In This Update 

City of Sydney Community Meeting on Redfern Street Upgrade – Wednesday 26 April 6pm – 8pm Redfern Town Hall

CoS – Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council Principles of Cooperation

RWA Built Environment Plan

Correction Regarding Redfern Police Article

More Police for Redfern Local Area Command

Free Community BBQs

The Pauline McLeod Award for Reconciliation and the Pauline McLeod Youth Award for Reconciliation

Sorry Day Activities – May 26 2006

Redfern & Regent Streets Upgrade Project Letter from City of Sydney

Coming Events (entered on the REDWatch website)

City of Sydney Community Meeting on Redfern Street Upgrade – Wednesday 26 April 6pm – 8pm Redfern Town Hall

In our last update we made mention of concerns raised at the CoS Community meeting of 11 April about how some of the earlier comments had not been incorporated. The discussion from the floor also raised the concern that the Redfern Street upgrade should also incorporate a Redfern character rather than just look like any other upgrade and that street art should also be considered. In response to the concerns expressed at that meeting another meeting has been called to “to discuss comments on the detailed design and opportunities for celebrating special places in Redfern Street.”

The notice for this week’s meeting wasn’t distributed to the same area as the earlier meeting so some people with an active interest in the Redfern Street who attended the last meeting will not know about it. It was also not on the Cos website when we checked last Friday and had we known about it we would have mentioned it in the last update rather than rushing out another update today to make sure people know about it. We have reproduced the full text of the leaflet at the foot of this email. The notice reminds people that the detailed designs are on exhibition up to and including Friday 28 April 2006 and that Council has notified its plan to close Cope Street, Redfern between Regent and Turner Streets. The concept plans for a new public space at Jack Floyd Reserve (Cope Street) are also on display until 13^th May 2006.

As mentioned in last Friday’s update the latest plans for the Redfern Street Upgrade handed out at the meeting can be downloaded from  Redfern and Regent Streets Upgrade | PDF 1.5Mb and Redfern and Regent Streets Upgrade - Details and Materials | PDF 4.4Mb. All comments and questions should be directed to the Project Manager for the Redfern and Regent Streets Upgrades, Mukesh Malhotra Tel: 02 9246 7768 Fax: 02 9265 9116 Email: mmalhotra@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or posted to City Projects, GPO Box 1591 Sydney 2001.

CoS – Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council Principles of Cooperation

As indicated in the last Update we have made a text version of the Principles of Cooperation and placed it on the REDWatch website at http://www.redwatch.org.au/govt/cos/malc/poc/ for those who want a text version to quote rather than the PDF picture file currently on the CoS site http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/html/2902-lord-mayor-signs-agreement-with-custodians-of-the-land.asp?orig=Home .

RWA Built Environment Plan

Over the weekend we saw Heffron MP Kristina Keneally’s comments in her Heffron E-Herald 22 April and we have put these comments up on the REDWatch website at http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/060422keneally/ for those who do not see Kristina’s emails. We will also post a copy of Ms Keneally’s submission on the REDWatch website as soon as it is received.

From reading the E-Herald item it is difficult to believe REDWatch and Kristina Keneally are talking about the same RWA report. REDWatch did make comment on the earlier RWA plans and fully understands how these plans fit together. REDWatch has also documented in their submission a very wide range of problems with the draft BEP, so many that REDWatch believes that the SEPP should be immediately withdrawn and the BEP redrafted for further community consultation with the additional information necessary for the community to understand it (see REDWatch - 130 KB PDF).

Maybe it comes with a safe Labor seat, but the MP for Heffron seems to be more intent on representing the NSW Government’s line about what a great job the RWA is doing back to a not-yet-convinced electorate, rather than recognising and taking up the genuine concerns of the community that need to be represented back to both the NSW Government and the RWA on behalf of her electorate. Those pushing for an increase in open and green space in Redfern Waterloo will not be encouraged by the view that she expresses as the potential MP for most of Redfern as well as Waterloo when she asserts that she is “less certain that the current use of the reserve at Marian Street is the most appropriate, given the economic and social challenges in the area”.

Correction Regarding Redfern Police Article

In the last update we provided a link to an article “Plaudits for Police” from the Sydney Central Courier about the Lord Mayor’s comments on Catherine Burn and the Redfern Police. We did not pick up that the article contained some major factual errors. Given the sensitivity recently over various agencies incorrectly claiming responsibility for some of the community developed programmes in the area we are pleased to provide the following clarification from LAC Commander Burn regarding the claims in the Sydney Central Courier article.

I would like to clarify some of the material in the article "Plaudits for Police - 19th April" located on the Redwatch site. There seems to be some information that is not entirely accurate and I would like to ensure a correct record is maintained. Those areas that need clarification include:

• "Activities implemented by Redfern Police include Midnight Basketball.."   - I would like to make it clear that Redfern Police did not implement this program however we have supported the program from its inception and our Youth Liaison Officer and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer also attended the program to assist with it.
  

• "a Tribal Warrior's water skills course." - We have run, and continue to run, a Water skills course but it is not related to the Tribal Warrior. Any reference to the Tribal Warrior was a reference to enhancing relationships with the community and that included contact with those associated with the Tribal Warrior. This included an invitation for Tribal Warrior participants to attend the Water Police site for a tour.
  

