24 August 2005

In this email

Movement at the RWA

Residential Towers approved above Chatswood Station

Update on City of Sydney Redfern Waterloo Activities

Focus on Community Safety at REDWatch Monthly Meeting 28^th August at Factory Community Centre 2pm

Brisbane declaration on community engagement

Settlement Links to Learning Program – Video Production

UTS Magazine “Vertigo” Invites Input from People in Redfern Waterloo

There are also some important up coming events:

Reshaping Public Housing? - Public Meeting 7pm Thursday 25^th August

CUB Community and Stakeholder Forum Saturday 27 August 2005 10am – 12 noon Pine Street Creative Arts Centre

Marrickville Rallies to “Save the Block” 1:30pm, Saturday 27 August

Business Seminar for NSW Aboriginal People, Businesses and Communities 9^th September

Year of Railways in NSW Railway Heritage Events – September 10^th and 21^st to 23^rd

City of Sydney Forum – 6pm 15^th September Redfern Town Hall

Meeting on Public Housing Reforms on 19^th September at Campbelltown

Appended

A summary of City of Sydney Council Redfern-Waterloo issues at 19th August 2005

Movement at the RWA

In the last week various people have reported receiving rejection letters to their expressions of interest for the Community Positions on the RWA Ministerial Advisory Committees so it looks like decisions are being made about the make up of the Ministerial Advisory Committees and that we will see announcements about their make up soon.

We are also told that work is nearing completion on the RWA website and that the site that we saw a couple of weeks ago was a “demonstration” site to allow RWA staff to be consulted about the site. The RWA’s first newsletter is also nearing completion so hopefully we will all know a lot more in the next couple of weeks.

Apparently the August 2^nd Community Forum date on the “demonstration” website was just a dummy and nothing was postponed. Hopefully the date for Minister Sartor’s first Community Meeting that will be open to all will also be announced soon.

Residential Towers approved above Chatswood Station

The Sydney Morning Herald ran a small piece on 23^rd August on page two under the heading Rail Towers approved. It said: “Three apartment towers up to 40-storeys tall will be built above Chatswood station, after the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, approved the residential section of the redevelopment yesterday”. We were particularly interested in the story as a RailCorp report last year said that building over railway lines is "inherently problematic", could pose safety risks and inhibit growth of the rail network see the article at http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/041204smh . Hopefully the Minister has taken the RailCorp report into account and he has not picked up any really big ideas for what might be done in the RWA’s proposed Redfern Station upgrade.

Update on City of Sydney Redfern Waterloo Activities

Following on the REDWatch meeting with City of Sydney CEO Peter Seamer and in the lead up to the City of Sydney Community Forum on 15 September (details below) for Redfern Waterloo and Darlington residents we thought it would be useful to include an update from John Maynard who is the City of Sydney’s Acting Place Manager for South Sydney. This update is at the foot of this email. Of particular interest will be the decision to hold the Redfern Waterloo Festival this year in Danks Street Waterloo rather than at Redfern Park. If you are interested in being involved in organizing the festival the contact details are in the update below.

Peter Seamer assured us a couple of weeks ago that the Redfern Street Upgrade is at the top of the list for new street works and that he is keen to ensure that the upgrade takes place quickly once it is started so the disruption to the Redfern Shops is minimized as much as possible.

Focus on Community Safety REDWatch Monthly Meeting 28^th August at Factory Community Centre 2pm

John Maynard the Acting City of Sydney Place Manager will provide a briefing on the Redfern Waterloo Community Safety Plan so come along and talk about what is happening in your local area and what we should all do about it. The Safety Plan can be found on the REDWatch web site at http://www.redwatch.org.au/govt/cos/rwa/safety/ or at the foot of the council website at http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/ServicesAndPrograms/RedfernWaterlooAuthority.asp .

REDWatch is now meeting at the Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street Waterloo on the 4^th Sunday of the Month. If you have not visited the REDWatch website recently at www.redwatch.org.au a lot more material has been added. For example, remind yourself about the various reports about Redfern Waterloo over the last couple of years at http://www.redwatch.org.au/govt/ and if are not on dial up (some of the files are large) have a look at some of the maps about the area at http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/maps/ .

