NEWS

Redfern: A Centre for Excellence

Premier highlights changing face of Redfern Waterloo

Human Services boost at the RWA

RWA CEO attends REDWatch meeting

Parking consultant engaged for Alexandria

Heritage update

RWA helps Babana find new home

New services map on RWA website

Coca Cola comes to Redfern Waterloo

Redfern Waterloo Newsletter at your doorstep

News from the ATP

WHAT’S ON

Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm

REDWater Community Market – 20 March

Family and Culture Day on The Block – 27 March

Yaama Dhiyaan - 2010 dates

Koori Job Ready: Information Day on 7 April

NEWS

Redfern: A Centre for Excellence

The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joined the local Redfern community in celebrating the opening of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence on Friday 26 February 2010. The Prime Minister said it was a proud day for Australians to see the $50 million Centre open in Redfern, marking a new era in Indigenous education, engagement and leadership. Yaama Dhiyaan catered for the 300- strong crowd, with Uncle Max performing the smoking ceremony and Chicka Dixon the Welcome to Country. The Minister for Redfern Waterloo and local Member Kristina Keneally, and NSW Governor Marie Bashir were on hand to congratulate those involved. The NCIE unofficially opened its doors early January 2010.

Premier highlights changing face of Redfern Waterloo

The NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has welcomed a reduction in crime and increase in property prices in Redfern Waterloo. The Premier was at the Tony Mundine Gym on 15 February 2010 to highlight independent data, which shows a reduction in crime in the area over the last two years, combined with solid increases in housing and unit prices in both suburbs over the past five years. House prices in Redfern have risen by 38% since 2005, with a 22% increase for Waterloo. The Premier thanked both the Local Police and Aboriginal community leaders for working together to achieve outcomes for the community. The NSW Government will invest $8 million in the Redfern Waterloo Authority during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 financial years. To read the full press release go to Latest News on the RWA home page www.redfernwaterloo.com.au.

Human Services boost at the RWA

The Human Services team at the Redfern Waterloo Authority has received a significant boost with the appointment of a Director and a Senior Project Manager. Melissa Gibson assumes the role of Director of Human Services, bringing her experience in human services delivery with both government and non-government agencies, including NSW Health, Housing NSW, and NSW Department for Women. She previously worked as a psychologist in residential and community health centres. Jennifer Duxley joins as the new Senior Project Manager, replacing Don Stewart. Formerly a solicitor, Jennifer comes across from Relationships Australia, having previously worked for the White Ribbon Foundation, the NSW Government’s Reduce Violence Against Women campaign and the Hawkesbury Community Legal Centre as the principal solicitor. Together with Julie Parsons, the Human Services team is positioned to make significant progress on the Human Services Plans, for the benefit of the homeless, people with disabilities, the aged, and migrant communities.

RWA CEO attends REDWatch meeting

RWA CEO Roy Wakelin-King and new Human Services Director Melissa Gibson met with community group REDWatch on Thursday March 4 as part of the RWA’s commitment to attend REDWatch meetings on quarterly basis. Mr Wakelin-King updated meeting attendees on the RWA’s activities across the planning and urban renewal, human services and employment and enterprise initiatives. The RWA will next attend a REDWatch meeting on Thursday June 3.

Parking consultant engaged for Alexandria

ATP Managing Director Roy Wakelin-King wrote to Alexandria residents on 1 March 2010 updating them on the engagement of a traffic consultant to manage a parking resolution for the area. The letter also listed the activities undertaken by the ATP since the community information meeting. To read this letter, go to Latest News on the RWA home page: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au.

Heritage update

The RWA’s Heritage team received a number of nominations for heritage projects before the window for nominations closed on 25 February 2010. The team is now prioritising and actioning these items in readiness for presentation to the Redfern Waterloo Heritage Taskforce at the next meeting on March 16. One indigenous seat on the Taskforce remains available. Head to the Heritage section of the RWA website to find more about the Heritage Taskforce, heritage projects, the terms of reference, Taskforce membership and a point of contact for Heritage matters.

RWA helps Babana find new home

The RWA has assisted Babana in finding a new venue to hold monthly meetings and to meet up for their weekly Sunday walks. The RWA has paid for the hire of the South Sydney PCYC to foster and grow the reach of this valuable community organisation. For more information contact the RWA’s Julie Parsons on 9202 9112 (Julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au) or Babana’s Mark Spinks on 9243 3546.

New services map on RWA website

The RWA has provided a new services map on its website, located under the green Community house under ‘Services’. This map locates Aboriginal, Aged and Disability, Education and Employment, Family, Health, Multi Service and Youth organisations and service providers in the Redfern Waterloo area, including addresses and phone numbers. This is the first map and accompanying list of its kind for the area. Updates and improvements in presentation and usability will be made going forward. To aid this process, please email any necessary updates to Ben Falkenmire at ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

Coca Cola comes to Redfern Waterloo

Coca Cola joined a prestigious list of companies that have come to the Redfern Waterloo area to film or shoot at the North Eveleigh site. The company used a number of locations within North Eveleigh to film an advertisement for one of their drink products. It is understood that the advertisement will be released in the near future and run for approximately six months. Other companies that have recently used North Eveleigh include David Jones, the Cancer Council for their Big Morning Tea campaign, and Chinese New Year parade performers for rehearsals. All filming or photography was overseen by the RWA in accordance with its guidelines on filming and photographing on RWA sites. For more information head to Film and photography on the RWA website or contact Malcolm Hartley on 9202 9102 or Malcolm.hartley@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

Redfern Waterloo Newsletter at your doorstep

The Redfern Waterloo newsletter was delivered to the doorsteps of homes in the Redfern Waterloo (including Darlington, Eveleigh and parts of Alexandria) towards the end of February. The February edition features a colourful cover article on the opening of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. Other articles include Kristina Keneally’s retainment of the Redfern Waterloo ministry as Premier, the arrival of world class film studios to Darlington and a profile of local Aboriginal Women’s Group Mudgin-Gal. To receive a copy, contact Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au, including your name and postal address.

