section 41C of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.
Pursuant to Section 41C (B) and (C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and in our capacity as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, we declare that in our opinion:
The accompanying financial statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position of the Office of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority as at 3o June 2007 and transactions for the year ended on that date. The statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2000 and the Treasurer's Directions.
Further, we are not aware of any circumstances that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.
Dr Col
Gellatly
Chairman
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority
Sydney, dated this 24 October 207
Independent Auditor's Report Redfern-Waterloo Authority
(see the full PDF)
Financials – Redfern-Waterloo Authority
(see the full PDF)
CHARTER
The RWA was formed under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
CHIEF AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Robert Domm was Chief Executive Officer with the RWA during the 2006-2007 Financial Year.
Richard Clark was appointed as a Senior Executive Officer on the 6 April 2007
Staff Numbers by Employment Basis
Permanent Temporary Full-Time Part-Time Casual
Staff 14 4 18 0 0
% 78% 22% 100% 0% 0%
Men 6 0 6 0 0
Women 8 4 12 0 0
Aboriginal Person or Torres
Strait Islander
2
1
3
0
0
Person with
a Disability
0
0
0
0
0
Person from a Racial,
Ethnic or Ethno-Religious
Minority Group
1
1
2
0
0
People whose first
language
is not English
3
0
3
0
0
Staff Numbers by Level
Men Women Total
$49,792 - $63,006 0 1 1
$63,007 - $81,478 0 4 4
$81,479 - $101,849 2 5 7
>$101,849 (non SES) 2 2 4
>$101,849 (SES) 2 0 2
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
There was a change to legislation administered by the RWA during the reporting year.
2007 No27 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007. Assented to 4.7.2007. Date of commencement of Sch 2, assent, sec 2 (2).
OVERSEAS TRAVEL & CORPORATE CREDIT CARDS
No overseas travel fares were incurred during the reporting year, and as at 30 June 2007, no corporate credit cards had been issued to any RWA staff.
CORPORATE SERVICES
Finance, accounting and payroll services were provided to RWA by the finance division of Australian Technology Park. Information and technology services were provided by The Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU) of the Department of Commerce.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The RWA has a Business Risk Map of its operations. The primary objective of the Business Risk Map is to coordinate risk management activities within the RWA to ensure the activity is focused on areas of greatest risk and is also used by Business Audit to derive its strategic audit plan.
Contributions are made by the RWA to the Treasury Managed Fund for workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, property loss, public liability and various other insurable risks.
RWA staff have assigned wardens and participated in emergency evacuation drills. No OH&S incidents have arisen
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PROCEDURE
During the reporting period, one request was made,to the RWA under the Freedom of Information Act. In the same period, no major issues arose, and there were no investigations or applications for review submitted.
Formal requests made under the Freedom of Information Act for access to documents held by the RWA should be accompanied by a $30 application fee and directed to:
The FOl Coordinator
Redfern-Waterloo Authority PO Box 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
The contact number for all FOl inquiries is (02) 9202 9100
LAND DISPOSAL
There were no land disposals for the year ended 3o June 2007.
PLANS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CODE OF CONDUCT
The RWA has its own Code of Conduct which was developed in accordance with the principles of ethical and responsible decision-making and embodies the public sector values of respect for the law, the system of Government, the community and its persons, integrity, diligence, economy and efficiency, and accountability.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY (EEO)
Through its policy, the RWA implements the following principles of the EEO:
The RWA also has a policy for the Action Plan for Women along with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
DISABILITY ACCESS POLICY
The RWA complies with the NSW Government Disability framework through its Disability Access Policy. This provides a process for the RWA to better meet the needs of staff and the community in relation to persons with a disability. The RWA is committed to ensuring all people have reasonable access to the resources and spaces governed by the Authority.
ETHNIC AFFAIRS PRIORITY STATEMENT
The RWA recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of all the people
of NSW and endorses the four principles of multiculturalism as set out in the Community Relations Commission and principles of the Multicultural Act zoom
Towards this objective, the RWA will develop and implement policies sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients and ensure that its Boards and Committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community.
NSW GOVERNMENT ACTION PLAN FOR WOMEN
The RWA supports the NSW Government Action Plan for Women and will promote workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women's lives. It will also promote the position of women in all areas of society as well as access to and successful outcomes for women in all parts of the education and training system.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN
The RWA is committed to the occupational health, safety and welfare of its employees, those contracted to perform work on its behalf and visitors to the premises. It is committed to regular consultation with staff and their representatives, and where necessary, with contractors and suppliers of equipment and services to ensure OH&S management is of the highest standard.
WASTE REDUCTION AND PURCHASING POLICY
The RWA is committed to the implementation of the Government's Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP).
Following is a full list of RWA Plans and Policies:
Risk Management Policy
Risk Management Plan
Risk Management Framework
Information Management &Technology Disaster Recovery Strategy
Internal Audit Plan
External Audit Plan
Staff Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Board Members
Protected Disclosure Act Policy Statement
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
OH&S Management Plan
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement Disability Access Policy Action Plan for
Women
Aboriginal &Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy Procurement Policy
Complaints Handling Policy Business Ethics Statement Privacy Management Plan
Corporate Credit Card Policy Energy Management Policy
Fraud Corruption Control Strategy Environmental Management Policy
New Starter Induction Program
Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy
Publications
Newsletters (16,000 copies per issue):
July 2006
September 2006
October 2006
December 2006
February 2007
June 2007
Plans:
Built Environment Plan (Stage 1) - August 2006
Human Services Plan (Phase 2) Draft - October 2006
Affordable Housing Contribution Plan - May 2007
Affordable Housing Planning Agreement (for the CUB site) - June 2007
RWA Contributions Plan - May 2007
Annual Report - October 2006
Annual Report
The RWA 2006-2007 Annual Report is made available electronically at
www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
The total cost of external production and printing was $41,750 (ex GST)
Contact Details
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone: +612 9202 9100
Reception 9am — 5pm Monday— Friday
Website: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Registered office is Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2 1 Lawson Square Redfern NSW PO Box 3332 Redfern 2016 T: 02 9202 9100 F: 02 9292 9111 redfernwaterloo@rwa. nsw.gov.au www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Redfern-Waterloo: A diverse community
The traditional owners of Redfern-Waterloo are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Today, the area is one of cultural and historical focus for Aboriginal people throughout NSW and Australia. People from many backgrounds live in Redfern-Waterloo and the most common languages spoken at home after English are Russian, Chinese, Greek, Arabic, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Vision
To establish Redfern-Waterloo as an active, vibrant and sustainable community by promoting and supporting greater social cohesion and community safety, respect for the cultural heritage and orderly development of the area in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development.
Minister's Letter
The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
Minister for Redfern-Waterloo
Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney
Dear Minister Sartor
It is with pleasure that I forward you the second Annual Report for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority for the year ending 30 June 2006.
This report has been prepared in accordance with NSW Annual Report legislation and the Redfern-Waterloo Act 2004 No 107.
Yours Sincerely
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Statement from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
We have great pleasure in welcoming you to the second Annual Report for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.
As part of the Government's 10-year vision for the revitalisation of the Redfern-Waterloo area, our first full year of operation has already yielded some exciting results.
Since opening its doors in January 2005, the energy and commitment of the Board and staff of the RWA in undertaking our charter has been unwavering. Many initiatives are well and truly underway, particularly in the area of promoting investment and related job creation schemes for local unemployed, with a particular emphasis on training and employment for the Indigenous community.
A highly visible community cooperation now exists that includes regular informative newsletters home delivered to residents, an interactive website, consultation on major issues, public forums, meetings, discussion groups and direct access to the RWA via phone, email and in person.
For the last six months of the reporting period, our efforts have been focused on finalising plans for the built environment and employment and enterprise, as well as driving and monitoring the implementation of Phase One of the Human Services Plan (HSP), which aims to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged within our community.
The Human Services, Employment & Enterprise and Built Environment Plans are components of the overall Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is currently being implemented as part of the Government's 10-year strategy.
The first stage of the RWA's Built Environment Plan is a key driver in the social and economic revitalisation of the area. Since the RWA's commencement in 2005, the NSW Government has directly facilitated the investment of nearly $300 million towards infrastructure development in Redfern-Waterloo. Of this amount, more than $76 million has been directly committed by the RWA.
The major investment includes a $35 million Indigenous youth centre at the former Redfern Public School, a $40 million contemporary performing arts space at the former North Eveleigh railyards, a $10 million community health centre at the former Courthouse/Police Station, $16 million for Aboriginal affordable housing, $6 million for a pedestrian/cycle bridge linking the ATP with North Eveleigh and $6 million for essential infrastructure works at the Australian Technology Park (ATP).
In June 2006, the RWA entered a landmark agreement with Sydney Broadcast Property Limited for the construction of a 43,500 sqm state-of-the-art media centre at the ATP. Under the agreement, the Seven Network and Pacific Magazines will relocate to Redfern within the next three years, along with other commercial tenants. This project represents the largest commercial development in Redfern for at least a decade and will deliver 600 construction jobs and 2000 permanent jobs. 60 of the construction jobs will be created for unemployed Aboriginal workers.
A further 600 permanent jobs will be created at the ATP with the RWA's current $47 million construction of new premises for the National Information Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). 26 Aboriginal jobs have also been created on this project, bringing the total to more than 120 construction jobs in the RWA's area of operation.
The RWA's job creation strategies are geared towards the local community being a major beneficiary of the urban renewal program, particularly the more disadvantaged sections of the community where unemployment and welfare dependency are major factors. The RWA's Employment & Enterprise Plan, released in May 2006, is a strategy designed to provide opportunities through meaningful training and employment, thereby addressing the root causes of social disadvantage.
Ministerial Advisory Committees have been established to advise the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo on matters relating to built environment, employment and enterprise and the delivery of human services in the area and a full list of current Committee members is included in this report.
While much has been achieved by the RWA in a short space of time, the Board and staff remain fully focussed on the difficult challenges ahead. We look forward with the confidence that momentum has been achieved towards building opportunities for the Redfern-Waterloo community.
David Richmond AO Chairperson
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer
Principle Objectives
Overview
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) was created by a NSW Government Act of Parliament in Oct 2004 (Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107) and established on 17 January 2005.
The RWA is responsible for revitalising Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington through strategic urban renewal, job creation and improved human services in consideration of social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public spaces, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.
The principle objectives of the RWA are being delivered as a result of the NSW Government's 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which is designed as a "whole of community" strategy to address the complex issues of, and the needs of people who live within, the Redfern-Waterloo community.
As it is intended to be a "living" document that builds upon its earlier priorities and strategies, The Plan is being developed in stages, with ongoing community input a major component.
Function
Organisational Structure
Chief Executive Officer, RWA Managing Director, ATP
Infrastructure Enterprise and Employment Community Relations
Office Management
Information Management and Technology Australian Technology Park Precinct Management Urban Renewal
Planning
Reforming Human Services
In order to achieve its vision, the RWA has undertaken to:
Corporate Governance
(see PDF version)
The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Mr Frank Sartor MP, is responsible for the control and direction of the RWA. The Minister has established a Board of Governance and, while the Board establish the policies and directions for the RWA, its day to day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.
Three Board Committees were also established:
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Audit and Compliance Committee is the focal point for communication between the Board, the external auditors, the internal auditors and management, as their duties relate to the financial accounting, reporting and internal controls and compliance.
The Audit and Compliance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities as to accounting policies and reporting practices of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. It is to be the Board's principal agent in assuring the independence of RWA auditors, the integrity of management and the adequacy of the disclosures to the public.
Profile: Michael Bremner
Michael Bremner of Mackenzie Bremner Architects and Interior Design in Regent St Redfern has lived and worked in the area for 10 years. A member of the Redfern- Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Michael believes there has been a significant decline in crime levels over the last couple of years. He's an advocate of the RWA's proposed urban renewal plans.
Anything that increases the area's socio economic mix is a good thing."
Affordable Housing Committee
The Affordable Housing Committee reviews the development and operation of an affordable housing program for Redfern-Waterloo and the operation of affordable housing developer agreements.
Urban Renewal Committee
The Urban Renewal Committee reviews the RWA's built environment strategies and plans, advises staff and makes recommendations to the Board.
Ministerial Advisory Committees
Following community consultation, the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, the Hon. Frank Sartor MP invited Expressions of Interest from residents of Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington to participate in any of three Ministerial Advisory Committees.
These Committees also consist of representatives from NSW government agencies and local Aboriginal communities and were set up to advise the Minister on matters relating to the development and implementation of the initiatives of the RWA.
Key Strategies
The NSW Government's 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan comprises three major components:
Built Environment
The Draft Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was published in February 2006 and, along with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), is a landmark strategy providing a consistent set of controls relating to urban design, land use zoning or re-zoning and the carrying out of future development on eight RWA strategic sites:
• Redfern Railway Station, Gibbons and Regent Streets
• Australian Technology Park (ATP)
• North Eveleigh
• South Eveleigh
• Eveleigh Street
• Former Local Court House and Police Station
• Former Rachel Forster Hospital
• Former Redfern Public School
The Plan also identifies strategies for associated transport, traffic management, heritage protection,open space and public domain improvements, infrastructure provision, pedestrian and cycle accessand guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
The key principle of the Plan involves the creation of an economic and civic centre around RedfernStation, along with pedestrian and cycleway links to business hubs at ATP, North Eveleigh, and Redfernand Regent Streets.