Brisbane declaration on community engagement

The United Nations and the Queensland State Government have recently worked together to plan and deliver the International Conference on Engaging Communities, held in Brisbane, Australia from 14-17 August 2005. This conference produced a UN style Brisbane declaration on community engagement which can be viewed at  http://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/share_your_knowledge/un_conference/brisbanedeclaration.html. You can Read abstracts online Listen to audio broadcasts of selected sessions via the internet and conference papers will also be available shortly through this website. Given the interest in community engagement options for Redfern Waterloo we thought some of these might be of interest. We also liked the look of the Queensland Government’s community engagement site http://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/ .

Settlement Links to Learning Program – Video Production

Last year the Settlement’s Links to Learning kids produced an award winning video clip. This year the Settlement has joined with Eora College to run a video production course. The program is open to young people who have left school early or for high school students at risk of not completing year 12 who live in Redfern, Surry Hills, Waterloo, Alexandria, Chippendale, Darlington or nearby areas. The course goes for ten weeks and starts 9am Thursday 25th August and 9am Thursday 1st September. For more information contact the project consultant Michael Gravener or other Settlement staff on 96983087 M:0400 990301 or visit  the Settlement at 17 Edward St, Darlington.

UTS Magazine “Vertigo” Invites Input from People in Redfern Waterloo

Cipi, the editor of the UTS monthly magazine VERTIGO is inviting submissions from the Redfern Waterloo people for their next edition. The theme is "paradise" and she thinks this is a great opportunity for a big feature on the Redfern Waterloo communities. Please send her ideas for articles, big beautiful pictures etc on cipimalai@yahoo.com.

Working Harbour Coalition Public Meeting Sydney Town Hall 5:45pm 24^th August

The Working Harbour Coalition is holding a second forum on The Working Harbour and the proposed Darling Harbour Wharves development. The five finalists in the East Darling Harbour Design Competition will come under expert scrutiny as will the ongoing saga of the Working Harbour. Clover has kindly made the Centennial Hall available for this event, hence in contrast to the May forum there will be plenty of seating. Confirmed speakers include: the Lord Mayor Clover Moore, The Leader of the NSW Opposition John Brogden and a panel of eminent maritime experts, planners and architects including the Deputy Lord Mayor John McInerney, Rick Leplastrier, Richard Francis-Jones, Mal Hiley and Ken Fitzpatrick. An invitation has also been sent to Premier Iemma. Justice Barry O'Keefe will chair the meeting. For more information about the Coalition and the event visit www.workingharbour.com.au . While it is outside Redfern Waterloo it is important to remember that other nearby communities also face similar issues to us in getting a say in the future of their areas when planning is taken away from local council.

Reshaping Public Housing? - Public Meeting 7pm Thursday 25^th August

This meeting has been organized by the ALP’s Bligh State Electoral Committee to discuss the new housing policy and to allow people with common concerns about the issue to meet up and discuss the policy. Speakers include Kristina Keneally (State MP for Heffron) and Craig Johnston Policy Officer from Shelter NSW. Organisers are hoping that the meeting may give rise to a “Labor for Public Tenants Group” similar to “Labor for Refugees”. The Meeting will be held at the old Sydney Labor Club now Arts on Bourke, 464 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. For more information contact Trevor Davies 0400 008 338.

While it is not connected to the event above, if you have an interest in public housing you may also be interested in a new website by and for Public Housing Tenants in the Inner West - HousoLink http://www.aspar.klattu.com.au/houso. We were particularly interested in the report on Minister Sartor’s meeting with Redfern Waterloo Public Tenants.

CUB Community and Stakeholder Forum Saturday 27 August 2005 10am – 12 noon Pine Street Creative Arts Centre

Local residents and interested parties are invited to a community and stakeholder forum to discuss planning controls for the redevelopment of the Carlton and United Breweries site, Chippendale

For further information, contact CoS Community Relations on 9265 9086. Saturday 27 August 2005 10am – 12 noon Pine Street Creative Arts Centre 64 Pine Street, Chippendale.

Senior City of Sydney staff will attend to address the meeting, and there will be opportunity to have your questions about the planning process and controls answered.

The forum has been organised to show the community Council’s scheme for a new Master Plan for the redevelopment of the brewery site. The site which is about 5.7 hectares in area is situated on the north east corner of Chippendale.  The scheme as it is shows 96 metre tall high rise and doubles Chippendale’s population. The RWA Act allows the affordable housing levies that would normally go to the City of Sydney from the CUB development to go to the RWA to fund affordable housing in Redfern Waterloo. The CUB is outside the operational area of the RWA.