News from the ATP

The Australian Technology Park distributed its latest newsletter at the end of February to subscribers, updating them on developments at the Park. To read this newsletter head to http://www.atp.com.au/newsletters and follow the prompts. You can access prior newsletters on this page. Towards the bottom of the web page, enter your details to subscribe for future newsletters.

WHAT’S ON

Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm

Eveleigh Market is an undercover, traditional, authentic weekly Saturday Farmers’ Market. The venue is the historic Blacksmith Workshop of the one-time Eveleigh Railyards, providing for Sydney’s only ‘rain, hail, shine’ venue and an inspiring heritage backdrop. The Farmers’ market is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. For more information head to http://www.eveleighmarket.com.au.

REDWater Community Market – 20 March

The REDWater Community Market continues to offer hand-made, recycled and second-hand goods on the third Saturday of each month. Get down to Redfern Park from 8am to find that treasure gift, hobby item or something unique for the home. To hold a stall call 0434 197 527 and for general information call 9698 9569.

Family and Culture Day on The Block – 27 March

Family and Culture Day on The Block returns 27 March with more live music, performances, food and activities for the family. This community event is held on the last Saturday of the month. For more information contact Shane Phillips at Tribal Warrior on 9699 3491.

Yaama Dhiyaan - 2010 dates

The first term of the year at the Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training Centre finishes on 1 April. The remainder of this year’s course dates are as follows:

Term 2: 3^rd May to 2^nd July

Term 3: 26^th July to 24^th Sept

Term 4: 11^th October to 10^th December

For more information contact Andrew Constantinidis on 9202 9100.

Koori Job Ready: Information Day on 7 April

An Information Day for the second term of the Koori Job Ready Course for the year is taking place on Wednesday 7 April. The dates for the Term 2 course, and for terms 3 and 4. are:

Term 2: 19^th April to 11^th June (information day: 7^th April)

Term 3: 5^th July to 27^th August (information day: 22^nd June)

Term 4: 11^th October to 3^rd December (information day: 28^th September)

For more information contact Wayne Dargan (9202 9100, 0423 414 643) or Rohan Tobler (9202 9100, 0414 137 816).

To be added to the RWA Update distribution list, make comments or suggest a news item or event, please contact the RWA’s Communications Officer Ben Falkenmire on 9202 9112 or ben.falkenmire@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

Ben Falkenmire

Communications

Redfern-Waterloo Authority

1 Lawson Square

PO Box 3332

Redfern NSW 2016

T: 02 9202 9112

F: 02 9202 9111

RWA Repeal Bill Update

Draft BEP 2 and Urban Renewal Study

Redfern Photo Competition

Redfern Ambassadors

Pemulwuy Project Community Information Event

Housing NSW Community Design Workshops

Vote for your favourite Christmas banner

RWA newsletter out now!

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

Enlargement of Smokers' Balcony in Railz on Regent, 56 Regent Street, Redfern

Redfern RSL Club fit out on Level 2, 157 Redfern Street, Redfern

Clothing and bicycle retail shop at 116 Lawson Street, Redfern

WHAT’S ON

23 and 24 November 2011 – Housing NSW Community Design Workshops

15 December 2011 – RWA Seniors Christmas Party

Eveleigh Farmers’ Market – every Saturday 8am to 1pm

Eveleigh Artisans’ Market –first Sunday of the month, 10am to 3pm

Alexandria Community Garden – 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month

NEWS

RWA Repeal Bill Update

The NSW Government introduced the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Repeal Bill 2011 on Tuesday, 18 October 2011, which has received unanimous support from both the lower and upper houses of Parliament. The Bill will, subject to Parliamentary process, be finalised and proclaimed shortly. 

The Repeal Bill will see the transfer of many of Redfern-Waterloo Authority’s functions to the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) and other Government agencies as appropriate to ensure the ongoing support and sustainable renewal of the Redfern-Waterloo area. This process has commenced and we will continue to provide further advice on this as key transfer details are finalised.

For information on the transfer of Development Applications to the City of Sydney, the transfer of the Aboriginal Employment Program, and the transfer of Draft Built Environment Plan 2 (BEP 2), to the SMDA please visit www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au.

Full details of the RWA Repeal Bill can be viewed here.

Draft BEP 2 and Urban Renewal Study

The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority is currently considering the submissions received regarding the non-statutory exhibition of Draft BEP 2 which occurred earlier this year. The SMDA will also be carrying out further studies and analysis to support the appropriate future controls for the Draft BEP 2 sites. This forms part of an urban renewal study for the entire Redfern-Waterloo Precinct.

When complete, these studies and draft planning controls will be exhibited.

The key studies that will inform the future controls for Draft BEP 2 are:

• A Communications Strategy (to guide the consultation process and engagement with key stakeholders);
• An Urban Design and Public Domain Study (reviewing the previous Draft BEP 2 and associated analysis and all submissions received, together with the study requirements from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure);
• Transport, Traffic and Accessibility (reviewing previous preliminary work, augmented with more detailed analysis of the wider area and appropriate modelling, in close consultation with Transport for NSW);
• A Social Impact Assessment (building upon previous review work on community facilities, and appropriate scoping for social impact assessment);
• Economic analysis (including the economic/industry profile of the area and retail needs, availability, and impact on centres); and
• Infrastructure and environmental capacity (including utility capacity, natural and man-made processes and sustainability measures).