The final Built Environment Plan (Stage One) was released in August 2006 and included:
• Plans for a $10m community health centre at the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station
• A new Town Centre around an upgraded Redfern Station
• A $6m pedestrian and cycle bridge to link Australian Technology Park with North Eveleigh
• The re-zoning of Marian Street Park for public recreation
Significant Achievements
Future Key Tasks
Public and affordable housing strategies form the basis of the proposed Built Environment Plan (Stage Two), which will focus primarily on the development of proposals to:
Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr David Richmond -Chair
Professor Chris Johnson -Department of Planning
Mr Warwick Glenn -Department of State and Regional Development
Ms Kathy Roil -Department of Housing Superintendent Catherine Burn -NSW Police Service Mr Chris Ford -Roads and Traffic Authority Mr Richard Hemsworth -RailCorp
Ms Catherine Hart -City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Ms Jocelyn Jackson Mr Alex Kibble
Mr Richard Pembroke Mr Shane Phillips Mr Jonathan Rez Mr Steve Tamas Mr Geoffrey Turnbull Ms Ann Weldon
Human Services
Following a review in 2004 of human services within the Redfern-Waterloo area, the RWA's Phase One Human Services Plan was published in December 2005 and sets out a framework for improving access to health, education, employment and other essential human services in the local community.
Phase One addresses services provided primarily for children and young families, young people and Aboriginal people and included:
• Improving the health and wellbeing of children
• Lifting local school numeracy and literacy levels, and school attendance and retention rates to at least the State average
• Improving support for vulnerable people
• Reducing the incidence of family violence
• Increasing participation and involvement of young people in the community
• Increasing numbers of young people accessing employment and training opportunities
• Reducing drug and alcohol misuse, and offending and recidivism
• Building community capacity
Significant Achievements
• Implementation and evaluation of the Human Services Plan
• Development of a human services reform strategy
• Establishment of three taskforces
-Youth Services Reform
-Community Capacity Building
-Drug & Alcohol Taskforce
• Approval in principle for the setting up of a Redfern-Waterloo Fund (RWF) in partnership with the Sydney Community Foundation to attract corporate and individual financial or in-kind contributions
• Establishment of Aboriginal Women's and Men's community groups
Future Key Tasks
• Develop strategies specifically dealing with private and public housing
• Investigate the establishment of high and low care residential facilities for older people, including facilities specifically for Aboriginal people
• Address the need for more affordable housing and service gaps for homeless people
• Make multi-purpose spaces and community facilities more available
• Implement strategies to improve safety and perceptions of safety within the community
The strategies in Phase One are also of benefit to the aged, homeless people, people with disabilities and migrant communities, with the release of the Draft Phase 2 Human Services Plan in October 2006 involving the development of further improvements to services for all these groups.
The key priorities proposed in Phase Two include:
• Increased access to dementia support
• Improved service quality for migrants
• Better access to aged care and health services by Aboriginal people 45 years and older
• Reducing the negative impact of homelessness through early intervention and support
• Improving identification of need and access to services for people with disabilities
• Reducing social isolation
• Improving access to local and community transport for people who are transport disadvantaged
• Improving safety and amenity within the Redfern-Waterloo area
Amongst its proposals, the Human Services Plan aims to consolidate some services for families, children and young people by forming three services precincts. The proposed precincts will be located in:
• Redfern East - initially focusing on the Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) on Phillip Street
• Waterloo -focusing on the services currently provided by the South Sydney Youth Service at Waterloo Oval
• Redfern West -focusing around the Redfern Community Centre in Hugo Street
The Draft Phase Two Human Services Plan also contains strategies to strengthen the governance and day-to-day management of non-government service providers. Steps to achieve this include:
• Joint service planning
• Sharing of administrative resources
• Common reporting, monitoring and evaluation arrangements
• Physical and virtual co-location of services using modern communication technologies and out-sourcing arrangements
• Training and professional development of staff; and the improvement of facilities
Human Services Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Aldo Pennini -Co-Chair
Mr Gary Moore -Co-Chair NCOSS
Mr Ivan Simon -Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Anne-Maree Sabellico -Department of Community Services Dr Phil Lambert -Department of Education and Training Mr John Becker -Department of Housing
Mr Greg Stewart -Sydney South West Area Health Service Superintendent Catherine Burn -NSW Police Service
Mr Colin Kay -Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) Mr Paul Cramer -Department of Family and Community Services Ms Helen Campbell -Redfern Legal Centre
Ms Monica Barone -City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Ms Maybelle Chang Ms Jill Edwards
Mr Howard Glenn Mr Dominic Grenot Ms Shirley Lomas Ms Lynette Stewart
Employment & Enterprise
Following a Draft version released in December 2005, the Employment & Enterprise Plan was published in May 2006 and is the first comprehensive training and employment strategy for the Redfern-Waterloo area. It s main aim is to deliver skilled job seekers to meet the specific employment needs of the market, to create educational opportunities and build on future growth potential.
The Plan initially focuses on:
• Increasing supply of employment opportunities, particularly through commercial and residential development
• Capitalising on the Research/Biomedical Innovation Zone
• Improving education and training including a dedicated vocational training centre
• Strengthening partnerships with local employers
• Industry based employment strategies
• Employment and enterprise strategies for Aboriginal people and youth
• Supporting local business
Significant Achievements
• The landmark Indigenous Employment Model created more than 120 jobs for indigenous workers under the Jobs Compact between the RWA and the CFMEU
• A $750,000 commitment to establishing a cross-cultural construction and hospitality training centre at North Eveleigh Railyards
• Establishment of an Indigenous Enterprise Hub at the RWA's Redfern office to provide business support to Aboriginal business owners
• Koori Job Ready Course in Construction which, in conjunction with TAFE, trains Aboriginal people who want to work in the construction industry and then place them into jobs being created by the RWA in Redfern-Waterloo
• Other training initiatives
Future Key Tasks
• Building on previous strategies, such as the implementation of the construction training and job placement program for Aboriginals and the development of the North Eveleigh hospitality and training centre
• Targeting the employment opportunities emerging at Australian Technology Park and other RWA strategic sites
• Developing strategies for employment opportunities in the service industries
• Working with the local community to ensure opportunities for young Aboriginal people in the area are maximised through university based cadetships
• Expanding cultural industries through means such as design production, and realising export potential
• Strengthening connections to universities to encourage local children to move into tertiary education
• Facilitating the running of enterprise summer schools
Employment & Enterprise Ministerial Advisory Committee
Mr Robert Domm -Chair
Dr Phil Lambert -Department of Education and Training
Mr Jim Spinks -TAFE NSW
Ms Julie Scott -Department of State and Regional Development
Mr Steve Merritt -Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Sharron Hawkins -Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mr Mark Spinks -Centrelink Mr Les Tobler -CFMEU
M/s Catherine Hart -City of Sydney Council
Community Members:
Mr Michael Dalah Ms Megan Gardiner
Mr Anthony John Larkings
Ms Bronwyn Penrith Mr Dennis Weatherall
State Significant Development
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act provides for the RWA to be delegated as the authority for development within its area of operation declared to be State Significant. The Minister has delegated consent functions for developments with a capital investment value of less than $5m.
Australian Technology Park (ATP) at the former railway workshops at Eveleigh falls under this jurisdiction. Formerly owned by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore
Authority (SHFA), ATP is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RWA, with planned development on the site over the next two to three years expected to create more than 2,000 new jobs - a 20 percent employment increase for the Redfern-Waterloo area. Provision exists for six new sites and up to 14 additional buildings over the next decade.
The result of a $47m investment by the RWA, a six-storey building currently under construction - to be occupied by National ICT Australia (NICTA) and the Department of Defence, Science & Technology (DSTO) -is the first in a new development phase for the ATP.
Designed by Cox Richardson Architects, the building is located on the eastern edge of the ATP with frontages to Garden Street and Mitchell Way. It occupies a site of around 3,000sqm and will provide just over 11,000sqm of floor space with 66 secure parking spaces. Construction is in accordance with the RWA Jobs Compact, employing local indigenous people and new apprentices as a key element.
In June 2006, Sydney Broadcast Property announced a $120m investment to construct a 43,500sqm media centre at ATP primarily to house television production facilities and commercial offices for Channel 7 and their magazine publishing arm, Pacific Magazines. In a deal negotiated by the RWA, the project will create approx. 600 construction and 2000 permanent jobs. The largest commercial development in Redfern for over a decade, construction of the state-of-the-art media facility is expected to begin in early 2007 and completed by the end of 2008.
The RWA will also invest around $6m in new roads and infrastructure and a further $6m for a pedestrian and cycle link between ATP and North Eveleigh to facilitate access and future development. The Built Environment Plan proposes a second potential pedestrian/cycle bridge to the west of Redfern Station.
"This is a significant milestone in Australian Technology Park's development." Robert Domm CEO
Redfern Public School
The RWA helped negotiate the purchase of the former Redfern Public School from the Department of Education and Training for the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) to establish a new youth precinct and showcase of indigenous culture.
Up to $35m is being invested by the ILC in the project and plans include a 25- metre heated swimming pool and sports field and construction of multi-purpose classrooms, accommodation and dining facilities for up to 100 people. The Centre will also accommodate a number of established programs, including the Exodus Foundation, which will set up a tutorial centre for children aged 10 -14; the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia, which runs a number of sporting and life development programs for Indigenous people; and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, which provides opportunities for indigenous youth to become involved in rugby union, netball and golf. The existing Murawina Childcare Centre and four original school buildings will be refurbished.
When fully operational, the NIDC is expected to help up to 5,000 kids a year. The redevelopment is expected to commence early in 2007 and be fully completed in 2009.
Community Health Centre
The RWA brokered an agreement with the Department of Health to establish a new $10m Community Health Centre by way of adaptive reuse and refurbishment of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station The venture is co-funded by NSW Health, RWA and proceeds from the sale of the surplus Rachel Forster Hospital (rezoned for residential use). Services will include: health assessments and education, early childhood and family support services, counselling, referral, perinatal and family drug health services, mental health services, rehabilitation, welfare support, screening for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, sexual health services and other community health services.
RWA Training Centre, North Eveleigh
The former Canteen and Carpenters workshop building at North Eveleigh was identified as suitable for use as a training centre -initially for hospitality and construction.
Initiated and funded by the RWA, the centre will provide industry based training linked to emerging employment opportunities for the local area including the Aboriginal community. The Centre is due to commence training
and operating as an Indigenous and modern Australian cuisine café in October 2006 and will be known as Yaama Dhinawan (or 'welcome emu').
The establishment of the RWA Training Centre at North Eveleigh is a central component of the RWA Employment and Enterprise Plan.
Marian Street Park
In response to community wishes, the area between Gibbons and Rosehill Streets in Redfern - commonly referred to as Marian Street Park - was zoned by the Government as "public recreation" with proposed landscaping poised to transform the site into a genuine park for future generations to enjoy. The RWA has proposed the open space be dedicated to the Council of the City of Sydney, subject to its commitment to upgrading.
Contemporary Performing Arts Centre
A $40m transformation of the former Carriageworks building and Blacksmith's Workshop at the North Eveleigh Railyards into a new Contemporary Performing Arts Centre was undertaken by the Ministry for the Arts. With the
support and assistance of the RWA, the adaptive reuse will generate significant new community and cultural activity and serve as a major impetus for renewal of the remaining areas of North Eveleigh. The Centre is due to
open in conjunction with the Sydney Festival in January 2007.
Board Member Profiles
Chair - Professor David Richmond AO BEc MEc (Syd)
Professor David Richmond AO is current Chairperson of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, the Australian Technology Park and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority. He also advises the NSW Premier on infrastructure planning and implementation. Professor Richmond has had a distinguished public service career, including as CEO of the NSW Department of Health and the Land Commission. He is the former Director-General of the Olympic Coordination Authority and SOCOG and held a number of other senior Olympic Games positions. He recently provided strategic advice to the President of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and to senior managers of the Beijing Olympics. He is the inaugural Director and Professor of the University of Sydney's Graduate School of Government. Professor Richmond is the author of the Richmond Report to the NSW Government, and in 1990 earned the National Council for Intellectual Disability's Making the Difference Award. In 2002 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to Public Administration, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
CEO - Mr Robert Domm BA LLB (Mon) MLLR (Syd) GDLP (ANU)
Robert Domm is Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Managing Director of the Australian Technology Park. He previously spent four years at the City of Sydney where he was General Manager during a period of unprecedented growth and change, through Council boundary changes and
amalgamation with South Sydney Council. He served for three years as a Director and Company Secretary of the Sydney Festival Limited. A qualified legal
practitioner and former labour advocate, Mr Domm has also worked as an adviser to Government. He brings broad experience and a strong commitment to social justice to the workings of the Authority.
Mr Michael Collins
Michael Collins is Chair of the Heritage Council of NSW. He is also on the Boards of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and the Australian Technology Park. He is the Managing Director of Michael Collins & Associates Pty Limited, a property consultancy company which advises private and public sector clients and specialises in land economics, real estate valuations and feasibility studies. He served as National President of the Australian Property Institute from 2003 to 2004 and was NSW President from 1999 to 2001. Mr Collins played a key role in the redevelopment of Darling Harbour and the planning of Olympic Park, and served as chief property consultant to the NSW Government for the Sydney 2000 Games. He has served on many industry committees including the City of Sydney Development Advisory Committee and the City of Sydney Venues Management Board.
Ms Marcia Ella-Duncan OAM (Resigned May 2006)
Marcia Ella-Duncan has held several senior positions in government, most recently in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Ms Ella-Duncan was formerly the Chairperson for the Sydney Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and has previously held several key Indigenous positions with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the NSW Attorney-General's Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council and the Department of Juvenile Justice. A member of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and active in numerous other Indigenous organisations, Ms Ella-Duncan represented Australia in netball from 1985-87 and was awarded the Order of Australia medal for services to the sport in 1988.
