Draft Waterloo South People and Place Plan | For feedback until 31 May 2024
Forgot your password?
23 May 2005
Follow the Links below to go direct to the story of Interest:
Father Ted Kennedy Mass on the Block 10.30 am Tuesday 24th May 2005
What’s happening with the Street Team?
Lawson Street Health / Needle Centre
REDWatch web site up and running at www.redwatch.org.au
REDWatch Meeting Sunday 29th May 2pm
Aboriginal Housing Company Vision for the Block
Redfern Reconciliation Bridge Walk - Thursday 9th June at 6pm-7.30pm
Audit of the Implementation of the NSW Police Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003-2006)
City of Sydney Council Issues Budget & Redfern Employment Programme
Redfern Park to be considered by Council (Clover’s eNEWS)
Father Ted Kennedy Mass on the Block 10.30 am Tuesday 24th May 2005
Fr Ted Kennedy died early on
17th May 2005 after a prolonged illness. He moved to
Redfern's St Vincent's Church in 1971 and spent over thirty years sharing
the lives of the people of Redfern and Waterloo. In a fitting farewell, a Mass of
Christian Burial will be offered by Bishop David Cremin at The Block, Eveleigh
Street Redfern. With the number of people touched by Father Ted over his time in
Redfern there should be a big mob turn out to pay their respects and say their
farewells. We have provided links to the Obituary in the SMH A
father to the poor and dispossessed and articles in the Catholic news
Death of Redfern's Fr Ted
Kennedy The ABC Redfern's Father Ted
Kennedy dies and The Australian Activist
priest Ted Kennedy dies, 74.
The unofficial “church-mouse” website of St Vincent’s Church Redfern is collecting tributes to / articles & reflections on Ted on their website so if you have any stories you would like to share about Father Ted Kennedy you can email mail@church-mouse.net or view what others have contributed at http://church-mouse.lanuera.com/.
Farther Ted’s sister Marnie has asked people to wear red and come and join with the community to celebrate the life and contribution of Ted Kennedy on the Block 10.30 am Tuesday 24th May 2005.
Redfern Oval Recommendation - Environment and Heritage Committee Meeting at 4:00pm on Monday 23rd May
City of Sydney council has released its committee paper on its preferred option for Redfern Oval which is available on the council website at http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cosc_cm_mc2_EHC_250505.asp. The report will be discussed at the Council’s Environment and Heritage Committee Meeting at 4:00pm on Monday 23rd May 2005 in The Vestibule, Sydney Town Hall. The City of Sydney recommendation is for Option One with some modifications. The option for any NRL games to be played at Redfern Oval has been precluded from the proposal, although we understand there is a move by some to try and leave this option open. We understand also that there is a push for Council to delay the decision by a couple of months to allow preparation and consideration of a proposal for a Centre for Excellence for Aboriginal People. It is not known who is behind this proposal other than that it has been raised with Clover Moore via the RWA rather than directly with her. George Piggins responded on Sunday to the City of Sydney recommendations Piggins backs Rabbitoh move by suggesting Souths should leave the inner city for Gosford. This response was in contrast to his more up beat tone last week article on May 12 The Daily Telegraph | Beware the wounded Rabbitoh. The Vestibule at the Town Hall will be a very interesting place at 4pm on Monday. A summary of the City of Sydney proposal from Clover’s eNEWS is at the foot of this email.
Work Ventures http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pdf/council/cosc_cm_mc2_cacc_230505_item2.pdf
Police Information Clinic – Youth Related Crime Date Wednesday 25th May 2005 10am – 12md Our Place Community Centre – Poets Corner
Redfern Police and Waterloo Department of Housing are conducting Information Clinics for all Department of Housing residents. The aim of the clinics, is to inform the local community about topics that are important to them and for the community to get a better understanding of police proceedures. This clinic will focus on youth related crime with Constables Mick Brown and Jack Tyler-Stott – Redfern Police Youth Liaison Officers. Mick and Jack will be speaking about the Young Offenders Act, police powers and Redfern Police mentoring program. A representative will discuss priority one offenders, give an overview of the PCYC, how the community can utilise the club and the programs it currently runs. A representative of the Redfern/Waterloo Street Team will give an overview of the street team and how the community can access the service and get support. At the conclusion of the clinic there will a FREE BBQ organised by City of Sydney Council. This will give time for the community to talk with representatives from Redfern Police, DOH and City of Sydney Council. If you have any further question please contact Sergeant Georgie ISRAEL, Redfern Local Area Command 8383 – 5199.