To date the following consultants have been appointed:

• Straight Talk will undertake the Consultation Strategy;
• Aecom will undertake the Sustainable Servicing and Supporting Infrastructure Capacity Study;
• Parsons Brinckerhoff will undertake the Transport, Traffic and Accessibility Study; and
• Hill PDA will undertake the Economic Analysis.

The SMDA will progressively advise on its website of the appointment of consultants and welcomes feedback from individuals, organisations and other stakeholders on key issues which they would like considered in the relevant study by the SMDA.  This will ensure the SMDA can consider key issues appropriately and in a timely manner. 

If you have any questions, please contact the SMDA Urban Renewal Team on 9202 9100 or email contactus@smda.nsw.gov.au.

Redfern Photo Competition

The ‘Smile, You’re in Redfern’ photo competition has been launched with $1600 worth of prizes up for grabs. Photographic entries should capture the ‘welcoming spirit’ of Redfern and demonstrate to the wider public the thriving community that exists here. 

The prizes on offer are:

1^st prize: $500 Eveleigh Market voucher

2^nd prize: $400 Breville prize including a matching toaster and kettle valued at over $200 plus a voucher for $200

3^rd prize: $290 South Sydney Rabbitohs membership package including a polo tshirt and cap

4^th prize: $250 Woolworths voucher

5^th prize: $200 Pitt St Diner dinner voucher

The photographic competition is part of the Redfern brand promotion to encourage more visitors and business to the area and is an initiative of the Roll Up Redfern Group comprising Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority, City of Sydney, South Sydney Business Chamber, South Sydney Rabbitohs and REDWatch.

The community can get involved by voting for their favourite Redfern photo at www.facebook.com/redfernwaterloo. The winners will then be put towards a judging panel of Redfern Ambassadors.

Entries close on Monday, 27 February 2012 with the winners announced at Eveleigh Market on Saturday, 3 March 2012. To enter, please read the Terms & Conditions here and follow the application guidelines.

Redfern Ambassadors

The new Redfern Ambassadors to help promote Redfern were announced at the Roll Up Redfern business and community briefing on Wednesday 16 November 2011. The Redfern Ambassadors are passionate about the local area and will be spreading the word about the business, cultural and creative opportunities on offer here.

The Redfern Ambassadors are:

• Nathan Merritt – South Sydney Rabbitohs player
• Mary Lynne Pidcock – President of South Sydney Business Chamber
• Sol Bellear – Director of NCIE
• Ben Fordham – The Today Show reporter and 2GB radio announcer
• Nick Fordham – Managing Director. The Fordham Company
• Aunty Beryl – Trainer and mentor at Yaama Dhiyaan
• Shane Phillips – CEO of Tribal Warrior

So look out for your favourite Redfern Ambassador at up and coming events in the Redfern area!

Pemulwuy Project Community Information Event

The Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) has prepared a development application for the Pemulwuy Project and invited comment from residents and stakeholders on the proposed redevelopment of The Block on Wednesday, 22 November 2011.

The development comprises of affordable housing, gymnasium, public car park (with 150 spaces), commercial, childcare, student accommodation, gallery, and modification of Caroline Lane.

The event provided the community with the opportunity to comment on the proposed redevelopment and addressed the transfer of City-owned Eveleigh Lane, part of Caroline Lane and 91-99 Eveleigh St and 119-121 Eveleigh St to the AHC with the City of Sydney presenting about the land transfer and the reconfiguration of Caroline Lane.

The event was held at the Redfern Community Centre.

Housing NSW Community Design Workshops

Housing NSW will be running Community Design Workshops for the Redfern and Waterloo Preliminary Master Plans on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 November 2011.

The workshops will provide the opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to work together with urban designers on some of the key aspects of urban design including: shops and facilities, streets, parks and other open spaces. The workshops will also ask people for their ideas about how the areas can better connect to the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The workshops follow Housing NSW’s previous community consultation for the preliminary Master Plan for Redfern-Waterloo including bus trips to see other redeveloped areas, workshops and street corner sessions on topics related to the Master Plan and community meetings and the Planning Expo at the RedWater Market in August 2011.

The sessions will be held at Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt St, Redfern at the following times:

Redfern - 23 November 2011

9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided

6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided

Waterloo - 24 November 2011              

9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided

6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided

To RSVP, please contact Martin Clark on 9268 3443 or email redfernwaterloo@facs.nsw.gov.au.

Vote for your favourite Christmas banner

Local schools and youth groups have been utilising their creative skills by decorating banners for the Eveleigh Market Christmas Banner competition. Alexandria Park Community School has won the main prize for the last two years – who will it be this year?

The banners will be on display from 19 November 2011 and the community is encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award until Saturday, 4 December 2011.

The winners will be announced at Eveleigh Farmers’ Market on Saturday, 10 December 2011. The winner and People’s Choice Award winner will each receive $1,000 with the runners up winners each receiving $500.

RWA newsletter out now!

The November 2011 issue of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority newsletter has been produced and is currently being distributed to local residents. The newsletter is also viewable online here.

If you are not on the mailing list and wish to receive a hard copy, please contact Natalie Kikken on 9202 9112 or email natalie.kikken@rwa.nsw.gov.au.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

Although consent authority functions for Development Applications and Modification Applications is now delegated to the City of Sydney, the Redfern-Waterloo Authority remains the consent authority for Development Applications received prior to 1 October 2011. The current Development Applications being considered by the RWA are:

Enlargement of Smokers' Balcony in Railz on Regent, 56 Regent Street, Redfern

The application to enlarge the existing balcony located on the eastern ground floor of the existing pub was approved on 22 October 2011. The application includes internal and external facade works to the building.

