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09 August 2005
The Southside News sees Crown Solicitor’s Advice to Cabinet over The Block
Exodus Tutorial School for part of Redfern Public School Site
Directory of business services for Aboriginal people
Connect Redfern & Finding Local Community Services
REDWatch Web Site being Updated
Redfern Residents for Reconciliation 10th August 7pm at Redfern Community Centre
Redfern DoH Police Clinic – 10th August 10am Our Place Community Centre
Sydney Social Forum - Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August.
UTS Centre for Popular Education
The Cabinet reshuffle has seen Minister Sartor move from Energy & Utilities to Planning which is part of the three way split of DIPNR. He maintains Science and Medical Research, Minister for Cancer and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority but loses Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts.
This change will now see Minister Sartor responsible for delegating powers over Redfern Waterloo State Significant sites to himself as Minister for Redfern Waterloo. As Minister for Redfern Waterloo he can now also ask himself as the Minister administering the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to make environmental planning instruments necessary to give effect to the environmental planning aspects of the Redfern Waterloo Plan. If there was concern that the Redfern Waterloo Minister had immense power under the RWA Act and that the Planning Minister had immense power with the recent changes to the EP&A Act the amalgamation of these powers under one Minister is more than the sum of the earlier powers. The checks and balances of separate ministers disappears and we have what Clover Moore earlier described as “Frank talking to Frank”.
On the other hand there are worrying signs that the plan for the RWA Minister to be the NSW Government spokesperson on all things to do with Redfern Waterloo is not eventuating. The Premiers Department RWPP role of knocking together the heads together of the various departments with an involvement in the area to get a whole of government response to address the inter-related issues of Redfern-Waterloo is looking like a casualty of the RWA takeover of the RWPP. We seem to be retreating to the days of Departmental blame shifting which will not help address the real needs and challenges of the Redfern and Waterloo communities.
One of these worrying signs was seen by public housing tenants at the recent public meeting held by Minister Sartor with public housing tenants. The Minister assured tenants that the RWA had no plans for re-development of public housing in Redfern Waterloo and might never have any plans. Meanwhile questions regarding the DoH redevelopment on Elizabeth Street were answered as not being in his area of responsibility with people being told you will need to ask DoH about that. The Minister seemed to forget he also is responsible for the areas Human Services that will need to deal with any problems that come from how DoH handle the development and the community.
Similarly, when REDWatch asked Robert Domm about the need to retain community assets like the old Redfern School when the population of the area will increase he said the responsibility for any decisions to sell the site would be an internal Department of Education resource allocation decision.
When the RWA was announced then Premier Carr’s said “There are a myriad of services and programs in the Redfern-Waterloo area. We need one Minister and one Authority responsible for them.”
The Southside News sees Crown Solicitor’s Advice to Cabinet over The Block
Some locals may have picked up the latest edition of the Southside News and noticed that they have done a special feature on the RWA with a focus on the Block and advice given by the Solicitor General to NSW cabinet in 2004 about the government’s options for handling the Block. The Southside news report documents the NSW Government’s attempt to take control of the Block away from the AHC in 2004 and it goes some way to explain why, following the government’s unsuccessful attempt to take control of the Block it has opposed the AHC’s Pemulwuy project.
Recent visitors to the AHC officers to look at the plans for The Block have included NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir who has had a long commitment to the area. Broadcaster Alan Jones also visited and he enthused about the project in his farewell interview with Andrew Refshauge.
Given that a number of the Southside News articles in the recent edition that deal with Redfern Waterloo Issues we have added them to the media section of the REDWatch website as they are not readily available elsewhere. We have provided the links to the articles below:
Sacred land and official secrets http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715ssna/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 page 1. Documents sighted by Southside News show the government sees control of AHC land as crucial to the redevelopment - so crucial that a ‘worst case’ scenario where Aboriginal land in Redfern could be compulsorily acquired has been examined. Southside News had an in-depth look at what is going on in Redfern. See Pages 10 to 15 inside. Southside News Issue 3/2005 page 1
Land and secrets on The Block http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715b/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 Pages 13-14. On May 25, a map of Redfern Waterloo was published in the Government Gazette. It showed areas declared state significant within Redfern and Waterloo boundaries and included The Block - land privately owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company. Gazetting means planning and compulsory acquisition powers will now move to the recently established Redfern Waterloo Authority. Government documents show control of The Block was always central to the $5 billion redevelopment plan for the area. Samantha Derrick reports for Southside News.