Marrickville Rallies to “Save the Block” 1:30pm, Saturday 27 August

A rally has been organized for Saturday at Alex Travillion Plaza (opposite Marrickville Post office), 276 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville in support of the AHC. Speakers are to include, Lee Rhiannon, MLC, Geoff Turnbull, Spokesperson for REDWatch, Councillor Verity Firth of City of Sydney Council, Councillor Saeed Khan of Marrickville Council and Michael Mundine (CEO of AHC). Come and show your support for AHC plans for the Block and protest Frank Sartor and the RWA’s opposition to the plans. A copy of the AHC media release for this event can be downloaded from http://www.redwatch.org.au/events/Press Release Marrickville Rally 050823.pdf.

More information about the AHC’s plans can be found on their website at www.ahc.org.au . The Frequently Asked Questions section of the website has been recently updated. There is also now a wide collection of media stories about the Block and the Governments opposition to the AHC’s plans on the Media News page.

Business Seminar for NSW Aboriginal People, Businesses and Communities 9^th September

Are you interested in getting some great tips on marketing your business? Does your business planning need some work? Are you unsure what is required when seeking a business loan? Want to ask a business question/s and get some answers on the spot? If the answer is yes, then this event is for you.

The NSW Department of State and Regional Development is running a Business Panel Experts - Addressing Your Questions for Aboriginal People, Businesses and Communities from 9:30am - 12:30pm,   Friday 9 September 2005 at NSW Business Centre Level 44,  225 George Street Sydney. While there is an open Invitation and no cost please phone Tony on 9338 6683 or Bernadette on 9338 6754 by COB 2 September 2005 to register. A light lunch will be provided to allow for networking with Aboriginal businesses.

Year of Railways in NSW Railway Heritage Events – September 10^th and 21^st to 23^rd

Those with an interest in Railway History including The Eveleigh Railway Yards may find a couple of upcoming events to celebrate the 150^th Year of Railways in NSW of interest. On 10^th September Sydney University is holding a continuing education lecture on Rail Heritage in the 150th Year. Information can be found at http://www-secure.cce.usyd.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CCE.woa/wa/Courses/course?ID=0543265 . From 21^st to 23^rd September there will an Engineering Heritage Conference at the Powerhouse Museum which will also include a NSW Railways History Seminar on the Eveleigh Railway Workshops. Further information can be found at http://www.sydney.ieaust.org.au/heritage/heritage_Syd_Conf.htm . Thanks to the Warren Centre at Sydney University http://www.warren.usyd.edu.au/bulletin.htm for bring these to our attention.

City of Sydney Forum – 6pm 15^th September Redfern Town Hall

A reminder that the City of Sydney Community Forum for Redfern Waterloo and Darlington residents is being held at 6pm on Thursday 15 September, Redfern Town Hall. The new structure provides an hour from 6.00pm for you to talk directly with Clover, Councillors, the CEO and Council staff about specific issues. The second part, from 7.00pm is a formal meeting including presentations.

Redfern Street Upgrade is sure to be on the agenda. When REDWatch met with City of Sydney CEO a couple of weeks ago they were assured that the Redfern Street Upgrade is at the top of the list for new street works and should start in early 2006. The new CEO is keen to ensure that the upgrade takes place quickly so there is the minimum disruption possible to Redfern Shops.

Meeting on Public Housing Reforms on 19^th September at Campbelltown

Macarthur Housing Coalition and Macarthur Community Forum will host a special meeting on Public Housing Reforms on September 19 at Campbelltown Youth Centre Broughton St, Campbelltown to discuss proposed 'reshaping public housing' reforms that will increase rents for existing tenants and end the security of tenure for tenants in what has been reported as the biggest changes to public housing in 50 years. The Macarthur groups believe it is now time to bring together tenants, community organisations and decision-makers to talk about the impact of the reforms. If you work or live in public housing they invite you to put this date in your diary now.  And to invite local tenants that you work with to come along.  Representatives from NCOSS, Shelter and the Tenants Union have been invited.  Local parliamentarians and the Minister for Housing will be asked to join us in the afternoon. For further information contact Paul Power 4627 9177 or Jane McIvor on 4647 5604 or email julie@svdpwgong.org.au to register your interest.

A summary of City of Sydney Council Redfern-Waterloo issues at 19^th August 2005

Current Council initiatives in the City South:

Redfern Community Centre – the centre continues to attract more and more interest with over 30,000 people having participated in centre activities since opening – the centre provides services for after school and school holiday activities for children and young people, playgroups, a recording studio where people can cut their own cd, a performance space, fitness and dance programs, a multi-purpose space, meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen, computers and employment and training programs.