Dr Col Gellatly
Dr Col Gellatly was appointed Director-General of the Premier's Department in 1994. He has held a number of senior management positions within the NSW public service, including as Director General of the Department of Land and Water Conservation. He has been NSW representative on a wide range of State/Commonwealth Working Parties and Committees and has had three periods as a part-time Commissioner with the Industries Assistance Commission. He has also served on a diverse range of boards and committees. Dr Gellatly has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW and a PhD from North Carolina State University.
Mr Richard Johnson MBE
Richard Johnson is an award winning architect, Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales and a Director of Johnson Pilton Walker Architects. He is an Associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and
the Japan Institute of Architects, and a Member of the Design Institute of Australia. Mr Johnson was involved in the design of the Australian embassies in Beijing and Tokyo. He is the Chief Architect for the Sydney Opera House and is also currently working on projects including the Australian War Memorial, the Hilton Hotel and the Asian wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He also serves on the Board of the Australian Technology Park and the Australian Architects Association. Mr Johnson has a Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours) from the University of NSW and a Master of Philosophy (Town Planning) from University College, London. In 1976 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Architecture.
Ms Samantha Mostyn BA LLB
Sam Mostyn has an extensive background in law, management and politics. She is currently the Group Executive, Culture and Reputation at Insurance Australia Group (IAG), managing such areas as Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Government Relations and Policy and Community Engagement. She is a qualified lawyer and served as a senior Policy Adviser to former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Ms Mostyn has also steered a pilot crime prevention strategy in the Redfern-Waterloo area, in partnership with NRMA Insurance, police and local business, focusing on crime reduction and community development. Ms Mostyn serves on the Academic Advisory
Board of the Australian Institute of Management, is a Board member of the Sydney Festival, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Centenary Institute, and is a Trustee of the Australian Museum.
She is a Director of the trustee company for the Insurance Australia Group and the NRMA Superannuation Plan and is also a member of the NSW Premier's Council for Active Living. She was recently appointed as the first female Commissioner of the Australian Football League.
Ms Lucy Turnbull LLB MBA
Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003 to 2004, Deputy Lord Mayor from 1999 to 2003 and has recently been appointed an Administrator of Tweed Shire Council. She has extensive experience in planning, business and investment banking. She currently chairs many companies, both private and public, including WebCentral Group Limited, Centrestone Wealth Management Pty Limited, and Pengana Holdings Limited. Former chair of the NSW Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Biotechnology, Ms Turnbull has also served on the NSW Government's Information Industry Business Advisory Board. She is the author of Sydney - Biography of a City (1999) and has assisted with several community based initiatives in the Redfern area. She also serves on the Board of the Australian Technology Park.
Ms Jennifer Westacott BA (Hons) FAICD FVIPA
Ms Westacott has had a distinguished senior management career in the public service of NSW and Victoria and was formerly the Deputy Director-General of the
NSW Department of Housing and Secretary of the Department of Education and Training in Victoria and most recently held the position of the Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. Ms Westacott is also a member of the Board of Advice of the Faculty of Economics and
Business at the University of Sydney and in 2003 was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to the community through public administration. Jennifer has also been appointed as the Adjunct Professor at the City Futures Research Centre, University of NSW.
Two new members were appointed to the RWA Board in August 2006.
Warren Mundine is CEO of NSW Native Title Services based in Redfern, and Chair of NSW Labor's Indigenous Policy Committee.
Ann Weldon has chaired the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board since 2000, is founding member of the Redfern Aboriginal Housing Company, the Redfern Aboriginal Legal Service, the Redfern Murrawina Child Care Centre and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, as well as a Redfern School ASSPA committee member.
RWA Sponsorships and Grants
Organisation Amount and Purpose
The Factory Community Centre Waterloo - $100 Community Garden Open Day & Buddhist New Year celebration
Alexandria Park Community School - $500 Support for Multicultural Day event
Koori Unit of the AIDS Council of NSW - $500 Assistance for the Koori Unit to participate in the annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
Waterloo Neighbourhood Advisory Board - $500 Support for multicultural day event
Gadigal Information Service Corporation - $600 Aboriginal Information Stall at 4th Annual YABUN Concert
Connect Redfern - $800 Support for the Early Literacy Program - Schools as Community Centres Program
Centrelink - $800 Xmas Party for the kids on The Block
Essere (To Be) - $825 Funding Living Skills & Self-Esteem Workshop - Miss Indigenous Program
Connect Redfern -$1,000 Schools as Community Centres Program Support for the Inner West Early Literacy program
Redfern-Waterloo Men's Group - $1,459 Support Men's Group activities
Department of Sport & Recreation - $1,500 Support of the Nuramani Sports Carnival
Tribal Warrior Association - $1,549 Business names registration assistance
Aboriginal Mens Cultural Camp - $1,920 Assistance with accommodation costs
Inner-City Domestic Violence Action Group - $2,200 Support anti-violence community events for the "Black-Out Violence" Program
ATP - $4,000 - World Cup Soccer Replays
Wyanga Aged Care - $4,025 Mother's Day Luncheon and other general support
Alexandria Park Community School - $5,000 Purchase tools for the school's teaching program
Knockout Rugby League Inc. $5,000 Support youth activities/entertainment
Midnight Basketball Australia $10,000 Support the inaugural and second Midnight Basketball tournaments ($5,000 per tournament)
Tribal Warrior Association $5,103 Sponsored the design and production of company banners and display kits
ICAMPA - Inter City NAIDOC Working Party $5,500 Sponsorship of NAIDOC Week activities
Total funding for 05/06 financial year: $47,381
Independent Audit Report
To Members of the New South Wales Parliament
Audit Opinion
In my opinion, the financial report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (the Authority):
· presents fairly the Authority's and the consolidated entity's (defined below) financial position as at 30 June 2006 and their performance for the year ended
on that date, in accordance with Accounting Standards and other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia, and
• complies with section 41 B of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (the Act), and the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2005.
My opinion should be read in conjunction with the rest of this report.
Scope
The Financial Report and Directors' Responsibility
The financial report comprises the balance sheets, income statements, statements of changes in equity, cash flow statements and accompanying notes to the financial statements for the Authority and consolidated entity, for the year ended 30 June 2006.
The consolidated entity comprises the Authority and the entities it controlled during the year.
The members of the Board of the Authority are responsible for the preparation and true and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with the Act. This includes responsibility for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for the accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in the financial report.
Audit Approach
I conducted an independent audit in order to express an opinion on the financial report. My audit provides reasonable assurance to Members of the New South Wales Parliament that the financial report is free of material misstatement.
My audit accorded with Australian Auditing Standards and statutory requirements, and I:
• assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Board in preparing the financial report, and
• examined a sample of evidence that supports the amounts and disclosures in the financial report.
An audit does not guarantee that every amount and disclosure in the financial report is error free. The terms 'reasonable assurance' and 'material' recognise that an audit does not examine all evidence and transactions. However, the audit procedures used should identify errors or omissions significant enough to
adversely affect decisions made by users of the financial report or indicate that Directors had not fulfilled their reporting obligations.
My opinion does not provide assurance:
• about the future viability of the Authority or its controlled entities,
• that they have carried out their activities effectively, efficiently and economically, or
• about the effectiveness of their internal controls.
Audit Independence
The Audit Office complies with all applicable independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements.
The Act further promotes independence by:
• providing that only Parliament, and not the executive government, can remove an Auditor-General, and
• mandating the Auditor-General as auditor of public sector agencies but precluding the provision of non-audit services, thus ensuring the Auditor-General and the Audit Office are not compromised in their role by the possibility of losing clients or income.
David Jones
Director, Financial Audit Services SYDNEY, 20 October 2006
Directors' Statement
Statement by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on the adoption of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2006.
Certificate Under Section 41 C (B) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.
Pursuant to Section 41 C (B) and 1 (C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and in our capacity as Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, we declare that in our opinion:
The accompanying financial statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority as at 30 June 2006 and transactions for the year ended on that date.
The Statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2000 and the Treasurer's Directions.
Further, we are not aware of any circumstances that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.
David Richmond AO
Chairperson
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Robert Domm
Chief Executive Officer Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Sydney,
dated this 20 October 2006
Financial Statements - See PDF version of annual report
Appendices
Charter
The RWA is formed under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
Chief and Senior Executive Officer
During 2005-06 Robert Domm was employed as Chief Executive Officer by the the RWA.
Staff Numbers by Employment Basis
Permanent Temporary Full-Time Part-Time Casual
Staff 15 6 21 0 1
% 68% 27% 95% 0% 5%
Men 7 1 8 0 0
Women 8 5 13 0 1
Aboriginal Person or Torres
Strait Islander 2 1 3 0 0
Person with a Disability 0 0 0 0 0
Person from a Racial, Ethnic or
Ethno-Religious Minority Group 0 1 1 0 0
People whose first language
was not English 4 1 5 0 0
Staff Numbers by Level
Men Women Total
$60,584 - $78,345 1 5 6
$78,346 - $97,932 2 5 7
>$97,932 4 4 8
>$97,932 (SES) 1 - 1
Legislative Changes
There were no changes to any legislation administered by RWA during the reporting year.
Overseas Travel and Corporate Credit Cards
No overseas travel fares for staff were incurred during the reporting year, and as at 30 June 2006, staff of RWA were not issued with any corporate credit cards.
Corporate Services
The Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU) of the Department of Commerce provides a comprehensive range of corporate services. The finance and accounting and payroll services were provided to the end of September 2005. The information and technology services are ongoing and were provided to the end of June 2006.
Risk Management
RWA has a Business Risk Map of its operations. The primary objective of the Business Risk Map is to coordinate risk management activities within RWA to ensure that the activity is focused on areas of greatest risk and is also used by Business Audit to derive its strategic audit plan.
Contributions are made by the RWA to the Treasury Managed Fund for workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, property loss, public liability and various other insurable risks.
Staff of the RWA have assigned wardens and participated in emergency evacuation drills. No occupational health and safety incidents have been raised.
Land Disposal
There were no land disposals for the year ended 30 June 2006.
Plans, Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct
The RWA has its own Code of Conduct which has been developed in accordance with the principles of ethical and responsible decision-making and embodies the public sector values of respect for the law, the system of Government, the community and persons, integrity, diligence, economy and efficiency and accountability.
Freedom of Information Procedure
During the reporting period, one request was made to the RWA under the Freedom of Information Act. In the same period, no major issues arose, and there were no investigations or applications for review submitted.
Formal requests made under the Freedom of Information Act for access to documents held by the RWA should be accompanied by a $30 application fee and directed to:
The FOI Coordinator
Redfern-Waterloo Authority POBox 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
The contact number for all FOI inquiries is (02) 9202 9100
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Through its policy, RWA will implement the following principles of the EEO:
Fair practices in the workplace
Management decisions made without bias
Recognition of and respect for the social and cultural backgrounds of all staff and clients Employment practices which produce staff satisfaction, commitment to the job and the delivery of quality services to clients
Improved productivity
Along with the EEO policy, RWA also has a policy for the Action plan for women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
Disability Plans
RWA complies with the NSW Government Disability framework through its Disability Access Policy. This policy provides a process for RWA in how to better meet the needs of staff and community in relation to those people with disabilities. RWA wants to ensure that all people have reasonable access to the resources and space governed by the Authority.
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement
The RWA recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of all the people of NSW and endorses the four principles of multiculturalism as set out in the Community Relations
Commission and principles of the Multiculturalism Act 2000.
Towards this objective, RWA will develop and implement policies sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients and ensure that the Boards and Committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community.
NSW Government Action Plan for Women
The RWA supports the NSW Government Action Plan for Women and will promote workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives. It will also promote the position of women
in all areas of society as well as access to and successful outcomes for women in all parts of the education and training system.
Occupational Health & Safety
The RWA is committed to the occupational health, safety and welfare of all its employees, those contracted to perform work on its behalf and visitors to its premises. It is committed to regular consultation with staff and their representatives and where necessary with contractors and suppliers of equipment and services to ensure occupational health and safety management is of the highest standard.
Waste Reduction and Purchasing Plan
During the 2005-2006 financial year, the RWA addressed a number of issues including the development of bulk waste management guidelines for construction and maintenance activities focusing on compliance and waste minimisation and the development of an office paper and printing toner policy.
The RWA is committed to the implementation of the Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP).
The full list of RWA Plans and Policies is as follows:
Risk Management Policy Risk Management Plan
Risk Management Framework
Information Management & Technology Disaster Recovery Strategy
Internal Audit Plan
External Audit Plan
Staff Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Board members Protected Disclosure Act Policy Statement Equal Employment Opportunity Policy OH&S Management Plan
Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement Disability Access Policy
Action Plan for Women
Aboriginal Employment Strategy Procurement Policy
Complaints Handling Policy
Business Ethics Statement
Privacy Management Plan
Corporate Credit Card Policy
Energy Management Policy
Fraud Corruption Control Strategy Environmental Management Policy New Starter Induction Program
Waste Reduction & Purchasing Policy
Publications
Newsletters:
(16,000 copies per issue)
August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 January 2006 February 2006
Plans:
Draft Phase One Human Services Plan (Oct 2005) Phase One Human Services Plan (Dec 2005) Draft Employment & Enterprise Plan (Dec 2005) Employment & Enterprise Plan (May 2006)
Draft Built Environment Plan (Stage One) (Feb 2006) Inaugural RWA Annual Report (Oct 2005)
Annual Report
The RWA Annual Report is available electronically at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au The total cost of external production and printing was $32,725
Contact Details
Redfern-Waterloo Authority Level 11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
PO Box 3332 Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone: +61 2 92029100
Reception 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
Website: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Redfern-Waterloo Authority
Level 11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
Reception 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday Telephone: +61 2 9202 9100 www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
THE RWA ANNUAL REPORT 05:06 ALSO CONTAINED PROFILES OF A NUMBER OF LOCAL PEOPLE WHICH WAS INTERSPERSED WITH THE REPORT INFORMATION. FOR EASE OF PRESENTATION IN THE TEXT VERSION WE HAVE PUT THESE PROFILES AT THE END.