Pemulwuy inspires battle for The Block http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715c/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 page 15. Pemulwuy was the Rainbow Warrior who in the late 1700s united Aboriginal clans to resist the British. This earned him the reputation as the most famous freedom fighter in Aboriginal history. Another battle is now brewing - this time between the NSW Government and the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC). The company has a plan to redevelop its prime land, The Block in Redfern. The Government has a plan to take over that development. Samantha Derrick
Friend or foe Sartor has final say http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715d/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 pages 12-13. New South Wales Labor MP Frank Ernest Sartor, in his early years as a Sydney City Councillor, described The Block in Redfern as: "the most difficult problem I have ever had to deal with". Today, as a minister, he heads the Redfern Waterloo Authority. Joe Correy profiles the man who now has extraordinary power to change all of Redfern not just its notorious streets.
How Moore's ‘kinda’ onside with RWA http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715e/view
Southside News issue 3/2005 page 10. The support of Sydney's Lord Mayor is vital for the success of the Redfern Waterloo redevelopment plan. But as Dheephi Namasivayam finds out its not guaranteed.
Deal to boost indigenous jobs in Redfern Waterloo http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715ssnf/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 page 10 Peta Fitzgerald reports on the agreement between the CFMEU and the RWA.
Fear for future of historic court http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715ssng/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 page 9.The closure and uncertain future of their 19th century courthouse has left Redfern people very unhappy. Elias Jahshan and Nami Kwon report.
Oval debate goes one more round http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050715ssnh/view
Southside News Issue 3/2005 page 31. Jane Shields reports on the ongoing battle over Redfern Oval.
There are a number of other articles which will be of interest to many locals which do not relate to the RWA which we have not covered. These include articles on the Freedom Bus ride 2005, Ted Kennedy, Bob Bellear, Richard Green, Hillsong and much, much more. Recent editions of Southside News can be found at http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/ but the download file size is 2MB-13MB which is a problem for those with dial up.
Exodus
Tutorial School for part of
Redfern Public School Site
It looks like the Exodus Tutorial School which runs in Ashfield may also run out of the old Redfern Primary School. This school is run by the Exodus Foundation and specialises in intensive work over two terms with children who are not learning in a normal school environment. Success on the program is said to be very high and we understand the move to establish the Tutorial School is supported by the RWA and the Department of Education. More information on the programme can be found on the Exodus Foundation section of the Bill Crews website http://www.billcrews.com.au/main/Home.html
Directory of business services for Aboriginal people
NSW Department of state and Regional Development has put out a Directory of business services for Aboriginal people - gateway for Aboriginal enterprise development. It can be downloaded from
Connect Redfern & Finding Local Community Services
The term 3 update of community contacts from Connect Redfern is out but with the disappearance of the RWPP web site it is not currently available on the web. REDWatch has added the information to a new page on its website under Our Community – Find a Local Community Service at http://www.redwatch.org.au/redw/services/ . The REDWatch site now also contains links to other major community service search sites such as Lics (used by CoS and DoCS), the resurrected NSW Community Service Directory, HSnet, Sport and Recreation and some educational directories.
Regular updates are important to ensure that the information in any directory / search facility is up to date. Redfern Connect is a local directory and they update at the beginning of each school term which makes their service very important for the local community. Connect Redfern issue a number of lists with a focus on Children and Family services in Redfern Waterloo. We have posted the most recent listings. These brochures are available in hard copy or by email. If you wish to get future brochures directly please contact Jo on 9319 3207 or email connectredfern@yahoo.com.au . If you would like information about your organisation placed in these brochure for Term 4, 2005, or need to make changes to current information, please notify Jo before Friday, October 7, 2005.