Redfern-Waterloo Festival – this year’s festival will be taking place in the exciting new Arts Precinct in Danks Street, Waterloo. This will be the first festival of its kind for Waterloo and will offer a range of food, amusement and entertainment options. The event will once again feature a skateboard event and music for young people at Waterloo Skate Park. Preliminary planning is underway and anyone interested in getting involved can contact Jodie Bruce at Council on 9265-9460.

Redfern Street Upgrade – the concept for the upgrade is almost finalised. A consultant will shortly be appointed to the project to oversee the tendering process. Negotiations are continuing with Sydney Water, Energy Australia and Optus for the co-ordination of the undergrounding of utilities. This will prevent the pavement being dug up on numerous separate occasions.

Waterloo Skate Park – design expected to be completed in August / September and put to tender in October. A report will then go to Council for approval in November with construction set to commence late December 2005 / January 2006. Masterplan for oval to follow.

Parks Upgrade – Council is in the process of a $1 million upgrade in three pocket parks situated in and around The Block. Community consultations have been conducted and designs are currently being finalised. Options are also under consideration for additional works at Hansom Cab Reserve and in the small reserve next to the Surry Hills shopping centre.

Community Safety – work continues on the implementation of the Redfern-Waterloo Community Safety Plan. Recent initiatives include distribution of Safety tips brochure to all residents, involvement of vulnerable young people in Short Black short films project, ongoing funding for Crime Prevention Van with Police and NRMA, installation of signage reminding people to take their valuables with them leading to reduction in steal from motor vehicle offences, engraver kits available to be borrowed at Waterloo library to protect personal property and contractor has commenced work on Community Safety Project with an emphasis on improving safety and security in public housing properties.

South Sydney Licensed Premises Accord - Accord established with all licensed premises in area to improve safety and security in and around venues. Working together on sharing information through Council-issued Incident Books, involvement in state-wide Linking Project targeting problem venues and education around Places of Public Entertainment licenses. Council has developed and circulated resources such as posters and coasters in relation to the Gone in a Flash and piloting of Maz clips attached to tables campaigns to encourage patrons to protect their valuables. Work set to commence on taxi voucher pilot project to encourage more taxis to area and to protect vulnerable taxi drivers.

Miscellaneous Community Services

Older People - Council is also involved in proving podiatry, social workers and Meals on Wheels services to the community.

Young People – in addition to services at Redfern Community Centre Council also runs the award-winning Drivin’ for Employment Project assisting young people to gain drivers and / or forklift license with 35 current participants. Council also runs the award winning Lights, Camera Action Project from Redfern Community Centre which assists young mainly Aboriginal children and young people in to work and further training in the advertising, television and film industries. Council also funds an after school program for young people at Alexandria Park Community School and has recently established a training course for local young people in youth work through TAFE Outreach.

Children and Families – Council has established the Indigenous Support Project at Redfern Occasional Child Care Centre providing subsidised child care and family support for primary school aged children from Redfern-Waterloo. Council provides funding to support a worker on the Kidspeak Project an informal recreation program for children and families on Waterloo Green. Council runs free first aid courses for people wanting to apply to work for Council through its casual child care panel.

Waterloo Library - The library at Waterloo in addition to its regular services also provides additional services to children and young people. These include homework help, storytime, colouring in and a range of school holiday activities both within the facility and through outreach.

Homelessness - The City provides the state wide telephone information and referral service for homeless people (HPIC). Anyone who is homeless can contact them 7 days a week 9am - 10pm on 1800 234 566. The City also has a contracted Brokerage program for homeless people. Assessment and access to this program is undertaken by HPIC staff.

The City also provides a contracted homelessness Outreach service (City Street Outreach Service) within the pre-2003 boundaries of the City. The Department of Housing provides an outreach service in Redfern and other nearby areas. They can be contacted on 1800 505 501. The City and DOH have been working together and hope to have a joint outreach service for the entire LGA up and running by January 2006.

The City also performs a service development and policy role in homelessness. Specific issues related meetings and strategies are developed form time to time. In 2003, the Aboriginal Liaison officer established an Aboriginal Homelessness Services meeting.

The Environment – Council is committed to and continues to remove graffiti within 48 hours across the area, has developed a syringe management plan to address the issue of unsafely discarded needles and syringes and provides funding toward recycling projects in Department of Housing properties in the area.

For More Information Contact:

John Maynard
A/Place Manager - City South / Community Safety Officer
City Of Sydney
Tel: 9265 9333
jmaynard@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au