What’s happening with the Street Team?
In a recent email update we learnt that there have been a number of changes in the operation of the Redfern Waterloo Street Team “due to certain unforseen circumstances”. The Redfern Waterloo Street Team is an initiative of the Premiers Department through the Redfern Waterloo Partnership Project, and has NSW Department of Community Services as the lead agency. The Partner agencies included are Central Sydney Area Health Service, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lands Council, South Sydney Youth Services and South Sydney Aboriginal Corporation Centre.
Currently the Street Team is working only 2 shifts per day, from 10am – 6pm and 12pm -8pm seven days a week. More focus has been placed on delivering targeted outreach programs after-hours and weekends along with adopting more collaborative approaches with other agencies. Ongoing activities include cooking program for 7-11 year olds after-hours at PCYC on Thursdays from 5:30-7.30pm (contact Kate), Young Women’s Group after-hours at RWST Office(contactl Kate or Alisi), assisting in local Surfing Program and the Tribal Warrior Family Day on Sunday, 19th June 2005 (contact Kate).
Upcoming Programs are to include Young Men’s Group, Parenting group in conjunction with Cellblock, Learn to Ski Camp, Maths Tutoring program at PCYC for year 10 students, and under 12’s boys swimming program. For any further information on these programs, call Rozene Kulkarni or the contact person mentioned for the particular programme on (02) 9244 7200.
Lawson Street Health / Needle Centre
According to the ABC radio report Redfern residents strongly opposed to needle exchange the Health Minister Morris Iemma has written to the City of Sydney Council asking for a deferral of the DA to allow time for community consultation. All eyes now turn to the see how the Health Department and the RWA will run the community awareness and consultation process that the Government had earlier promised in the NSW Parliament. This will need to balance the need for finding a way to deliver the medical and harm prevention services that are needed with strong opposition from a large number of residents and organisations now mobilised against both the Health Department’s current needle bus continuing next to a playground and it being transferred into the proposed Lawson Street Health Centre. It is very important that a solution be found which will keep the new health spending in Redfern Waterloo to address the area’s needs, while also taking into account the views of the community and established service providers about the best way to deliver the service to the community. We understand that while earlier media reports said the consultation would be handled by Health that the RWA have now been asked to be involved.
It is an indication of how badly the government has handled the issue that Anex, the Association for Prevention and Harm Reduction Programs Australia, has “called on the New South Wales Government to get it right when planning for a new community health centre and needle and syringe program in Redfern”. Anex CEO, John Ryan, said he was disappointed to see plans for the new centre put on hold, but added that it wasn’t surprising considering the lack of consultation and information offered to the community in past months.
Chris Harris from the Greens, who also support the need for such a centre, has highlighted the danger of the centre not fulfilling its objectives if there is not proper community consultation. “It is difficult to have an informed debate without knowing what, if any, alternative locations were considered, and the criteria used by the Department in making their decision” Councillor Harris said. The full text of the Anex and Greens’ media releases can be found on the Red Alert website http://www.redalert.net.au/StatementsbyPublicFigures/ . The media stories section of the Red Alert site http://www.redalert.net.au/MediaClippings/ contains some articles which did not show up on Google News searches, such as the letter to the Australian by Dr Diana Horvath AO Chief Executive, Sydney South West Area Health Service and the article on the Centre by the Sydney Central Courier.
REDWatch web site up and running at www.redwatch.org.au
REDWatch’s website is up and running. Readers of our Redfern Waterloo Issues Updates will now find these posted on the REDWatch site along with media statements, media reports and a range of helpful material. The search box in the top right hand side is very useful in finding information on the site. We have recently put together a compilation of some of the main links dealing with Redfern Waterloo and this can be viewed on the site at http://www.redwatch.org.au/links/REDWatch-links/ . Please feel free to pass these links on to others.