Redfern RSL Club fit out on Level 2, 157 Redfern Street, Redfern

The application for the fit out and operation of the Redfern RSL Club on Level 2 was approved on 7 November 2011.

Clothing and bicycle retail shop at 116 Lawson Street, Redfern

The application for the internal fit out of the ground floor of the existing building for use as a clothing and bicycle retail shop, including the installation of associated signage, was approved on 8 November 2011.

WHAT’S ON

23 and 24 November 2011 – Housing NSW Community Design Workshops

Housing NSW will be running Community Design Workshops for the Redfern and Waterloo Preliminary Master Plans on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 November 2011. The workshops will provide the opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to work together with urban designers on some of the key aspects of urban design, including: shops and facilities, streets, parks and other open spaces.  The workshops will also ask people for their ideas about how the areas can better connect to the surrounding neighbourhoods. Redfern Town Hall, 73 Pitt St Redfern. Redfern sessions will be held on 23 November 2011. Times: 9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided and 6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided. Waterloo sessions will be held on 24 November 2011. Times: 9:30am- 3:30pm, lunch provided and 6pm- 8:30pm, light supper provided.

15 December 2011 – RWA Seniors Christmas Party

RWA will be holding its Seniors Christmas Party on Thursday, 15 December 2011 from 12pm-2pm at Australian Technology Park, Bay 4, 2 Locomotive Workshop, Eveleigh NSW 2015. The lunch provides a great opportunity for local residents to get together during the festive season and enjoy a tasty Christmas lunch and some live entertainment. Bookings are essential. Please call 9202 9100 to secure your place.

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

Eveleigh Artisans’ Market –first Sunday of the month, 10am to 3pm

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.

Alexandria Community Garden – 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month

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 1^st and 3^rd 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

“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.

Shane (a Bundjalung, Wonnarua and Eora man) was born in Redfern, and grew up surrounded by role models such as Mum Shirl, Charlie Perkins, Joyce Clague, and other Aboriginal men and women who have contributed to the fight for equal opportunity, the right to be counted as part of the wider community and to help support Aboriginal people. Shane talked about the environment of Redfern in the ’70s and ’80s, which were “good times”.

Much has changed since then. Shane looks forward to new life for “working families” on The Block, better relationships with the police and among all people of good will in the community.

What inspires Shane is supporting his family and being true to them as well as doing the best he can for his community.

He believes that you need good work ethics and to follow through by doing the best job you can.

Shane started work at the age of 14, after being told by his Dad he had to work. The work experience for Shane was “tough but fair”, and he learnt a lot from the people he worked with and for. He learned there was value and pride in contributing to the greater good.

Shane recalls, when he was 14 years old, assisting another lad to break into a car. The other lad ran away but Shane was caught by police. He recalls that the police officer “kicked me up the bum” and “told me he didn’t want me being involved in any stealing again”. This event shaped Shane to realise that he did not want to do anything to get himself into trouble. “I respected that he gave me that chance – that he showed me that respect,” Shane said.

Being there for his family, maintaining humility and integrity, and developing programs that support young people in the community to achieve their goals are very important to Shane – more important than any accolades or awards. 

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2012 www.southsydneyherald.com.au

Hard lessons ... jamal Daniels, Ezekiel Phillips and Trae Campbell / Pic: Cameron Richardson Source: The Daily Telegraph

A man put in a wheelchair by a car crash 20 years ago told them of the weight of losing his independence. The head of St Vincent's Hospital's accident and emergency department, Professor Gordian Fulde, spoke of brain injury and the trauma of car accidents, and the young lives that come into his ward and never leave the same again.

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:

• Discover the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Goat Island
• Welcome and smoking ceremonies
• Aboriginal heritage tours
• Traditional cultural performance by Tribal Warrior Dancers
• Face painting by Tribal Warrior
• Music by the Black Turtles
• Tours of the Powder Magazine complex
• Sand painting with Walangari

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

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

There was a children’s choir from Dubbo staying in the Centre doing some training there, an appropriate example of what could be achieved in the Centre, alongside the fitness and sporting encouragement. One of the features of the Centre is undoubtedly its variety, as the older buildings and new are brought together to give resources for the development of excellence in diverse areas of life.

Hopefully, the Prime Minister would have been so impressed that the support of the Federal Government will continue on into the future and be expanded as time goes on. Congratulations to all concerned!

Photo: Andrew Collis -  Shane Phillips, Kevin Rudd, Kristina Keneally and Jenny Macklin at the NCIE

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

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

Six months ago, he started an original program “Family Day on the Block” to tackle the drug problems in his neighbourhood. Once a month, he knocks on the doors of people living in the worst areas of Redfern, invites them to a barbeque and concert, and asks them to stay off drugs and alcohol for the day.

“I get verbally abused every time. I heard some pretty good swear words during this program, mostly from women. And, I got a couple of real threats from drug dealers. They left notes under my house door,” he says.

The police know about it but Shane doesn’t want them to increase his protection.

“I don’t want to run behind the police. I’m not going to let these people intimidate me. That’s what they are trying to do, but it’s not going to work. I’m not looking for a fight or anything but, if I have to, I can defend myself very well.”

Phillips says he started Family Day for his children, and the next generation is worth the risk.