Faces
and Places: open to the possibilities
01 Carol de Souza redfern "I love the cultural diversity of the residents.
I think it's a vibrant and beautiful community."
02 Brian Smith redfern "I love
it here. There's no reason to go anywhere else. I intend to stay as long as I
can."
03 Bill Easterbrook redfern Bill was on the Steering Committee for the
development of the local skate park. He was also instrumental in its design.
04 Sandra Soulos "I've noticed a drop in the crime rate and feel very safe
in this area."
05 Michael Bremner redfern "Anything that increases the area's socio
economic mix is a good thing."
06 Bradley Sly redfern "People are always saying hello when they pass
by."
07 Marlene Newton
"I'm particularly pleased with recent RWA initiatives like the range of
community events."
08 Justin and Angela darlington "We enjoy living in the area and love that
it's so close to everything and just a short walk to the train station."
09 Melinda Walker waterloo Melinda feels the RWA will generate growth and new
jobs for the area.
10 Tommy Simpson redfern "I've always felt happy here and I'll be staying
for a while yet."
11 Anthony Ashby redfern "I've seen many changes for the better over the
last few years in Redfern."
12 Peter Holmes à Court redfern "I believe Redfern and Waterloo will develop into an even better
part of this great city."
Cover image:
Australian-born of Indian parents, Carol de Souza is an artist and educator who
lives in Redfern and works in the city. As a member of the community based
SQUAT SPACE, Carol helps conduct tours of the local area.
Profile: Brian Smith
Brian Smith has lived in Redfern for
the last 8 years, loves the proximity to the city and says he's looking forward
to the RWA's urban renewal of the area.
Brian says he's here for the long haul. "I love it here. There's no reason
to go anywhere else. I intend to stay as long as I can.”
“I've already noticed a lot of changes, particularly since the RWA
started."
Profile: Bill Easterbrook
15-year old Bill Easterbrook has lived in the Redfern area all his life and
attends Alexandria
Community School.
Through Shane Brown and South Sydney Youth Services, Bill was on the Steering
Committee for the development of the local skate park. He was also instrumental
in its design.
Profile: Sandra Soulos
Sandra Soulos is a fashion designer and runs her label from a studio on Botany Road in Waterloo. Sandra's worked
in the area for the last 14 years and loves the close proximity to transport
which she needs to ship her garments around the country.
Sandra is also as much a supporter of the Rabbitohs as she is of the RWA's
plans for the area. "I've noticed a drop in the crime rate and feel very
safe in this area."
Profile: Bradley Sly
Bradley Sly has been a firefighter for 18 months, the last year at Redfern Fire
Station.
A former high level representative junior Rugby League player for South Sydney, Bradley enjoys the friendliness of the
locals.
"People are always saying hello when they pass by."
Profile: Marlene Newton
Along with her husband, Marlene has lived in Waterloo for almost 10 years. Representing
Turanga on the Neighbourhood Advisory Board and serving as a committee member
with CEDA (until its closure), PTC and the Redfern-Waterloo Drug Action Team,
Marlene is regarded as a community stalwart by her peers. Marlene says that
seeing people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds now living in harmony
is one of her greatest joys.
"I'm particularly pleased with recent RWA initiatives like the range of
community events."
Profile: Justin Moor and Angela Larkin
Justin Moor and Angela Larkin of Darlington
both work in the IT industry and have lived in the area for 18mths. They get
involved in local building and planning issues on an as-needs basis. They have
both added a submission to the RWA's urban renewal plan and mentioned the
development of the Performing Arts Centre as of particular interest.
We enjoy living in the area and love that it's so close to everything and just
a short walk to the train station."
Profile: Melinda Walker
Originally from the NSW mid-north coast, Melinda Walker from the 'Tiara'
Apartments in Waterloo
is a young Aboriginal woman working as an Assistant Project Officer with the
RWA.
Melinda feels the RWA will generate growth and new jobs for the area.
Profile: Tommy Simpson
Scotsman Tommy Simpson lives in Redfern with his wife Fiona and young daughter
Jamie. "Redfern's close to work for both of us and there's great day care
nearby for Jamie.”
Tommy believes Redfern is a great place already and says the success of his
beloved Souths footy team will galvanise the area and create a greater sense of
pride and belonging for residents.
“I've always felt happy here and I'll be staying for a while yet."
Profile: Anthony Ashby
Based in Redfern's Regent St.,
Anthony Ashby is Australia's
first indigenous chartered accountant. Originally from Coonabarabran, Anthony
spent two years living in The Block as a teenager and attended Darlington Public School. "I'm very positive
about the RWA's urban renewal project and hopeful the area retains its
uniqueness. I've seen many changes for the better over the last few years."
Profile: Peter Holmes à Court
“Redfern is both our corporate headquarters and the spiritual home to the South
Sydney Rabbitohs. The area is steeped in history and tradition and it’s where
our club was founded in 1908. The Redfern Waterloo urban renewal program will
see the area evolve into a prime strategic location for businesses to flourish
in, whilst retaining the wonderfully rich cultural diversity of its residential
population. Through South’s Cares,
the Rabbitohs are pleased to both instigate and participate in local community
initiatives and work together with the RWA to assist our neighbours.”
“I believe Redfern and Waterloo
will develop into an even better part of this great city.”
Real
The
statistics are people
The
buildings are homes and workplaces
The
jobs are livelihoods
More than a word, REAL is a statement... a positive affirmation encapsulating the diverse peoples, communities and urban landscapes of the environs being nurtured by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.
This RWA Annual Report has been designed in consideration of the cultural diversity, heritage and community spirit that the Redfern-Waterloo Authority has been created to represent.
Contents
(page numbers differ between PDF Annual Report with and without pictures see respective Contents for page numbers )
Coverage Map
Letter to the
Minister
Statement from
The Chairperson and Chief Executive officer
Overview
State Significant
Development – ATP
Principle
Objectives
Functional Chart
Key Strategies
Current
Activities
Corporate
Governance
Governance Chart
Board Members
Review
Auditor’s
Independent Declaration
Director’s
Statement
Financials (see
pdf file)
Appendices
Ministerial
Advisory Committees
Contact Details
Index
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.’
Coverage Map
See PDF File
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
Letter to the Minister
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 inaugural Annual Report for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority for the period January – June 2005.
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 first Annual Report for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority 2004/05.
We are extremely pleased with the progress we have made since commencing operation, and while it may be early days, the staff at the new Redfern-Waterloo Authority are working hard to revitalise the Redfern-Waterloo area.
The RWA opened its doors on January 17 this year and it has a big job to do. Its tasks include generating jobs for the people of the area, improving delivery of services to the community and promoting urban renewal that respects and strengthens the rich heritage that makes this community unique in Sydney. Many activities are already well and truly underway, particularly in the area of job creation schemes for local unemployed, with a particular emphasis on the Indigenous community.
We are also developing a Human Services Plan that will improve the delivery of social services to the community. The Redfern-Waterloo Plan, of which human services is a part, will also facilitate urban renewal and heritage restoration opportunities at North Eveleigh and other surplus government lands, seek a sustainable solution for the Block and its environs and implement 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, with priority being given to economic revitalisation, human services and job creation. A draft of Stage One of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan concerning the first three years of the RWA’s operations, is expected to be released for further community consultation before the end of the year and will centre on a number of sites declared to be State Significant Developments.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is also investigating essential developments for an accessible, efficient railway station. A Station with steep steps and no easy access for elderly or disabled people and parents with young children, it’s 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.
We have also announced the finalisation of appointments to the three Ministerial Advisory Committees set up to advise the Minister responsible for Redfern-Waterloo on matters relating to built environment, employment and enterprise and the delivery of social services in the area.
We look forward to continuing to build the RWA to meet the challenges and opportunities now faced by the Redfern-Waterloo area and its community.
Robert Domm
Chief
Executive Officer
David Richmond AO
Chairperson
Overview
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) was created by a NSW Government Act of Parliament in Oct 04 (Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 No 107) and established on 17 January 2005.
RWA is responsible for revitalising Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh and Darlington through 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 will be delivered as a result of the NSW Government’s 10-year Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which will be publicly exhibited prior to adoption – tentatively November 2005. The Plan is being designed as a ‘whole of community’ strategy designed to address the complex issues of, and the needs of people who live within, the Redfern-Waterloo community.
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 having regard to the importance of the area to the Aboriginal people;
To promote the orderly development of Redfern-Waterloo 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
In accordance with the Act, to achieve these objectives the RWA undertakes 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 to address 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 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,
Do any other thing for the sustainable improvement of the operational area.
RWA
Functional Chart
See PDF File
State Significant Development
Australian Technology Park
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act also provides for the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo and the RWA to be delegated as the consent authority for any development within its area of operation declared to be State Significant Development.
Australian Technology Park (ATP) at the former railway workshops at Eveleigh falls under this jurisdiction.
Ownership of ATP was transferred from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) to the RWA in January, 2005 with planned development on the ATP site over the next two to three years expected to create 2,000 new jobs – a 10 percent employment increase for the Redfern-Waterloo area.
New ATP Building
The new NICTA/DSTO building is the first in a new development phase for the ATP.
The ATP Master Plan includes provision for six new sites and up to 14 low-rise buildings (two to seven storeys) over the next decade. Designed by Cox Richardson Architects, the NICTA/DSTO building will be located on the eastern edge of the ATP with frontages to Garden Street and Mitchell Way.
It will occupy a site of around 3,000sqm and provide just over 11,000sqm of tenantable floor space with 66 secure parking spaces.
The building will also have a 4.5 Star rating under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating scheme (ABGR). Construction will be in accordance with the RWA’s Jobs Compact, employing local indigenous people and new apprentices as a key element. It will bring 600 jobs to Redfern.
Key Strategies
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 with community representatives appointed as individuals to each Committee:
Built Environment
Considering urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing, public housing and urban renewal.
Employment and Enterprise
Considering strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, including the Indigenous community.
Human Services
Considering human services and health issues affecting Redfern-Waterloo.
Current activities
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.
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.
The RWA Board has established an Audit and Compliance Committee, an Affordable Housing Committee and an Urban Renewal Committee. The ATP is governed by a separate Board.
Governance Chart
See PDF File
RWA 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
Marcia Ella-Duncan currently works in a senior management position for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and was formerly the Chairperson for the Sydney Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. She 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 1985-87and 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
Jennifer Westacott is currently the Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, a position she was appointed to in May 2003. She is the Soil Conservation Commissioner and a Murray-Darling Basin Commissioner and was the Commissioner of Forests until June 2004. 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. She currently sits on a number of Government Boards. 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. Review
Review
The RWA leased premises on Level 11, Tower 2, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern from the City of Sydney and commenced operations from 17 January 2005 with staffing of three officers. During the months to 30 June 2005 the RWA:
Procured office equipment
Established corporate service activities
Established the Governance arrangements
Finalised negotiations with DSTO and NICTA to construct new office premises at Australian Technology Park
Completed discussion with the Ministry for the Arts for the creation of an entertainment centre at North Eveleigh and commenced investigation for the redevelopment of the North Eveleigh precinct
Developed an aboriginal employment strategy with local aboriginal training and employment agencies
Established a regime to assess development applications submitted on state significant site development within the authority’s operational area
Completed investigations into future road transport access to Australian Technology Park
Commenced discussion with the community and in particular the aboriginal community to develop concepts for redevelopment of The Block
Assumed
management control of Australian
Technology Park
and completed a review of the business activities
Independent
Audit Report
To Members of the New South Wales Parliament
Audit Opinion
In my opinion, the financial report of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority:
(a) presents fairly the Authority’s and the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2005 financial performance and cash flows for the period ended on that date, in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia, and
(b) complies with section 41B of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (the Act).
My opinion should be read in conjunction with the rest of this report.
The Board’s Role
The financial report is the responsibility of the members of the Board. It consists of the statements of financial position, the statements of financial performance, the statements of cash flows and the accompanying notes for the Authority and the consolidated entity. The consolidated entity comprises the Authority and the entities controlled at the year’s end or during the financial period.
Auditor’s Role and the Audit Scope
As required by the Act, I carried out an independent audit to enable me 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 and Assurance Standards and statutory requirements, and I:
• evaluated the accounting policies and significant accounting estimates used by the Board in preparing
the financial report, and
• examined a sample of the evidence that supports the amounts and other 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 Board members 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, FCPA
Director,
Financial Audit Services
SYDNEY,
4 November 2005
Director’s
Statement
Statement by the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer on the adoption of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2005.
Certificate Under Section 41C of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.
Pursuant to Section 41C (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 2005 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.
Sydney, dated this 31 October 2005
Robert
Domm
Chief Executive
Officer
Redfern Waterloo
Authority
David Richmond
Chairman
Redfern Waterloo
Authority
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority Annual Report 04-05 Financial
Report
See PDF File
Annual Report 04-05 Appendices
Corporate Services
The Central Corporate Services Unit (CCSU) of the Department of Commerce provides a comprehensive range of corporate services. These services include financial and accounting, information and technology and payroll.