There is still some material to be added to the site and of course the site will have to be kept up to date. REDWatch is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining the website. This does not so much involve writing material but rather finding existing information and uploading it to the server (involves editing/formatting/basic coding). So if you have some skills or would like to be taught how to update the site please email David Tickle david@tickle.net.au who has been doing a great job getting the site established.
REDWatch Meeting Sunday 29th May 2pm
The next monthly REDWatch meeting is on Sunday 29th May at the Redfern Community Centre at 2pm. The meeting will discuss current Redfern Waterloo issues including a proposal from the REDWatch Redfern Waterloo Plan Working Group about the direction REDWatch would like to see the RWA take in putting together the Redfern Waterloo Plan.
Aboriginal Housing Company Vision for the Block
The latest version of Architecture Bulletin (May/June 2005) has an illustration created by innovarchi of how The Block could look. The drawing can also be seen on the www.ahc.org.au. The Architecture Bulletin has a series of articles about Redfern Waterloo including a two page article by Col James on revitalising Redfern about The AHC’s Block plans. Currently the articles are not available on the web so I can not link to them and the file would be too large to send out as an attachment to one of these emails.
REDWatch has not heard back yet from the Premier about their invitation for him to visit The Block. We are drawing comfort from the SydneyCentral Courier which reported last week that “a spokesperson for Mr Carr said the invitation had only just been received and would be given due consideration.” If you think the Premier should visit Redfern and have a look at what is proposed for The Block you may like to email him and / or his ALP colleagues who have responsibilities in the Redfern Waterloo area and let him / them know you support the invitation. We have provided the email addresses which are self explanatory should you wish to take this action Bob Carr bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au ; Andrew Refshauge marrickville@parliament.nsw.gov.au ; Andrew Refshauge MIN deputy.premier@refshauge.minister.nsw.gov.au ; Kristina Keneally heffron@parliament.nsw.gov.au ; Frank Sartor MIN office@sartor.minister.nsw.gov.au.
Redfern Reconciliation Bridge Walk - Thursday 9th June at 6pm-7.30pm
Redfern Residents for Reconciliation is planning to hold a short walk from the old TNT tower where the RWA is based across the Redfern Railway Bridge in Lawson Street to a candlelight vigil on The Block on Thursday 9th June from 6-7.30pm. This event is being held in conjunction with other local groups to remind the state government, in the lead up to NSW State Labor party conference on the long weekend, that the reconciliation movement is still a strong voice in the community. Frank Sartor, in his capacity as Minister for Redfern Waterloo, has withdrawn the NSW government’s support for Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy housing project. This will be an opportunity for the non indigenous community show its support for the Aboriginal community who want The Block to be a vibrant residential area. This event is also being supported by REDWatch.
Audit of the Implementation of the NSW Police Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003-2006)
The NSW Ombudsman report "Working with Local Aboriginal Communities—Audit of the Implementation of the NSW Police Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003-2006)" dated April 2005 has been tabled in NSW Parliament. The report and the media statement can be downloaded from http://www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au/news_media/index.html. The audit was undertaken in 14 local area commands Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Richmond, Oxley, Canobolas, Wagga Wagga, Castlereagh, Barrier, Lake Illawarra, Barwon, Manning Great Lakes, Darling River, New England and Orana.
Last year the Upper House Inquiry into Redfern Waterloo examined the relationship between police and the Aboriginal community in Redfern and took particular interest in the implementation of the NSW Police Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003-2006) in Redfern LAC. One of the Inquiry’s many recommendations was that the Police Minister undertake an audit of the implementation of the Aboriginal Strategic Direction in Redfern command. While Redfern LAC was not covered in this audit the report provides an insite into the implementation of the policy in some other areas of the state and gives a good indication of what can flow from it. The NSW Police Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003-2006) can be downloaded from http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/policies__and__procedures/policies/aboriginal_strategic_direction.