“My kids go outside to play and they see someone taking drugs in front of the house and another person dealing drugs across the street. That’s the image they grow up with and I want to change it.”

Phillips has promoted Family Day in a few media outlets such as SBS and local newspapers. He thinks the publicity could make those opposed to the program back off, though he seeks the media coverage for a different purpose.

“I want to send a message to the people who are now in jail for drug abuse or drug trafficking. I want to make them understand that, after they get out, they won’t be able to come back and do the same illegal things here. The Block has changed and it is still changing,” he says.

Yaara Bou Melhem, an SBS Video Journalist, has followed Shane Phillips on Family Day.

“I was shocked to see how normal it was for those people to see needles on the ground or to have somebody knocking on their door talking about drugs. Obviously, many locals want things to change but the people who benefit from the drug industry are not happy,” she says.

Brad Freeburn, from the Aboriginal Medical Services in Redfern, thinks Phillips is taking significant risks.

“Shane lives on the Block, he walks every day in front of the people he is fighting. He is risking his own safety but he doesn’t want to back off.”

Phillips says Family Day is different from all previous programs trialed in the area because it involves the entire community.

“We got everyone to participate. The police come to barbecue with us on that day; sometimes, they bring a power generator, so we can organise concerts and other activities. The artists sing for free, the doctors in the area provide us with refrigerators for drinks.”

Superintendent Luke Freudenstein from the Redfern Police Station in an interview with SBS said the program has significantly reduced drug-related criminal activity. “The figures are basically a third down on what we've had before, and I do believe days like [this] certainly contribute.”

Still, there are those who doubt the efficiency of such an initiative.

“Well, it is worth the try but, by itself, this program can’t really be successful,” says John Robinson, a doctor with a private practice in Redfern. “The police have to step in and cut off the drug supplies. You can’t tackle a huge drug problem by motivating people only.”

However, Shane Phillips defends his efforts.

“The police [are] running along with us, they are searching people every day and making raids in the worst areas. They put pressure on people. Besides, the message we are sending here is one of support. We don’t judge anybody. All we say is, if you need help, come to us, we will help you. This should encourage people to come forward.”

Brad Freeburn is also optimistic about the outcome of the program.

“I think we are going to see a domino effect – one person who is influenced by the program and then influences other people. It will take time, but it can’t do any harm.”

Source: www.reportage.uts.edu.au/news-detail.cfm?ItemId=15183

Announcing the decision today, Planning Minister Kristina Keneally said it was an important day for the local Redfern community, which has long been wracked by drugs, unemployment and poverty.

"It's a step forward to creating a modern and a vibrant and a sustainable community," she said.

The plan, named the Pemulwuy Project after a renowned Aboriginal warrior, includes a gym, an elders' cultural centre, 500 metres of public open space and 62 new apartments that Aboriginal people will be able to buy.

Aboriginal Housing Company chief executive Mick Mundine says the approval is a step towards reconciliation for Redfern's Aboriginal community.

"Man, she's been a hard road," he said.

"A lot of people said we couldn't do it. You've got to have faith, be humble and stick to your principles.

"Our people have struggled and suffered so long in this community. It's a brand new day."

Construction is still some way off; the Aboriginal Housing Company has to submit detailed project plans and get financial backing.

Mr Mundine says he is confident of securing funding.

"People say, 'Where's the money coming from?' Hey, I don't know yet," he said. "But just have a bit of faith in life and the money will flow in."

But Opposition planning spokesman Brad Hazzard says it is a tough time to be seeking finance and the project should receive government assistance.

"Redfern and The Block mean a lot to Aboriginal people all across Australia," he said.

"They have fought this Government for 10 years to get a development approval. It is time that this Government came to the party in terms of supporting with funding."

The state and federal governments are refusing to say whether they will chip in.

Local community leader Shane Phillips says the decision is an opportunity for residents to take ownership of the area.

"The Block is the epitome for some time of what went wrong," he said. "We're going to turn that around. We're going to show people how we can solve it."

The area has made huge steps in cutting crime in recent days but long-time Block resident Margaret Blair has her doubts the project will go ahead.

"I've been here since I was a child and look at it," she said. "There's no change and there'll never be a change."

The State Government says the project will create 200 construction jobs, as well as 100 full-time positions once the redevelopment is complete.

Source: www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/02/2615114.htm?section=australia

In his apology, Rudd declared that "the mood of the nation is for reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians".  According to Sol Bellear, Chair of the Redfern-based Aboriginal Medical Service, "a lot of non-Aboriginal people seem to think that now the apology's been made, it's the end of disadvantage and poverty for Aboriginal people.  It's not."

On 16th February 2004, the Sydney suburb of Redfern was the scene of the worst race riot in the city's history.  Since then, John Howard's centre-right Liberal Party administration was ousted by Rudd's  Australian Labor Party (ALP), in October 2007.

Redfern is located on the edge of Sydney's central business district (CBD).According to  Heidi Norman, who has written extensively about Redfern's Aboriginal community, the Stolen Generation became identified with the suburb.  "Many Aboriginal people who grew up in institutions found their way back to their families through Redfern" she says. The bulk of Redfern's Aboriginal population is concentrated in a series of streets known as ‘the Block', situated on the suburb's western border. At the centre of the Block, which occupies less than 8000 square feet, is a new architecture-designed community centre. This is surrounded by dilapidated Victorian terraces and Aboriginal murals which seem incongruous with the gleaming Manhattan-style skyscrapers visible in the distance.  The Block is owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company.  Initially, it represented something of an innovation as an Aboriginal-run housing project.