Risk Management
Contributions are made by the RWA to the Treasury Managed Fund for workers compensation, motor vehicles, 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.
Employment Equity
The RWA is currently developing its own policies to ensure equitable employment is pursued in all its activities. The RWA has acted consistently with the Premier’s Department EEO Plan, Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement; Disability Action Plan; and Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
Chief and Senior Executive Officers
During 2004-05 Robert Domm was employed as Chief Executive Officer by the RWA.
|
Staff Numbers |
Men |
Women |
Total
|
|
Permanent Full-time
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
|
Temporary Full-time
|
1
|
4
|
5
|
|
Contract-SES
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
For the final six months of the financial year, a total of 11 staff were employed/contracted by RWA.
Four male and two female staff are designated Managers/Administrators. The five remaining staff are designated Professionals.
|
Staff Numbers by Level
|
Men
|
Women
|
Total
|
|
$58,254 - $75,331
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
|
$75,332 - $94,165
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
|
$94,165 (non-SES)
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
|
$94,165 (SES)
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
|
Benchmark
|
RWA
|
Benchmark or Govt target
|
|
Aboriginal People or Torres Strait
|
55%
|
50%
|
|
Islanders
|
|
20%
|
|
People Whose Language First Spoken As a Child was not English
|
|
20%
|
|
People with a Disability
|
|
12%
|
|
People with a Disability requiring work-related adjustment
|
|
7%
|
|
Source: NSW Public Sector Workforce Profile NSW Premier’s Department, Public Employment Office
|
|
|
Charter
The RWA is formed under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The RWA is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). The RWA will undertake to develop a broad EEO Policy in 2005-06. The aim will be to ensure that equitable employment is pursued in all of the Authorities activities including: EEO Plan, Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement; Disability Action Plan; and Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
Overseas Travel
No overseas travel fares for staff were incurred during the reporting year.
Publications
There are no publications in the current year. However newsletters are planned for the next financial year.
Freedom of Information/Procedure
During the reporting period, one request under the Freedom of Information Act was received. 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
PO Box 3332
Redfern NSW 2016
The contact
number for all FOI inquiries is (02) 92029100
Ministerial Advisory Committees
Human Services Committee
Mr Aldo Pennini Redfern-Waterloo Authority - Chair
Ms Maybelle
Chung Community
Ms Jill Edwards
Community
Mr Howard Glenn Community
Mr Dominic (Dom)
Grenot Community
Mr Paul Knight Community
Ms Shirley Lomas
Community
Ms Lyn Stewart
Community
Mr Ivan Simon
Department of Aboriginal
Affairs
M/s Anne-Maree
Sabellico Department of Community Services
Dr Phil Lambert Department of Education and Training
Mr John Becker Department of Housing
M/s Gay Horsburgh Central Sydney Area Health Service
Inspector Darren Bennett NSW Police Service
Mr Colin Kay Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination
(OIPC)
Mr Paul Cramer
Department of Family and Community Services
M/s Monica Barone
City of Sydney Council
Mr Gary Moore
NCOSS
M/s Helen Campbell Redfern Legal Centre
Employment and Enterprise Committee
Mr Robert Domm Redfern-Waterloo Authority - Chair
Mr Michael Dalah
Community
M/s Megan
Gardiner Community
M/s Margaret
Hobbs Community
Mr Anthony John
(Tony) Larkings Community
M/s Bronwyn
Penrith Community
Mr Dennis
Weatherall Community
Dr Phil Lambert Department of Education and Training
Ms Julie
Scott Department of State and
Regional Development
Mr Steve Merritt
Department of Aboriginal Affairs
Ms Marsha
Milliken Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mr Mark Spinks
Centrelink
Mr Les Tobler
CFMEU
Ms Catherine
Hart City of Sydney
Council
Built Environment Committee
Mr David
Richmond Redfern-Waterloo Authority - Chair
M/s Jocelyn
Jackson Community
Mr Alex Kibble
Community
Mr Richard Pembroke Community
Mr Shane
Phillips Community
Mr Jonathan Rez
Community
Mr Steve Tamas
Community
Mr Geoffrey
Turnbull Community
M/s Ann Weldon
Community
Professor Chris
Johnson Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources
Mr Warwick
Glenn Department of State and
Regional Development
Mr Paul Vevers
Department of Housing
Inspector Darren Bennett NSW Police Service
Mr Chris Ford
Roads & Traffic Authority
Mr Richard Hemsworth RailCorp
Ms Catherine
Hart City of Sydney
Council
Disability Plans
RWA is in the process of developing a Disability Action Plan, which will come into effect in 2005-06.
Land Disposal
There were no land disposals for the year ended 30 June 2005.
Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement
An RWA Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement will be developed and applied in 2005-06.
NSW Government Action Plan for Women
The RWA supports the NSW Government Action Plan for Women in its efforts to promote workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives. A Plan is under development and will be available in 2005-06.
Occupational Health and Safety
RWA is committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment within a professional organisation, characterised by the efficient and effective use of its resources. A policy is under development and will be available in 2005-06.
No workers compensation claims were lodged in 2004-05.
Waste Reduction and Purchasing Plan
The Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) requires all State government agencies to develop and implement a WRAPP plan to reduce waste, increase purchase of recycled –content materials and report on progress every two years. A policy is under development and will be available in 2005-06.
Corporate Credit Cards
As at 30 June 2005, staff of RWA were not issued with any corporate credit cards.
Code of Conduct
A code of conduct will be developed during the year 2005-06 and a workshop for all staff will be held during the second half of the financial year.
Legislative Changes
There were no changes to any legislation administered by RWA during the reporting year.
Annual Report
The RWA Annual Report is available electronically at: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
The total cost of external production and printing was $31,730.60
Contact Details
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority
Level 11, Tower
2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern NSW 2016
PO Box 3332
Redfern 2016
Reception 9am –
5pm Monday – Friday
Telephone: +61 2
92029100
Website:
www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Registered office is
Redfern-Waterloo
Authority
Level
11, Tower 2
1 Lawson Square
Redfern
NSW 2016
T:
02 9202 9100
F:
02 9292 9111
PO Box
3332
Redfern
2016
redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au
Index
(page numbers
differ between PDF Annual Report with and Without Pictures see respective index
for page numbers)
Appendices
Auditor’s
Independent Declaration
Board Members
Contact Details
Corporate
Governance
Coverage Map
Current
Activities
Director’s
Statement
Financials (see
pdf file)
Functional Chart
Governance Chart
Key Strategies
Letter to the
Minister
Ministerial
Advisory Committees
Overview
Principle
Objectives
Review
Statement from
The Chairperson and Chief Executive officer
State Significant
Development – ATP
DESIGNED BY:
(WWW.TONICCREATIVE.COM)
PHOTOGRAPHY:
GEORGE MOURTZAKIS
COPYWRITING:
MICHAEL CHURCH
A few paces towards the heart of the Block, on a grassy knoll with striking views of the city skyline, the picture is quite different. There's a fundraiser on today, to renovate a dance space at the Elouera "Tony Mundine" gym, and a band is playing on a makeshift stage. Kids dance and line up for sausages: locals and community supporters picnic in small huddles, laughing and moving to the music. Directly behind the stage is the back wall of the gym, covered with a painting of the Aboriginal flag: yellow for the sun, red for the earth, black for the skin.
To the right is Eveleigh Street, the most infamous of the four narrow roadways that frame what has become known as "the Block", the badly deteriorated urban hub for Aboriginal people in Sydney. About halfway along Eveleigh Street, the last in a row of terrace houses looks like a casualty of the Blitz. Blackened shingles hang loosely from its soot-coated roof frame.
An old yellow sign shows the crossroad is Holden Street. The name of the iconic Australian car company is the symbol of the Australian dream: the Holden in the driveway of the three-bedroom suburban bungalow. In the heart of Redfern, it adorns a burnt-out building. The irony seems callous.
In 1973, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam provided the initial grant to the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) to allow the first housing purchases on this parcel of land in Redfern and the Block became the birthplace of urban land rights in this country. At that time, there were 102 houses in and immediately around the Block. Now, only 19 inhabited homes remain. While some have fallen victim to arson attacks by disgruntled tenants, others have been razed by the AHC to prevent their use as drug houses. More than anything else, drugs have been the scourge of this place, bringing unemployment, crime, poverty, sickness and death.
The land itself is just under 8000 square metres. But what the Block lacks in size, it makes up for in significance. For the people who populate it - whether residents or visitors - it is the cornerstone of an Aboriginal presence in our biggest capital city, a meeting place for indigenous people from across the country and a landmark that serves as a reminder of our native people to the other 98 per cent of the population.
Shane Phillips lives on Holden Street. He is a long-term resident of the Block, having moved in at the age of five with his father, Dick Blair, one of the founding members of the AHC, his mother and his eight brothers and sisters.
His father went on to become the local pastor, a community role model; his eldest sister died of a heroin overdose. His experience of the Block illustrates its polarity - the way it can give hope and take it away. "It's been tough," he says. "We've learned the hard way, that's for sure."
The 41-year-old skipper of the Tribal Warrior vessels - two historic boats that host cultural tours on Sydney harbour - is desperate to find a way forward. "I'm passionate about change because generations of our people will survive because of it. If we can't have one community in Sydney - the front-line of the colony - that can be a positive place for our people, then they might as well just shoot us all."
The answer, he says, is to give successful Aboriginal people the opportunity to reshape the Block from the inside out. "Now is the time to give us a real chance," he says. "If you were to put working people in here who want to raise their kids and not worry about drugs in the street, who care about neighbourhood watch and cultural values, you'd see a vast change coming about."
That would be a major turnaround to what exists now. To many Sydneysiders, the Block is a no-go zone: a drug-, alcohol- and crime-ridden ghetto across the road from Redfern train station. Some consider it a blight on the landscape and want it bulldozed; others suspect developers have plans to seize it and exploit its obvious commercial potential.
Few seem to know that for the past six years, the AHC, together with some of the city's leading architects, has been working on a $60 million redevelopment plan to regenerate the Block into a thriving urban centre for Aboriginal people and for visitors, including tourists. They want to demolish the Block and replace it with 62 residential dwellings - two-thirds of which would be sold to owner-occupiers. The Pemulwuy Project, named after the first Aboriginal freedom fighter, would include an indigenous business college, student hostel, gym, retail outlets and an art gallery. A communal meeting place called Red Place would incorporate a playground, giant television screen and a park.
In the AHC offices on the top corner of the Block, between Lawson and Caroline streets, the housing company's CEO, Mick Mundine, speaks passionately about the plans. "This is going to give our people a bit of self-esteem and hope for the future," he says. "Our people have lived without hope but I think with this project they will be able to see a bit of hope coming to reality."
Part of the formula, he says, is that the plan would be entirely self-funding, via money raised through home sales and private equity. "We aren't relying on any government funding," he says with pride.
The project has some heavyweight advocates - its taskforce is chaired by Tom Uren, former minister for urban and regional development with the Whitlam Government, and NSW Governor Marie Bashir and Lord Mayor Clover Moore have indicated support.
It also has some heavyweight opponents. "I'm very sceptical," says NSW Minister for Planning Frank Sartor in his Phillip Street office. Sartor is also the head of the controversial Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA), which was set up in 2004 to oversee redevelopment in the area and has the ability to override local councils and heritage laws, to grant concessions to private developers and to compulsorily acquire land. "Extremely sceptical. But you know, the planning considerations will be on the planning merits and if they get approval, good luck to them."
On this, Sartor acknowledges he will have the final say. He has already laid out the planning considerations. Under these rules, the Pemulwuy Project - which the AHC hopes to lodge with the Planning Department in the next couple of months - won't be allowed in its current form. "The challenge for the AHC," Sartor said in August, "is to come to the table and work with us on what we can support and back as a sustainable solution."
But Mundine claims the minister has said the project is "not negotiable'. Nearly two years since talks disintegrated, he has adopted a similar stance. "This is a privately funded project on privately owned land," he says. "I think the Aboriginal community has done enough compromising on this issue."
A battle of attrition has ensued, fuelled by bad blood on both sides. The AHC have developed a belief that Sartor is out to hinder and not help them. "He says, 'It's my way or the highway," says Mundine. "He won't listen to our reasons." Sartor denies this, saying, "They have chosen not to take the conciliatory path; they've chosen the moral highway path."
Despite a history of bickering and trading insults in the press, Mundine and Sartor have more in common than they may care to admit. Both effectively want the same thing: a development that has a strong likelihood of working, based on a mixture of residential, commercial and cultural facilities tied to a robust social services program.
But they remain at loggerheads over one key issue, and it is on this issue that the project threatens to tumble. The AHC wants 62 houses. Having already shifted from his original offer of 19 houses (to replace the ones currently occupied), Sartor says 42 is the maximum number he would allow if the AHC wants commercial development there as well, which they do.
Sixty-two is significant, say the AHC, because it is the number of Aboriginal families in the Gadigal clan who occupied the land - now known as the Block - when white settlers arrived in the 1790s, before that population succumbed to smallpox. And, according to social planners engaged by the AHC, 62 dwellings equates to a population of 400 - the critical mass they say is required to make the project work. This relates to a theory that in order to create a viable community, the residents need to be self-policing - and 400 is the minimum needed to do it.
In a sense, then, the debate might be said to hinge on 20 houses. Phillips, who became a member of the AHC five years ago after a long period of scepticism towards the housing company, sighs. "You know what? In this case I can see the advantages of a compromise. It would be fantastic to see most of those houses and also Aboriginal businesses in there but they need to move quickly because the place is getting worse. Someone's got to humble themselves."