REDWatch Web Site being Updated
While we all wait for the RWA to set their website check out the REDWatch website which is slowly being developed. The Government Influences section for example http://www.redwatch.org.au/govt/ contains details of some of the recent government inquiries, reports and promises about the area. Remind yourself about the promises of the RED Strategy and compare this with what has happened or re-read the Legislative Council Inquiry into Redfern Waterloo Recommendations and reflect on the progress or otherwise that has been made.
Redfern Residents for Reconciliation 10th August 7pm at Redfern Community Centre
Redfern Residents for Reconciliation (RRR) has its monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information contact Lyn Turnbull turnbullfamily@stassen.com.au
Redfern DoH Police Clinic – 10th August 10am Our Place Community Centre
Redfern Police hold regular meetings with Department of Housing tenants to discuss crime, policing, and safety. Future meetings are on 10 August (note new date), 28 September and 30 November, from 10.00 am to 12 midday, at Our Place Community Centre, Poets' Corner, Redfern. Information: Sergeant Georgie Israel, telephone 8303 5199.
Justice Now! Re-open the Hickey Inquest! Rally, Wednesday, 17th August 2005, 11:30 a.m. at The Block – Redfern
A Rally has been organized on the Block on 17th August followed by a March to Coroners Court and back to the Block for a free BBQ at 2:00 p.m. Speakers include Ray Jackson, President of ISJA (Indigenous Social Justice Association), A Hickey Family Member, Raul Bassi from Socialist Alliance and an Open microphone for concerned Community members. Enquiries: 02 9318 0947 (m) 0415 858 264 isja01@bigpond.net.au
Hillsong - Inspiring Australians - Profiling Indigenous Enterprise Development – 6.30pm 25 August 2005
Hillsong is organizing an evening entitled Inspiring Australians Profiling Indigenous Enterprise Development on 25 August 2005 at 188 Young St, Waterloo. The flyer for the evening says it is “going to be a fantastic evening, highlighting the ground breaking work of Hillsong Emerge with Indigenous Australian Businesses”. Special guest speakers include…
■ David Bassau - Founder of Opportunity International - Global Micro Enterprise Development, UN Year of Microcredit 2005 Patron, Australian Entrepreneur of the Year 2004.
■ The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service.
■ Gerhardt Pearson, A leading Indigenous spokesperson - Cape York Development Corporation and Indigenous Enterprise Partnership.
Refreshments: 6.30pm Event: 7.00pm - 9.15pm Cost $40 per person (GST incl.) Please RSVP by 12th August 2005 by contacting www.hillsong.com/inspiringaustralians or 8853 5369
Sydney Social Forum - Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August.
Begun in 2002, the Sydney Social Forum (SSF) is an annual event whose aim is to help Sydney’s progressive community coordinate campaigns, share and refine strategies, and inform us about many different issues - from local campaigns to international movements. The SSF is one of many regional and city-based social forums held around the world, involving hundreds of thousands of people who believe that another world, a better world, is possible. In 2005, the Sydney Social Forum presents an alternative vision to the neo-liberal nightmare represented by the Forbes Global CEO Conference at the Sydney Opera House from 30 August. The SSF is being held from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August. Join with hundreds of local community activists, trade unionists, environmentalists, thinkers, artists, concerned citizens and international speakers for three days of open space workshop discussion, debate, strategising, info and skill sharing and inspiration at the 4th Sydney Social Forum. For more information visit www.sydneysocialforum.org/
UTS Centre for Popular Education
People interested in social change might like to investigate the offerings of the UTS Centre for Popular Education http://www.cpe.uts.edu.au/ which lists courses and upcoming conferences. More information about events such as those listed below can be found on the site.
- Three-month Short Course Personal and Political Tools for Social Change August 31st to November 30th, 2005, at UTS.
- STRATEGISING FOR CHANGE a two-day workshop for community organisers, workers, unionists and activists Thursday 18th & Friday 19th August 2005, 9am-5pm Centre for Popular Education, level 5, 235 Jones St, University of Technology, Sydney
- ANNUAL CONFERENCE - ACTION RESEARCH/ACTION LEARNING IN HUMAN SERVICES At the Centre for Popular Education, University of Technology, 235 Jones St, Broadway Sydney 30 September – 2 October 2005
TfNSW proposal to reverse Little Eveleigh Street - until Sept 10th 2023