Over time, the Block has acquired a reputation for being a ‘no go' area for outsiders.  Statistics indicate that Redfern's crime rate is twice or three times that of the New South Wales (NSW) state average in a number of areas.  Since the 1990s, the public image of the Block has been tarnished by the heroin trade that has proliferated, particularly among young Aboriginal people.  One local resident tells me: "You would probably have trouble buying heroin in most parts of Sydney, but it's dealt pretty openly here".

Beyond the Block, Redfern has been subject to varying degrees of gentrification.  Proposals to bulldoze the Block and extend the business district into Redfern are said to have created something of a siege mentality among local Aboriginal people.  Criminologist Chris Cunneen describes the local Aboriginal community as "much more highly politicised than a lot of other communities", with a particular history of tensions between police and the suburb's Aboriginal community. 

The Redfern riot

The  Redfern riot of 2004 is emblematic of these tensions. On 16^th February a night of ‘unparalleled' rioting began following the death of a seventeen year-old Aboriginal teenager TJ Hickey.  Police were attacked with bricks, bottles and petrol bombs, and the railway station was set alight. The teenager, who had a history with local police, had been cycling to visit his mother, who lived in the Block.  On the way, he lost control of his bike and crashed into a railway fence, where he was impaled on spikes.  Many Redfern Aboriginal people maintain he was being pursued by a police vehicle. They also say it was provocation by police that sparked the riot among mourners on the following day,

Ray Minniecon, a pastor in the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship and veteran Redfern activist, puts the riot down to a build-up of frustration and anger on the part of young Aboriginal people as a result of persistent police harassment.  "My own kids have asked ‘Dad, why do the police pick on me?  They don't pick on the Asians.  They don't pick on the white fellas.' You can understand the anger they feel at not being allowed to be who they are and enjoy the same freedoms as other young people in Sydney", he tells me.

Research backs up this claim that Aboriginal youths are stopped and searched more frequently than their white peers. Cunneen agrees.  "There is an expectation, particularly in Redfern, that if you're young and Aboriginal, you're going to get a hard time of the police."

Ray Minniecon suggests that the riot might have played out differently had the apology been issued beforehand.  Research into the Redfern riot has indeed identified Aboriginal peoples' history of colonisation and dispossession as a factor influencing the sense of exclusion and ‘generalised hostility' felt by the youths involved.  The wording of Rudd's apology went some way towards addressing this.

The apology

Ostensibly, the apology was concerned primarily with the Stolen Generation of some fifty-thousand Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families between 1910 and 1970. However, it was broadly received as an acknowledgement of the consequences of white settlement on the indigenous population.

On a practical level, the apology proposed a vision for reducing the life-expectancy, economic and educational differentials between white and indigenous Australians called ‘Closing the Gap'. No mention was made of the intervention (or  Northern Territory National Emergency Response) begun by the Howard government in 2007. This followed  publication of a report alleging rampant child neglect and sexual abuse within the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory.  A range of measures were implemented ranging from changes to land tenure, the quarantining of welfare benefits, the deployment of extra police and restrictions on alcohol use.  The Howard government suspended the Race Discrimination Act.

Controversy still surrounds the effectiveness of the intervention. Those opposed consider it to have been punitive and to have infantilised the majority of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory who had no involvement with child abuse.  But although many were expecting the Rudd government to discontinue the intervention, they were disappointed.

Soll Bellear, Chair of the Aboriginal Medical Service, and a member of his local Labor Party considers the Rudd government to have reneged on several of their election promises relating to Rudd's vision for ‘closing the gap'.  These relate to housing, education and criminal justice. The health indicators of Australian Aboriginals lag behind those of other indigenous peoples across the world, he points out.  Even after the apology, the Australian government is failing to address Aboriginal issues holistically. They are not consulting the Aboriginal people.  "Aboriginal issues require Aboriginal solutions" he emphasises.

The references in Rudd's apology to the importance of ‘localised' and ‘flexible' solutions are, in Bellear's view, demonstrative of a "white perspective".  According to Bellear, the ‘gap', alluded to by Rudd, was being closed more rapidly in the 1970s and 80s by "community-controlled" organisations such as the Aboriginal Medical Service.

Shane Phillips, an Aboriginal Redfern resident whose family have lived in the suburb for generations, is the CEO of an organisation called Tribal Warrior.  This non-profit community organisation provides specialised training programmes oriented around the maritime industry to create job opportunities for its clients.  One of its key objectives is the promotion of social, economic and cultural development among Aboriginal people and communities. Of the Rudd apology, Phillips says "It was a good start." He argues that Aboriginal people need to rise above anger and indignation, however justified, in order to achieve the social and economic development envisaged by his organisation. Phillips describes some of the economic development that has begun to take place in the Block.  This includes the emergence of five Aboriginal-owned businesses.  A decade ago, there was only one.

Phillips' vision of social and economic development among Redfern's Aboriginal community is consistent with Sol Bellear's view that the 'gap' can be more effectively closed by community-controlled organisations.  For his part, Phillips feels that it is important that Redfern's Aboriginal community stands its ground in the face of gentrification.  He tells me that Redfern is of massive symbolic importance to Aboriginal people across Australia.  "That's why we've go to remain here".

For several years, the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) has sought to promote revitalisation of the Block through the Pelmulwuy Project.  This involves a number of housing and employment-related programmes.   However, the project has stalled due to wrangling between the AHC and the New South Wales government.  Some, like Shane Phillips, are still hopeful that the project might yet get off the ground.  Others are more pessimistic.  "The government won't fund Aboriginal economic development projects" says Ray Minniecon. 