Dennis Weatherall rents his house - just a few terraces down from the burnt-out shell on the corner of Holden Street - from the AHC. "We're ready for a change," says the 59-yearold, who runs the Community Development and Employment Program for the Redfern Aboriginal Corporation. "With better housing, you'd get better tenants and they'd feel like there was a sense of ownership there so they'd look after their houses. That would give us the opportunity to grab the young people and give them the opportunity to move into full-time employment."
Daniel Ariel lives on Holden Street, just near Phillips. A retired commercial fisherman, a committed Christian and the father of 14 children, he has lived here for 17 years. "Like a lot of people, I used to believe that the AHC was brutish and that they were in it just for their own interests," says Ariel, who changed his view when the Tax Department audited the AHC in 2003, revealing it was more than half a million dollars in debt. "I said to them, 'Why don't you just sell a house?' And they said, 'We're not selling one Aboriginal house.' I thought, 'This guy is willing to stand up for what he believes in and get flogged personally for it.'"
"This guy" is Mundine. At 59, he has been around long enough to have collected his quota of critics. But on a late-afternoon walk around the Block, it becomes clear he is something of a legend here. Residents come out of their homes to say hello; others call out to him from their cars. Some ask him to fix broken fences; one wants him to "shoo some kids out of the gym° - where Mundine trains 15 young women twice a week, including his daughter Debra. He smiles and delegates the jobs to other people. He's busy, he says. He's been busy working on the Block for 31 years.
"After the late '70s, everything started going bad," he says. "One of the saddest things for me was seeing the houses on Eveleigh Street being demolished. Aboriginal people don't want to stay here like this. What we're trying to do is bring the population back and make it sustainable."
As we turn the corner from Eveleigh Street into Vine Street, the boxer Anthony "Chock" Mundine emerges from his black Holden and disappears into the gym. His father and trainer, Tony, is close behind, stopping to say hello to his brother Mick, They leave the car's windows open. No one is going to touch Chock's car.
Anthony Mundine plans to contest the seat of Marrickville which is set to take control of Redfern under electoral boundary changes, at the State election in March. "I would consider whatever strategy is needed to fight for the Block," he said earlier this year. "If that means standing for the seat, that's what I'll do."
Debra Mundine, Mick's eldest daughter, stands outside her sister Rachel's dilapidated terrace on Vine Street. The 36-year-old left the Block for Waterloo when her two sons, now aged 14 and 15, were young. Living on Eveleigh Street, down the road from Muraweena, the now-derelict pre-school, was dangerous, she says sadly. "They were chucking syringes over the fence while the kids were playing there."
Waterloo is where much of the overflow of welfare-dependent Aboriginal people on the Block seems to run. But for Debra, living there is a temporary salve, not a substitute for being on the Block, "I want to live here so I can be back in my community where I came from."
Social planner Angie Pitts, from the I. B. Fell Housing Research Centre at the University of Sydney, conducted surveys on the AHC's behalf to assess prospective applicants for the proposed 42 owner-occupied homes in the Pemulwuy Project. The results showed the houses would be oversubscribed, she says.
Sartor is unconvinced. "I don't think anyone will buy houses there," he says. Warren Mundine, National President of the Australian Labor Party, RWA board member and cousin to Mick Mundine, is also doubtful. "If I'm the type of clientele [Mick] wants to buy back in that area, then he has to do a lot of work to convince me. I've got seven kids - why haven't I bought into that area? Well, I don't like the drugs, the alcohol and the violence. I'm not exposing my children to that."
This concern, counters Mick Mundine, has been taken into consideration. The project's by-laws force eviction if drugs are found on any premises. "The biggest problem with dobbing in drug users is the malice coming from other family members," says Ariel. "If they had the law as a back-up to say, You'll have to go, otherwise we'll lose our house,' then the onus is on the person with the drugs. That's what's going to clean the place up."
The Government owns close to a third of the land in the area controlled by the RWA but its commercial value is yet to be realised, thanks to the general prevalence of high dependency housing and crime in the Redfern-Waterloo area and, specifically, on the Block. The Planning Minister, so one argument goes, must want to redevelop the area but he has one key obstacle - the Block.
Sartor dismisses the suggestion. "This is a social initiative, not a financial initiative," he says. "We don't need to develop Redfern-Waterloo for the State's economic growth per se. When people accuse us of wanting to get developers into Redfern-Waterloo, that is such a lie. That is a big fat lie. Because, in fact, developers aren't interested."
But in March last year, The Australian Financial Review reported that at a Property Council of Australia meeting the council's NSW executive director, Ken Morrison, said: "There is no way that Redfern is going to be that commercial mini-centre with Aboriginal housing and the Block still in place. We need to sort that out before any private investors will be interested."
"We are trying to attract investors," says Sartor, "but it's never been driven by developers." According to an RWA cabinet document leaked to The Sydney Morning Herald in November 2004, consultants to the Government advised that a failure to redevelop the Block would decrease property values by 30 per cent. "The estimated market value of developments in the area is approximately $5 billion," it says. "In order to maximise social and economic returns, the Government must be able to offer planning certainty to the market within a strategic planning framework."
Mick Mundine says the Government has an in-house word for the Block: "the Blockage". Warren Mundine says he's never heard of it. "The problem is, we have a history here," he says. "We've got 30 years of failure. I'm going to have a cold Christmas dinner, I'm sure, with my family. But I'm not stepping away from this. Everyone needs to sit down and win confidence between each other that they're fair dinkum about what they say they're going to do is going to happen."
If that is to unfold, there is other history to repair. "All they've said is, 'We're going to introduce a component of housing and we've got the money; you've got to give us what we want,'" says Sartor. "They're breaching the planning controls. They just say, 'We're Aboriginal. If you don't do it, you're a raciest.' Now I will never be cowed by what I regard as unconscionable racist slurs or any other form of denigration that isn't based on the facts. Argue with me the facts because I'm not rolling over."
Accusations of racism have played a strong hand in this battle. When Sartor went on Koori radio in September 2005, he infamously said, "Get off your backside, Mick, and bring your black arse in here to talk to me about it." Warren Mundine called the comment "idiotic". Sartor apologised and Mick Mundine accepted. The pair shook hands outside the minister's office but the next day Mundine retracted his apology and called on the minister to resign.
Since then, the insults have flowed unchecked from both sides. Mundine calls Sartor "arrogant" and "racist". Sartor calls the AHC "an unmitigated disaster".
A well-known local character wanders in to the AHC offices. Coming down from drugs, numbed by alcohol, he declines an interview. "Money talks, bullshit walks," he says, hurtling away and then back towards me. "Want a smiley?" he asks, holding a cigarette lighter up to my arm. When I retract, he laughs and burns a small hole in the side of the reception desk.
I'm reminded of Warren Mundine's comment after our interview. "I hope no one firebombs your house," he said with a grin. He was clearly joking but the throwaway line says much of the emotion, history and politics that threaten to ignite over this topic.
But if those elements are pulled out of this equation, what's left seems simple: a plan for urban regeneration. So there's really only one question: could this plan work?
There are comparable precedents elsewhere that suggest it could, says Peter Droege, an internationally-acclaimed urban planner, who cites successful redevelopments in London (Brixton), Boston (Commonwealth) and San Francisco (North Beach Place). "Brixton has undergone a locally supported renewal after many years of race riots," he says. "The Commonwealth and North Beach Place developments are two of several US examples promising deep revitalisation of notoriously problem-ridden public housing schemes."
But he stresses the following caveat: "The plan needs to be embedded into a much wider area regeneration, urban design and connectivity strategy that does not rely on a continued 'Block' image, i.e. that would avoid an enclave or fortress connotation."
To this end, the RWA appears to be making contributions. Its "Human Services" arm is developing a National Indigenous Development Centre at the former Redfern Public School, as well as a Community Health Centre on the site of the old Redfern Courthouse.
Catherine Burn, the Redfern Police Commander, says the police have committed to a number of social services under this division of the RWA, including improvements to indigenous literacy and health. One of her key concerns is breaking down bad perceptions of the police. "There's always going to be hostility but we're trying to balance it," says Burn, who has seen the robbery rate in the area drop by 50 per cent in the last 12 months under her command. "We've got a football team now and we play with the Aboriginal people. Their sense of community is fantastic."
Having walked from Caroline Street to Eveleigh Street and around the corner to Vine Street, the final tum around the Block takes you on to Louis Street. Just 12 terraces remain along a lonely stretch. Of those, only seven are inhabited.
Ben Smith lives in one of them. A 45year-old self-employed labourer and father of six, he remembers going to pre-school when it was underneath the Tony Mundine gym. °That's how long I've been around," he laughs. "My auntie Rita was the first dark lady to move in to the area. My great auntie Polly, bless her soul, said to hang around - two weeks before she passed away - to keep the spirit of the clan going."
There's a photograph of a young T. J. Hickey in the front window. When Hickey was fatally impaled on a fence after a police chase in 2004 his death sparked a riot that brought black-white tensions to a head, raising questions of whether anything had been learned from two centuries of indigenous disadvantage. "He was my eldest son's best mate," says Smith quietly. "He would have been about 20, 21 by now."
On February 8, 2005, nearly a year after Hickey's death, Sartor met with the AHC to be briefed on their plan. It was on that day that discussions broke down. “I think it is an injustice what the Government is doing to us at the present moment," says Mundine. "If Frank Sartor gives us the approval, we can do it in about a year and a half."
For his part, State Opposition leader Peter Debnam says, should he come to power at the election in March, "we would sign off the project straight away". The State Government is yet to decide whether it will endorse it. In October, the Department of Planning listed the Pemulwuy Project on its Major Projects Register after the AHC submitted it in March to obtain the director-general's requirements, which will now allow the AHC to lodge their planning application.
In the last month, there has been encouraging news to suggest the impasse may dissolve. Sartor requested a meeting with the AHC on November 1, the first in nearly two years. Afterwards, he said: "Some misunderstandings were clarified. The project still needs to undergo rigorous assessment but the meeting was informative and productive."
"It was pretty positive," adds Mundine. "I won't be happy until the dotted line is signed but it's a big step forward."
"If both sides are willing to compromise, they will come up with an answer," says Phillips, leaning forward with an optimistic smile. "The spirit of it is fantastic; it will be worthwhile giving it a try. One way or another, whoever wins this battle, I just can't wait for it to come about."
Photos:
Dennis Weatherall, who runs the Community Development and Employment Program. “We’re ready for a change.”
Anthony (left) and Mick Mundine – both fighting for the Block
Mick Mundine’s daughters. Debra (left) and Rachel. “They were chucking syringes over the fence.”
Shane Phillips came to live at the Block when he was five years old.
Ben Smith and his son Benjamin. A relative urged him to stay “to keep the spirit of the clan going”.
Frank Sartor, the NSW Minister for Planning, says he is "sceptical" about the Pemulwuy Project.
A section of the Block as it is today
Plans for Red Place, the posed communal centre of the redevelopment. Drawing by Innovarchi Architects.
Quotes:
“This is going to give our people a bit of self-esteem and hope for the future.” Mick Mundinie
“I’m passionate about change because generations of our people will survive” Shane Phillips
"They're breaching the planning controls. They just say, 'We're Aboriginal. If you don't do it, you're a racist."' Frank Sartor
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald the(Sydney)magazine Issue #44 December 06 pp42-48
[This document is produced by OCR of the print article and may contain recognition errors]
]]>“There was a history of mistrust and hatred between the Aboriginal community and the police that needed to be reconciled. This stemmed from the Aboriginal Protection Board era when kids were taken from their families and it was up to the local sergeant and constable in the area to do that.
“Back in the mid ’80s the Aboriginal community and the police decided they wanted a better relationship so they put together Aboriginal units within the police service and from these units employed Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers.
“A key role of an ACLO is to intervene when an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is in custody. They make sure that their legal rights are met, that they are fine, and not at risk of harm or hurt in any way. We also contact legal services and family friends.
“When I started we really saw the need to build on this liaison work and work more closely with the community, especially young people.
“In the late ’90s it seemed like we were fighting a losing battle with the drug use and associated crime in the area. It was distressing for many of us who have lived in the area for years to see our own people selling drugs to kids.
“Then the police started programs in partnerships with the community. For example, about six years ago we organised camps with the kids. This proved to be very successful. I started to hear of kids that would come to the police station and ask for a certain constable or sergeant who they had met on the camp. If the kids saw an officer on the street they would stop and talk to them. They wouldn’t run away if they saw a police vehicle on The Block. That’s one of the things we don’t want anymore. We don’t want the kids to be scared of police. We want to build up a really good rapport.
“And about four years ago the current Local Area Commander, Superintendent Luke Freudenstein, launched the Clean Slate Without Prejudice program which is a program that worked with the kids who were getting into trouble, trying to clean up their act. They would participate in a variety of programs such as boxing, touch football, OzTag or anything like that. Tribal Warrior, a community organisation led by Shane Phillips and managed by the elders, worked very hard to make these programs a success by running mentoring programs.
“Our crime rate with youth in the area has dropped dramatically over the years. It really has, and it is all thanks to people like Shane Phillips, Superintendent Luke Freudenstein, our youth liaison officers and many others.
“Holding the Family and Culture Day every month on The Block for the last four years has also brought positive change. Shane Phillips and others involved would get out days before these events, walk around The Block, knocking on doors and handing out brochures, spreading the message that these days were for our community, to bring the community back together and that there will be no dealers, no drugs and no alcohol. The police were keen to come along to the events to show their support.