The Sydney Indigenous Coordination Centre, Sydney Regional Council and the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs will be holding a community consultation in Redfern 15th June
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission’s Sydney Regional Council will be abolished on 30 June 2005. Community Consultations are to:
§ Provide feedback to communities on the Our Future Our Voice, summit convened by NSW peak bodies September 2004.
§ Provide information on the new arrangements in Indigenous Affairs.
§ Consult with communities about their needs in relation to proposed regional arrangements.
The Redfern community consultation will be held on 15th June Redfern 10am-12midday at Aboriginal Corporation 276–278 Abercrombie St Chippendale.
For further information and details of the other sessions at Emerton Wollongong Campbelltown La Perouse and Manly, please contact the Sydney ICC on either 9288 6152 or 9288 6186. Refreshments will be provided at each consultation
City of Sydney Council Issues – Budget & Redfern Employment Programme
The 2005/06 City Budget will be considered at an Extraordinary Council meeting at 3.00pm Monday 23 May 2005. The draft Strategic Plan and Corporate Plan, including the City budget, will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days, before finalisation and adoption in June. Reports to council can be seen at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cosc_cm_mc2_EC_230505.asp .
Also coming up tomorrow is
consideration of how the City of Sydney will proceed with employment creation
programmes at the Redfern Community centre now that the programme that was to be
run by Work Ventures and Hillsong Emerge has fallen over. More details can be
found in the council report at http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pdf/council/cosc_cm_mc2_cacc_230505_item2.pdf
.
REDFERN PARK TO BE CONSIDERED BY COUNCIL
A report recommending an estimated $19 million upgrade of the oval at Redfern Park will be considered by the City's Environment and Heritage Committee next Monday.
The comprehensive and responsible report proposes a new playing field on the existing oval site, along with an undercover pavilion. This enhanced option provides facilities for junior clubs and schools sports competitions, training for the South Sydney Rugby League Football Club, the annual Koori Cup Knockout, and also for community activities and general informal recreation.
Last year, the City put on public exhibition three redevelopment options developed by the City of Sydney, ranging from open parkland to a 20,000 seat stadium. A fourth option put forward by the South Sydney District Leagues Club was included in the exhibition.
The recommended option was prepared after extensive community consultation and study of key issues that needed to resolved. Critical issues identified include:
* The community land classification and local recreational zoning are not compatible with commercial development or a major regional facility.
* At an average of 5.9 square metres per person, open space in Redfern-Waterloo is below the City average of 6.6sqm and substantially below general standards (28.3sqm).
* The existing population in Redfern-Waterloo is expected to more than double from 14,732 at the 2001 census to 40,000 by 2015, reducing open space to less than 4sqm per person unless additional areas are added.
* Maximum opportunities should be provided for local junior, school and Aboriginal sports activities, with provision for the annual Koori Knockout competition.
* Any redevelopment should provide for Souths to continue their historic association with Redfern Oval, with recognition of the team's recent move to Telstra Stadium.
* Traffic associated with a large stadium will create unsustainable impacts on adjacent roads and for on-street parking, as routinely experienced with the Moore Park stadia.
* Significant environmental limits exist due to the surrounding residential area and a water table around two metres below the playing surface.
* Any recreation facility on public land must be financially sustainable, with the City able to guarantee a high standard of maintenance in the long-term.
* The State Government does not support a stadium that would compete with Aussie Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and Telstra Stadium.
Souths proposed six-level private stadium ("Option 4") is dependant on the City providing community land, estimated to be worth $10 million, for a commercial development and an enclosed stadium without public access. A 14,000 seat stadium and 800 vehicle car park would create a traffic and parking nightmare. Aussie Stadium has off street parking for almost 6000 car places, but still creates serious parking problems during events with comparable size crowds.
The recommended option creates needed public open space; provides for local sports and training for Souths; will have minimal parking or traffic impact; and will have a positive environmental contribution through trees and green space within a densely populated area
The Environment and Heritage Committee will meet 4.00pm Monday 23 May
2004 in the Vestibule, Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney.
The report to Council is available at:
TfNSW proposal to reverse Little Eveleigh Street - until Sept 10th 2023