Heidi Norman maintains that Aboriginal people are likely to be worst-affected in Australia, by the global economic downturn.  Increasingly limited resources will diminish Aboriginal organisations' chances of securing funding for such projects.  The apology is by no means unappreciated by Redfern's Aboriginal community and those associated with it.  One resident of the Block, I spoke to, even says that it "has created a bit of a change" in the area.  However, Redfern seems like an uncertain place facing an uncertain future.

Telling Facts - The gap to close

Life expectancy
At 60, it is 20 years behind the average non-indigenous Australian.  That of New Zealand Maoris and American First People is over 70 years.

Education

A report in 2006 in The Australian indicates that many Aboriginal adults living in remote areas have the literacy skills of a ten-year old. Only 3% of Aboriginal students complete a university degree.

But the proportion of Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over achieving qualifications is up from 20% in 2001 to 25% in 2006.

Health

Drug use is twice as high as that of non-indigenous Australians

Poverty

72% live in relative poverty

Unemployment

Between 2001 and 2006, Aboriginal unemployment fell from 20% to 16%, but remains over three times that of  the non-Aboriginal population  

This article is published by James Patterson, and openDemocracy.net under a Creative Commons licence. www.opendemocracy.net/article/saying-sorry-is-not-enough

Once a month, locals door-knock the neighbourhood, calling on all drug users and sellers to take a "day off" for what the community calls a Redfern family day. "This is us saying we've had enough," says organiser Shane Phillips.

James, not his real name, is one user. "I hate my life" he says. "I don't want my daughter growing up without a father." James says if Redfern doesn't change, its unlikely he will either.

Living Black video journalist Yaara Bou Melhem went along on the door-knock and found addicts and dealers who are desperately trying to find a different life.

TRANSCRIPT

Redfern has had its fair share of negative attention, not least of all for riots, drugs and violence. But the community here is fed-up and is taking matters into its own hands, by hosting drug-free family days each month. Video journalist Yaara Bou Melhem brings this report on a grassroots community campaign to clean up the streets of Redfern.

VOICEOVER: Redfern's family day event is kicking off in a just few hours time, and organisers are taking on the uncomfortable task of asking drug users and dealers to take the day off.

SHANE PHILIPS, BABANA MEN'S GROUP: So, basically, what we're doing, we hand these out, we go around, people take these. They don't always receive them nicely, but most people do, because they know they're not part of it.

VOICEOVER: Shane Phillips coordinates the event. He's going door-to-door, telling his neighbours there'll be no drinking or drug use, at least for today.

SHANE PHILLIPS: Family and culture day's on again today

MAN: Yeah, bro, yeah.

SHANE PHILLIPS: and as you know, it's alcohol-free and drug-free. Family Day is about reclaiming our community from substance abuse - the sale of substances, drug dealing, people drinking in the street.

VOICEOVER: Family days have been running for the past six months.

Well, it's great. It's a pity it's not every day. It's for these little ones.

VOICEOVER: But it hasn't always gone down well.

SHANE PHILLIPS: Most times what I do is go around, knock on a door, get abused - no, not all the time.

VOICEOVER: Shane says the community is reclaiming the streets of Redfern, to give children the healthy environment they deserve.

SHANE PHILIPS: The signal is we've had enough. We don't want it here. It's not part of our culture.

VOICEOVER: The Block is one of Australia's best-known urban Aboriginal communities, for all the wrong reasons. It's long been associated with crime and drug abuse.

BRAD FREEBURN, ABORIGINAL MEDICAL SERVICE: I really don't know where the turning point was. I really don't. All of a sudden it was like we had this major epidemic.

Brad Freeburn has been working with Redfern's addicts for more than 15 years.

BRAD FREEBURN: Redfern, you got Redfern station - that's pretty central, isn't it? You think about it, 'cause they could get their drugs, they'd get their needles, and they had somewhere to shoot up. And it was this trifecta effect.

VOICEOVER: Needles litter The Block in Redfern.

JOHN: This is the local shooting gallery, yeah. This is where they all shoot up. They shoot up in the corner, over the back, up the lane - you've got another two places round the back here where they do it.

John has been a heroin addict for almost 30 years and offers to show me around The Block.

JOHN: Got a couple of people having a nudge now - I call it a nudge, like a shot - won't be too specific. I'll take you over here, and I'll show you this other place where they do their business. We got kids here - kids play in this little part here, and we got 'em using behind this old van. Just watch yourself as you walk past it. As you can see, there's all paraphernalia here - fit packets and needles and spoons.

REPORTER: So kids play here?

JOHN: Kids play in that little street just behind us here.

VOICEOVER: John has overdosed twice on heroin. He's seeking help for his addiction and is currently on a methadone program. Like most of the people living in Redfern, John knows exactly where he can score.

JOHN: It's a couple of houses over the back - I won't mention any numbers or anything - couple of these houses over here, you can buy it over there.

This 23-year-old says he's speaking with Living Black because he's looking for help. James - not his real name - says there aren't many drugs he doesn't use.

'JAMES': Heroin, coke, speed, LSD, trips - anything to get high - a bit of dope, smoke a bit of weed. I can be more than what I am and I know I can be more than what I am. And I hate what I'm doing to myself.

VOICEOVER: James says he's been in and out of jail and hardly sees his 5-year-old daughter.

'JAMES': I don't want my daughter growing up without a father, if you know what I mean. I could have a shot tomorrow and OD and not come out of it, and I wouldn't want my daughter to say, "Oh, where's my daddy? Where's my dad?" And every night I cry over her.

VOICEOVER: Although James says he wants help, living in Redfern isn't making it very easy.