“Now that The Block is under development, the event has moved to Waterloo Green. The first was held in February and was a great success. There was face painting, jumping castles, live entertainment, and with a variety of cultures such as Chinese dancers and international singers. We see it as an opportunity for elders and children to feel comfortable and safe in their community.”
The next Family and Culture Day will be on Saturday May 26, from 12 midday to 3pm at Waterloo Green.
Source: The South Sydney Herald May 2012 – www.southsydneyherald.com.au]]>Redfern Waterloo the best in Sydney’s eyes
Family and Culture Days rockin’ at The Block
Redfern businesses need to network; Chamber
Pemulwuy gets the nod for The Block
Eye screening day sees to children and parents
Redfern Town Centre guidelines closer to public exhibition
Redfern Waterloo Business Advice Service
Professor Patrick Dodson dines at Yaama Dhiyaan
Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training
The Factory acknowledges community’s ‘unsung heroes’
Eveleigh Markets Manager Ariana Aljinovic said it was an honour to receive the award, especially for the farmers and producers who are now attracting more than 3,000 visitors every Saturday morning.
“Ever since we started operating, community support for the Market has grown,” she said. “A few weeks ago we had more than 4,000 people walking through the door. It is no wonder considering the amazing range of produce on offer from more than 65 stallholders.”
Eveleigh Markets was judged the best on the criteria of ‘excellence of product, knowledge and understanding of what is stocked, attention to detail and engagement with business’. The award acknowledged Management’s undertaking of authenticity audits with stallholders on an ongoing basis to reassure product quality.
Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Kristina Keneally, said the award reinforced how impressive the markets had become. “I have spent many a Saturday morning at the markets with my family enjoying the produce, atmosphere and a Kangaroo pie from Yaama Dhiyaan,” she said.
Markets stallholder Jacqui Corrie from Egganic in Orange has been on board since the markets opened in February this year. She and her partner make the four hour trip each Saturday to sell fresh free-range eggs.
“We tested the water with Castle Hill (farmers’ markets),” Jacqui said. “The only problem being that it’s a monthly market and that’s why Eveleigh has been so fantastic for us, because we can bring down our eggs every week. We have been so caught up with Eveleigh that we haven’t had time for many other farmers’ markets.”
Jacqui said the venue also helps. “It is an all weather facility. And the CarriageWorks is great because they hold other functions and draw in new crowds. It’s not an island on its own,” she said.
Other produce to be found at the ‘rail-hail-shine’ venue at the CarriageWorks venue include lamb, beef and pork, in-season fruit and vegetables, honey, new season olive oils, artisan bread, shellfish, goats cheese and baked goods.
An upcoming date to record on the calendar is the Christmas Markets on 19th December. “This market will feature delicious Christmas produce,” Ariana said. “You can already place an order for your Christmas turkey.”
The Artisans’ Art and Craft Market continues to showcase the very best individually-designed local art, sculpture, design, ceramics, glass, craft and Indigenous artworks at the same CarriageWorks location on the first Sunday of every month.
The Eveleigh Markets opportunity was created by the $3 million refurbishment of the heritage Blacksmith’s Workshop at North Eveleigh Railyards undertaken by the NSW Government and the Redfern Waterloo Authority.
For more information about the Markets visit www.eveleighmarket.com.au or phone Ariana Aljinovic on (02) 9209 4163.
I am delighted Redfern -Waterloo has received the recognition it deserves in the form of The Sydney Morning Herald best markets award for our Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets. This is a positive step for the community and finishes of what has been a positive year for the area.
The arrival of Channel 7 and more than 2,000 staff towards the start of 2010 marks another special event in the area’s future. The movement of Channel 7 and its partner companies is an enormous vote of confidence by these organisations in the future of Redfern-Waterloo.
Progress continues with the design of the upgrade of Redfern Railway Station, which will involve the Eveleigh Heritage Walk (pedestrian bridge). This is a complex project and we are working with RailCorp, planners and architects to achieve an optimal outcome for users of the station and surrounding areas.
More than 160 people have now graduated from Yaama Dhiyaan and the Koori Job Ready Course since 2006. The majority of these graduates have moved directly into employment or higher education. These are strong numbers and ones we will look to build on in 2010.
We will also look to build on levels of transparency and communication that we have made steps towards in 2009. Fundamental to our organisation is the community we serve and the opportunity for all stakeholders to be informed, have their say and be heard. This is the key for a vibrant RedfernWaterloo of the future.
Roy Wakelin-King
The latest end-of-the-month event in September celebrated Indigenous sport and literature at one of Australia’s most iconic Indigenous landmarks. The Black Turtles, Michael Donovan and others were on hand to ensure both white and black visitors enjoyed an ear-full of entertainment.
Tribal Warrior’s Shane Phillips said attendance levels were easily reaching over 200 people. “People are coming from all over the place. A lot of the families in the area are making it as well. It’s important for them to have ownership of it and be part of it.”
The days are drug and alcohol free, an important message to be sending out Shane Phillips said.
“It shows the community is doing something about the effects of drugs and alcohol for our children,” he said. “It’s about teaching Koori kids in the community what they can be, instead of being told what they are.”
Congratulations to the Redfern Waterloo Community Drug Action Team which secured funding of $10,000 through NSW Health to provide continued assistance to Tribal Warrior and the days which are held on the last Saturday of every month. For more information contact Tribal Warrior on (02) 9699 3491.
Photo: Kamikazi Dancers stood and delivered to a captivated crowd.
“With all the development that is occurring in Redfern it is very important businesses are aware of it and have an opportunity to be heard,” Chamber President Mary Lynne Pidcock said.
The Redfern Chamber has been holding networking events throughout the year hosted by various companies and organisations, including the Tudor Inn, Landcom, the City of Sydney and South Sydney Leagues.
The RWA hosted a networking night in June at the Australian Technology Park (ATP) where more than 50 businesses were represented, including the Aboriginal Housing Company, Taylors College and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“We had a great turnout,” Mary Lynne said. “The invitation was extended to the tenants of the ATP, so we had a large variety of companies represented.”
Roy Wakelin-King of the RWA spoke to the group about the activities being undertaken by the RWA and included a presentation of the SBS Living Black program’s report on the RWA’s Koori Job Ready Course from earlier in the year.
Listing the Channel 7 development at ATP where more than 2,000 people will work weekly, Mary Lynne said many local business owners are not aware of it and the potential for their businesses.
“Our networking events are a really good opportunity to hear from people first-hand who are working with these projects everyday,” she said.
For more information about upcoming events contact RWCC President, Mary Lynne Pidcock on 0419 657 888 or email her through the www.rwchamber.com.au website.
Photo: Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce President Mary Lynne Pidcock with Greg Colbran from DeiCorp (left) and Mick Mundine of the Aboriginal Housing Company (right).
The Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy Project Concept Plan for The Block was approved by the NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally in July.
The $60 million Project is set to deliver 62 residential apartments and 9,000 square metres of commercial use, shops and community and cultural space.
It could also deliver around 200 construction jobs and 100 ongoing positions.
“This is the first step in creating a modern, sustainable and accessible community,” Ms Keneally said. “It is an exciting step to know the historic site will become a sustainable and accessible residential and commercial precinct for the local community.”
The AHC’s CEO Mick Mundine said he was very pleased to have received approval for the Pemulwuy Project.
“It boils down to respect and respecting one another. And that’s what has been brought to The Block,” Mr Mundine said. “It’s been a long journey getting here, and it’s about bringing everybody together to make that journey a reality.”
The AHC is currently putting together a five year draft plan for development.
The South Sydney Herald are fundraising for Pemulwuy with a target of $5,000. Head to the website www.gofundraise.com.au/Pemulwuy to make a donation or contact the AHC directly on 9318 0177.
“We set up a fun-filled day so families could attend and children and their parents could have their eyes screened,” the Benevolent Society’s Henrietta Foulds said.
Almost every family had at least one member that required a further follow-up. Optometrists there on the day had taken a day off their annual leave to provide the service.
Henrietta said the children that needed spectacles and further testing were provided with both free of charge.
“We would hope to repeat the day again,” Henrietta said. “The service has a real direct health outcome. These are kids and parents that would have not been picked up in the usual medical channels.”
Barnados, SDN Brighter Futures, the Factory Community Centre and the Benevolent Society spread the word around the community for the day.
The RWA were delighted to be able to support the event by providing a BBQ lunch and a jumping castle for the children to enjoy whilst they waited to be screened.
Photo: Eye screening in action with one of the volunteer optometrists.
Connecting Community
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence is opening in November 2009 and is currently offering early membership packages to this premier sporting facility. The membership packages include no start-up fees, consultation and training, an NCIE Bag and water bottle and the chance to win a 40 inch Samsung LCD TV.
For more information call the NCIE on 1300 866 761 or walk into their sales office at 88 Pitt Street, Redfern.
A final draft of the proposed Town Centre Guidelines is expected late October, with a public exhibition to take place towards the end of the year.
The Town Centre is envisaged to provide activity and a focus for jobs, housing, transport and importantly a meeting place for residents and workers. The key focus for the RWA is the delivery of:
Back in June members of the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee and other community members took part in a workshop to discuss plans for the Town Centre.
“It’s been useful to be involved in the process and to have community input into the early stage of the process,” Geoff Turnbull, a member of the Advisory Committee said.
The RWA lodged an amendment to the height of buildings in the Redfern Town Centre SEPP that was gazetted 25th September 2009. This amendment reduced the podium heights around the buildings.
To view the amended map head to www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/mapindex?type=epi&year=2005&no=194 or for more information email redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Illustration: The recent SEPP amendment means that podiums around the two main town centre buildings (featured), have been reduced in height to 2 and 3 storeys.
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“ I think the amount of drug use in the community has reduced dramatically since that time,” South Sydney Youth Services Director Shane Brown said. “Heroin has particularly reduced in the last ten years. I think children are safer than they were.”
Shane Brown would know. He has been working with South Sydney Youth Services for the past 23 years helping kids, youths and families on the street and in crisis. Today the SSYS works with 800 people a year on primarily housing, mental health and educational and training issues.
“We work with a lot of young people who have missed out on getting training and unemployment,” Shane said. “Our relationship with the RWA has allowed us to direct kids to training courses like Yaama Dhiyaan and the Koori Job Ready Course.”
“We just had one young lady, Shantell Kemble who we referred to a Yaama Dhiyaan program. She had spent a year-and-a-half doing nothing at all. After graduating she found a job as a barista in the city. She has found a real boost in self-confidence.”
Around 68% of the people using the non-government organisation service are indigenous.
Four counselors, two clinical psychologists, education workers and a number of youth workers are on hand. The organisation is however relocating to 104 Erskineville Road, Erskineville on 2 November for one year, while Council renovates their current premise at Waterloo Oval.
Head to their website www.ssys.org.au or call them on (02) 9318 0539 for more information.
Photo: Yaama graduate Shantell Kemble with SSYS support worker Mardi Angelopolos.
Redfern Police have been hard at work improving safety levels in their local area command and have achieved significant reductions in the level of crime.
House break-ins have significantly reduced in all areas with an increased presence of uniformed and undercover police and the targeting of known offenders. Police are also happy to report little disturbance from groups of people or associated violence in Redfern.
On prevention, a youth program in the area has been implemented aimed at reducing crime activity, such as robbery offences, by young people. This is a coordinated program that involves police, families of young people, community leaders and other government agencies.
The stamp-down on illegal drugs continues with ongoing drug-related operations, including sniffer dogs, being used to identify and combat drug use and behaviour.
In a show of appreciation of Police efforts, the Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group handed out fliers on crime and safety issues in the area.
Superintendent Luke Freudenstein heads up the Redfern Local Area Command that takes in the suburbs of Redfern, Waterloo, Chippendale, Alexandria. Redfern Police can be reached on (02) 8303 5199.
Professor Dodson was acting in his role as the Director of Indigenous Policy and the Dialogue Research Unit at the University of NSW.
The Yawuru man from Broome was initially given a tour of both the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality and Training Centre and the Les Tobler Construction Centre where the Koori Job Ready Course is run.
Aboriginal Elder Aunty Beryl Van Oploo, who teaches the course at Yaama Dhiyaan, told Professor Dodson how her dream to be able to provide Aboriginal people with skills to work in hospitality has now become a wonderful reality.
The head teacher of the Koori Job Ready Course, Ryan Jackson also proudly showed Professor Dodson through the Construction Centre that has filled 257 construction jobs with graduates from the course, with another 240 positions to be filled over the next two years.
Following the tour, the former Director of the Central Land Council and Kimberly Land Council dined on a menu specially prepared by Yaama Dhiyaan’s young Aboriginal chef Mathew Cribb. Dishes included crocodile ravioli, macadamia and wild thyme crusted emu fillet, baked chocolate and wattle seed pots served with double cream.
Professor Dodson remarked that he would like to see the initiatives of Yaama Dhiyaan and the Koori Job Ready Course offered Australia-wide, particularly in his hometown of Broome in Western Australia.
Professor Dodson is a former Royal Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths In Custody and for six years was the Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
Photo: Professor Dodson joined by head Yaama Aboriginal chef Mathew Cribb and Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo.
Looking to work in hospitality?
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Yaama Dhiyaan is Australia’s first and only hospitality college specialising in Indigenous culture and cuisine. We offer accredited Certificate II training in Hospitality (Operations) with a focus on gaining employment in the hospitality industry.
The course is run at Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training & Function Centre, 255 Wilson Street, Darlington.