'JAMES': I dunno - just living in this environment brings a bad vibe to other people and me, myself and young boys and girls my age - it's not a good place to be at the time of growing up. I don't like what I'm doing, but that's the way of life.

BRAD FREEBURN: I feel sorry for families ringing up, going, "I want this bloke in a rehab," or "this girl in a rehab". I say, "Do they know you're ringing?" and they say "No." I say, "We can start it all happening, "but until they walk in the door, nothing's going to happen." That's what you got to tell 'em.

VOICEOVER: Community leader Mick Mundine wants to change Redfern's future.

MICK MUNDINE: That's the needle bus there, right? That's the children's playground, back over there, and this is Redfern Community Centre.

VOICEOVER: He says the needle exchange van is a honey-pot for drug users.

MICK MUNDINE, ABORIGINAL HOUSING COMPANY: Now I believe that needle bus is just destroying our children's mind. I mean, when they grow up they think, "Geez, it's normal to have a needle bus there, "it's normal to get a needle, "it's normal to go shoot up and buy drugs." We got to break that vicious cycle.

VOICEOVER: He's given the needle bus service an ultimatum - move it, or else.

MICK MUNDINE: I gave 'em 10 months. I said, "If the bus isn't out of the community in 10 months, "you'll be locking me up in jail"

VOICEOVER: The health service has justified its visible presence here in Redfern, saying it's one of Sydney's drug hot spots. It says tens of thousands of clean needles are handed out here every month.

PAUL HABER, SYDNEY SW HEALTH SERVICE: Unfortunately, although it's unpleasant at times, our obligation is to prevent outbreaks of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C.

VOICEOVER: Drug use may be an ongoing problem in Redfern, but police say drug-related crime has dropped dramatically in the area over the past seven months.

SUPERINTENDENT LUKE FREUDENSTEIN, REDFERN POLICE: The figures are basically a third down on what we've had before, and I do believe days like the family day certainly contribute.

SHANE PHILLIPS: Seeing kids play around the place and enjoy being kids is enough for me. And for those fellas who are in the system, this is what it's about, this place now, The Block is about strength and unity and what we can do as a people.

Source: Living Black, SBS - http://news.sbs.com.au/livingblack/blockaid_563617

Carbon trading schemes work on a cap and trade system: a limit is set on the amount of carbon companies can emit in a given time period. If a company goes over its allocated portion of carbon emissions, it has to buy carbon credits from another market participant that has emitted less than its allocation and can therefore profitably trade them. Critics of the scheme say that companies will avoid making the necessary infrastructural changes to reduce emissions by keeping the price of carbon credits low.

A carbon trading scheme is set to be introduced in Australia in 2010. Mr Mundine believes the scheme has the potential to generate investment and jobs for Indigenous communities which own vast tracts of land across Australia but he warns viewing carbon trading as a cure-all.

“We do not want to get people thinking this is a panacea for economic woes in their community. It’s not. It is part of a package that can help their community. We want to ensure that Indigenous people are not ripped off and that they don’t miss the boat on the opportunities for their communities.” 

The AICC is currently conducting research to identify the ways the emissions scheme can benefit Aboriginal communities. 

“We need support by our community and the wider community to see that it is a simple tool that could help everyone – a national Indigenous trading strategy which allows our people to be part of the process, at the beginning rather than down at the end, which is what normally happens to us,” says Shane Phillips, one of the AICC’s directors and Chief Executive of the Tribal Warrior Association that runs tours on Sydney Harbour. “Our people have known for thousands of years how the ecology works. I think we have a lot to offer to the rest of the world and that has been something that has been overlooked,” Mr Phillips says.

Photo: Ali Blogg- Caption: Warren Mundine

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au

Phillips, who grew up on The Block, remembers how difficult it was growing up black with little positive reinforcement at school or in wider society. “But at night I’d hear all the great stories. My parents were grounded, tried, made mistakes, maintained survival. They were honest – it was tough out there, but positive.”

It was that emotional investment which inspired Phillips to become an achiever and contribute positively to help his community.

“All of us have a role to protect and build community. It is not the Koori thing to just care about yourself, because community affects everyone,” says Phillips. “I was lucky to come from a family who talked about the great Aboriginal role models, in politics and sport … If you believe in the good things black people have done, if you think you can do it too, you can be a contributor.”

Phillips believes that building that sense of confidence and self-worth is an essential part of Indigenous empowerment. “A lot of kids are made to feel inferior … we’ve got to promote the value and importance of the Aboriginal people and the importance of feeling proud of who you are,” he says. “It’s easy for kids to be angry. But that anger is our enemy.”

It is this philosophy that is used in Tribal Warrior training programs which focus on developing skills and self-sufficiency. “It might be simple things like learning about work ethic or completing a task. If anyone can gain a sense of worth from it, people start to reinforce their sense of belonging and self worth,” says Phillips.

It is these small things Phillips says that can have a big impact. “I see people come through with heroin and ice addictions, family problems, etc., who come to realise they have always been worth something and become leaders in their communities.”

One of the key successes of the program is the mentoring required from former graduates of the program, which allows young people to see role models who have come through similar experiences and succeeded. “We can all relate [to their issues] and can create pathways and show that we are there for them,” says Phillips.

The best part of the job, he says, is watching people change their lives around with a renewed sense of their own purpose and dignity. “I saw people who would not look people in the eye, who with non-Aboriginal people would feel inferior. I see these same people articulating their own circumstances. These guys have become mentors and role models. That is what just blows me away.”

To book a cruise or charter on the Tribal Warrior, or to make a donation, visit www. tribalwarrior.org or call (02) 9699 3491.

Source: South Sydney Herald October 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au