For enquiries about the course or to register your interest for future courses, contact Andrew Constantinidis, at the Redfern Waterloo Authority by phone (02) 9202 9100 or email andrew.constantinidis@rwa.nsw.gov.au
FOUR COURSES WILL BE RUN IN 2009
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Twenty awards were allotted to groups such as REdWatch, the Food Distribution Network, the South Sydney Herald and the Redfern Legal Centre. Individual awards acknowledged members of the Waterloo Recycling Workshop in Phillip Street, Family day on the Block organisers and key event managers.
“The people collecting these awards are genuine unsung heroes in the community,” the Factory’s Mike Shreenan said. “It’s impossible to properly measure the huge positive impact of the work they do but I’m quite sure we would be a lot worse off without them.”
This was the Factory’s third annual Volunteers Awards ceremony. Mike Shreenan is the man who started the initiative three years ago.
“There are a few awards at the national level,” Mike said. “But the volume of volunteering in the Redfern Waterloo area is phenomenal.”
“People say there is a lot of apathy in area, but the level of volunteers contradicts this. These awards are a way of showing people that residents in the area are making a real contribution,” Mike said.
Meghan Hibbert, the Area Director for the inner city from Housing NSW, joined the RWA’s Roy Wakelin-King in presenting the awards.
For details of other volunteering opportunities or how you could become involved in local projects please contact one of your local community or neighbourhood centres that include The Factory Community Centre (www.thefactory.org.au, 9698 9569), South Sydney Community Aid’s Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre (9319 4073), The Settlement (9698 3087) and Redfern Community Centre (9288 5713).
Photo: The Factory’s Mike Shreenan with the mic and Meghan Hibbert from Housing NSW.
Over 24 community groups and 52 individuals received an award at the event as a small token of appreciation of their efforts and contribution to community life. Group’s which received the reward and represent a large number of other volunteers include:
For more information or to send us your feedback please contact the Redfern Waterloo Authority, Level 11, Tower 2, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern
Tel: (02) 9202 9100 Fax: (02) 9202 9111 Mail: PO Box 3332, Redfern NSW 2016 Email: redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au Internet: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
]]>According to Shane Phillips, whose family has lived in the area for three generations, it was a dynamic place to grow up. “We saw a lot of strong Koori people, who all worked hard and fought for what they believed in,” he says, “and just wanted to raise their kids and get what everyone else was getting.”
But in the mid-1990s, says Phillips, “the gear hit”. The area became known for its heroin trade, attracting users from across Sydney to score and shoot up in the dark alleys of the area’s 19th century housing. “That infection just grew, and destroyed what was a great, strong place,” Phillips says.
To the local Aboriginal community, the Block is a significant and symbolic place, with the potential to house a vibrant community. To developers, it’s a near-empty piece of land in an overcrowded city.
Prime real estate just five minutes from the CBD, Redfern has been an obvious ‘black spot’ on developers’ maps for some time. However, last year’s riots following the tragic death of 17-year-old TJ Hickey, and the subsequent parliamentary inquiry in to the area, have given the NSW Government the impetus to push ahead with major redevelopment plans.
In November last year the Carr Government’s agenda was revealed in documents leaked to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Soon after, the Redfern-Waterloo Act went through parliament with full support from the Liberal opposition. “I said the day after the riot at Redfern that the real solution to this was to bulldoze the Block. I can hardly argue when the Government comes forward to do that and so much more,” said opposition leader John Brogden.
In its mandate to improve the socio-economic standing of the area, the newly formed Redfern-Waterloo Authority has the power to acquire private land, bypass heritage and planning laws, and delegate its powers to private subsidiary corporations. According to property lawyer Damien Barnes, while these powers are not unprecedented, they are extraordinary considering the area is highly residential.
The Block has a problematic history, closely tied to mismanagement by its guardians, the Aboriginal Housing Company. In 1997, the company demolished a number of houses and relocated residents in an attempt to get rid of the drug trade. Ann Weldon, Chairperson of the Aboriginal Housing Office, says there was a lot of division over this decision, and the AHC has still not delivered on a promise it made at that time: to build one house for every two that it knocked down.
“I would like to see that promise obligated, irrespective of what the company are negotiating with other people, because there was major rivalry and discontent within the Aboriginal community over relocation, and the implications of that,” says Weldon.
Peter Valilis, AHC Project Director, concedes that the AHC has not been an effective community representative. “The Company didn’t do two things in the past: it didn’t get the support of the majority of the stakeholders, and it didn’t start off with a social agenda.”
“We now recognise that there are a lot of direct and indirect stakeholders of this area. Even though the Housing Company owns the land, and no one, legally, has a say beyond that; you have government stakeholders, tenants, local people who live near the Block, the business community, academics. There’s a long list of people who have an interest in this area.”
For the last five years, the AHC has been developing plans to revitalise the area. The Company’s ‘Pemulwuy Plan’ would see 62 new houses built on the Block, along with an open-plan retail district, offices, a gymnasium and an Aboriginal business college. The plan has received two social planning awards, but is reliant on Government funding to proceed.
Valilis explains that the Pemulwuy Plan came about following lengthy community consultation: “Everyone had a say, and eventually, not everyone was happy, but we found some common ground.”
That is, until the Redfern-Waterloo Authority weighed into the debate.
In February, Frank Sartor, the NSW Minister responsible for Redfern-Waterloo, visited the AHC to discuss the future of the Block. According to Peter Valilis, the Minister told the Company’s board members that he wanted “no black faces on the Block”.
Sartor’s spokeswoman denies the claim.
However, the Minister has made his opposition to the Pemulwuy Plan clear, dubbing it an experiment in high-dependency housing.
Valilis is adamant that the plan will go ahead, with or without State Government support. He describes the Minister’s approach as “it’s my way or the highway”. “Well, we got in the car and drove off down the highway,” he says.
However, if negotiations between the two parties sour, Sartor could, in line with the Land Acquisition Act, compulsorily acquire the Block and develop it as he pleases. Valilis’s response to this suggestion is a defiant “let him try.”
Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway takes the threat more seriously. He believes the local community does not have the political clout to take on a money-hungry Minister, backed by some very rich developers.
“There’s good argument to say that any decision to compulsorily acquire what is private land could amount to a breach of the Racial Discrimination Act, on the grounds that it is treating one group differently to the rest of the community,” he says.
“I think Australia’s become so immune to looking at these things in certain ways. If [the ‘no black faces’ comment] were said in the United States or the United Kingdom you’d have race riots on the streets. Aboriginal people locally have somehow been conditioned into accepting that this is normal, and the government and the rest of the community is saying that it’s okay. Well I’m saying it’s not. The standards of the law should apply equally, irrespective of the colour of a person’s skin,” says Ridgeway
If the Redfern-Waterloo Authority acquired the Block, it would be the first time in Australian history that land won by Aboriginal people as a result of the 1970s land rights struggle was taken back from them.
Shane Phillips believes that much of the local Aboriginal community is behind the AHC’s Pemulwuy Plan, and is prepared to fight for it. “There are so many people who want to come back to Redfern. They don’t want to come back while it’s all drugs, and drug dealers are still living here. That’s the intention of the housing company: bring back some working families and give the kids an opportunity to help rebuild the place, but also to see positive role models in their community.”
“A few weeks ago there was a fundraiser for a bloke, a great family man from the area, who’s ill at the moment. Everyone came together and it was great to see all those faces, who you know have had words or had disputes, all come together and sit at the same tables.”
“People come together for a cause,” says Phillips.
The
Redfern-Waterloo Authority might be just the cause to bring community back to
the Block.
]]>
Mr Petar Vladeta, General Manager Redfern-Waterloo Authority (Chair)
Professor Chris Johnson, Department of Planning
Mr Reg Fisk, Department of State and Regional Development
Ms Kathy Roil, A/General Manager, Central Sydney Housing Services, Housing NSW
Mr Michael Bushby, Roads & Traffic Authority
Mr Richard Hemsworth, Executive Manager, Property Development, RailCorp
Mr Andrew Thomas, City of Sydney, Director of strategic Planning & Project
Mr Richard Pembroke, Redfern Group (Ex -Secretary, Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce)(Real Estate Agent) - Appointed 2005
Mr Michael Cummins, Waterloo Storm ARLFC Inc - Appointed July 2007
Mr Steve Tamas, PRD Nationwide Redfgern (Real Estate Agent) - Appointed 2005
Mr Alex Kibble, Community Representative - Appointed 2005
Ms Denny Powell, Community Representative - Appointed July 2007
Mr Sol Bellear, Community Representative - Appointed July 2007
Mr Geoffrey Turnbull, Community Representative (Spokesperson, REDWatch) - Appointed 2005
Ms Norah McGuire, Community Representative - Appointed July 2007
While Community representatives are appointed in their own right and not as representatives we have added information about known community involvements of community representatives so that the community has some idea of the community involvements of those chosen to represent them.
Community Representatives 2005 -2007
Ms Ann Weldon, (Chair, NSW Government Aboriginal Housing Office) Appointed to RWA Board in 2006.
Ms Jocelyn Jackson, Community Representative
Mr Shane Phillips, Community Representative (Tribal Warrior)
Mr Jonathan Rez, Community Representative
For further information on the areas covered by RWA BEAC visit:
The RWA website at – http://www.redfernwaterloo.com.au/redfern_waterloo_plan/urban_renewal.htm
The list of Community Representatives is also listed on the RWA site at:
http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/community_consultation/howyourvoicewillbeheard.htm
]]>The NSW Government, the National Park & Wildlife Service, and Captain Cook Cruises support the event that will run between 10am and 4pm.
Activities will include:
Tribal Warrior Association is a non-profit community organisation initiated and directed by Aboriginal people with Aboriginal Elders. Concerned Aboriginal people with a view to spread and vitalise Aboriginal culture, and to provide economic and social stability established the association in 1998. It provides quality training for employment skills, and extends everyday practical assistance by distributing food and groceries to struggling families.
See the flyer for more details - Me‐mel: Goat Island through Bennelong’s Eyes - Sunday 18th April 2010 Poster.
Media kit available on request
Contacts:
Shane Phillips (CEO) - 0414 077 631
Rob Roberts - 0433 830 844
Tribal Warrior office:
Tel: 02 9699 3491 Fax: 02 9699 3441
PO Box 3200, REDFERN NSW 2016
106 Lawson Street, REDFERN NSW 2016
]]>With thousands of Lions from all over the world converging on Sydney in June for the 93rd International Conference, the Redfern-Waterloo Club will be taking a leading role in ensuring that there is a strong Indigenous component to the festivities. By enlivening the international network of the “Lions Family”, Mr Lanzky was able to organise for the International Vice President of Lions International to meet with Tribal Warrior’s Chairperson, Shane Phillips.
“[The Vice President] interviewed some of the participants, who were reformed drug addicts, alcoholics and things like that. He just had tears in his eyes. Afterwards, he said ‘I’m going back to Chicago next week, and I’m going to see if I can get you some money.’” Within a week, $10,000 had been donated to the cause, sponsoring three young people for the program.
“$10,000 is not that much money,” Mr Lanzky concedes. “But if that can make one person get off drugs and get a new start in life, then it’s worth $1 million in my opinion.”
There is a certain satisfaction for Mr Lanzky in knowing that whatever money is collected will pass back into the community, without travelling through several levels of bureaucracy. “There are a lot of little organisations around Redfern. And they all have one thing in common: they’ve got no money.”
Photo: Andrew Collis - Redfern-Waterloo Lions Membership Chairperson John Lanzky
Source: South Sydney Herald February 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au
]]>The frank responses of those in the documentary make for thought-provoking viewing. Shane Phillips, Redfern community leader, comments that the Intervention Laws are “apartheid” instigated “under the false pretences of protecting children”.
Vincent Forrester concurred. “These laws have done more harm, other than shooting us,” he says in the film.
Others in the documentary comment on the ineffectiveness and brutality of imposing a system of laws on a set of people – and that for any system to work it needs to be devised with the inclusion of the Aboriginal people themselves. Shane Phillips commented that the laws are a bad set of rules that “takes away our identity and doesn’t deal with any of our issues”. Another person interviewed advised: “The Intervention is really an intervention into the pride and integrity of the Aboriginal people.”
Many confronting perspectives in the film are in relation to the laws restricting the consumption of alcohol, but which are viewed as doing nothing to address the reason why Aborigines drink. Walter Shaw, a young Aboriginal activist, commented that there is “no doubt that there is a problem with alcohol, but you need to look at the predispositions of people, the barriers in their life”.
One Aboriginal man commented: “I am not allowed to drink in public places but the public place is my home – the police say ‘Go home’ but how can I go home when this is my home?”
A couple of young white males, obviously drinking outside a bar, are asked their opinion on the Intervention. “Aboriginals in the Northern Territory are moving to South Australia to escape the Intervention Laws – so they can drink,” says one. When the filmmaker comments on their own drinking, they respond: “The difference is we are civilised.”
Professor Behrendt commented at the end of the screening that she was surprised to hear the rhetoric of Jenny Macklin, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, in that the Intervention was all about the children. “This is the same rhetoric of the Howard Government,” she commented. She added that many Australians would be “outraged” if they were fully aware of how the Intervention Laws were affecting those who had to abide by them.
Aunty Millie Ingram added: “You can’t dissect the Intervention; it’s got to be thrown out!”
Shane Phillips thanked all who attended and urged everyone to work together to abolish the dispossession of the Aboriginal people. As to the way forward he stated: “It is about empowerment. About belief in the pride and strength of our people and our people will survive.”
For more information about the Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) you can contact Sarah on 0409 148 226.
Photo: The intervention is giving increased confidence to racist behaviour in Alice Springs
Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au
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