• "Redfern Police have also put together the "Blackout" Anti-Violence Program, the school's anti-violence program "Kickin Forward" and "Walking Together....." - Redfern Police did not put these programs together. We are supporters of the programs and we assist when possible. Regarding "kickin Forward" we are working with a member of the Aboriginal community to see if it is viable for police to sponsor the program in the local schools, and with the "Walking Together" program we provide assistance through our Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers.   

More Police for Redfern Local Area Command

We are grateful to Kristina Keneally’s E-Herald for the news that Redfern LAC will receive 10 more police officers next month. We noted in the email that the new officers would arrive after the next class graduates from the Goulburn Police College on May 5. In July 2004 the police minister announced a suspension of probationary constables at Redfern for a 12 month period. In light of this we asked Catherine Burn if she could clarify the situation regarding the appointment of probationary constables to Redfern. Following is her response:

Mr Scully and Kristina Keneally visited the Command last week and Mr Scully gave a guarantee that we would receive an additional 10 police by the 8/5/06. These police will be probationary constables. At the same time we will also be receiving three experienced police officers to add to the Command numbers. Two are rejoinees and one is from Ashfield Command.

Regarding your concerns, in December 2005 we received an allocation of three probationary constables as a trial. This came about after a review of staffing levels and issues at Redfern. Since then a decision has been made to resume the placement of probationary constables at Redfern on a permanent basis. This has been for several reasons, including enhancing police numbers at the Command which will be very much welcomed.  To ensure that we address concerns about the placement of inexperienced police at Redfern, we have put together a week long induction program followed by a minimum 8 week placement with an experienced police officer who is also a Field Teaching Officer.  The induction package includes corporate and local Aboriginal cultural awareness training. They still then have to continue with their studies for a further 12 months before they become Constables. They will also be closely monitored with regards to their ability to deal with the day to day situations that arise in the Command.  We are fortunate to now have many experienced police at the Command to work with the new police. The new police will also inject some enthusiasm and invigoration to the Command.

Free Community BBQs

The Police have also asked us to let people know about a series of Free BBQs designed to get people together and to meet their neighbours. The Redfern Police are doing this in conjunction with City of Sydney and the NRMA Community Safety Project. The barbeques will provide an opportunity for you to meet your neighbours, be informed about some of the events and activities taking place in your area and will provide safety advice on how to better secure your home. For more information contact John on 9288 5353.

Redfern - 23rd May (Tuesday) Our Place, Poets Corner, Morehead St, Redfern 11am – 2pm
Beaconsfield/Zetland/Rosebery - 3rd June (Saturday) Beaconsfield Park, Beaconsfield 11am – 2pm
Chippendale - 4th June (Sunday) Peace Park, Buckland St, Chippendale 11am – 2pm
Erskineville/Alexandria - 6th June (Tuesday) Harry Noble Reserve, Swanson St Erskineville 11am – 2pm
The Block - 7th June (Wednesday) Redfern Community Centre, Caroline St 3pm – 5pm
Zetland/Victoria Park Estate - 10th June (Saturday) Joyton Park, Gadigal Ave, Zetland 11am – 2pm
Waterloo - 13th June (Tuesday) Waterloo Green Raglan St, Waterloo 11am – 2pm
Darlington/Chippendale - 17th June (Saturday) – The Settlement or Thomas St Park (Intersection Vine Street and Thomas St) location to be confirmed 11am – 2pm

We will put these up on the REDWatch Upcoming Events section of the REDWatch website.

The Pauline McLeod Award for Reconciliation and the Pauline McLeod Youth Award for Reconciliation

The “Pauline McLeod Award for Reconciliation” and the “Pauline McLeod Youth Award for Reconciliation” aim to recognise those who have worked diligently in promoting Reconciliation. These awards are sponsored by the Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum. Nominations for these awards close on Friday 13th May 2005. The forum is also a sponsoring a Reconciliation Week Art Competition. For enquiries on the forums activities please contact Tracey Cooley Phone: 02 9399 0608 E-mail: tracey.cooley@randwick.nsw.gov.au .

Sorry Day Activities – May 26 2006

Sorry Day - Australia’s Hidden Agenda - Assimilation - Genocide - What’s not talked about?

The NSW Sorry Day Committee invites you to tali yirran* (*Eora language meaning ‘to gather together in large numbers’). To acknowledge, remember and honour the Stolen Generations Friday May 26th 2006 at:

First Fleet Park Circular Quay West - 12 noon to 4.00 pm. Stolen Generations speakers, Koori performers and a community BBQ. Guest speaker - Peter Garrett MP. Tours of the Tribal Warrior.

The Museum of Contemporary Art - 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Stolen Generation speakers, Koori performers and supper. Compere – Paulette Whitton.

Further information: NSW Sorry Day Committee, Sandra Newham (0437 100 121)

Redfern & Regent Streets Upgrade Project Letter from City of Sydney

Dear Sir / Madam

I write about the proposed Redfern and Regent Street Upgrade Project.

1.         Upgrade Detailed Design

Further to the comments received from community consultations and meetings of 15 September 2005 and 2 November 2005, City of Sydney has developed detailed designs for the upgrade works. The detailed designs are currently on exhibition at Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre (Lawson Square) at Redfern & Regent Streets intersection.

The detailed design will remain on exhibition up to and including Friday 28 April 2006. If you wish to comment further please do so.

2.         Closure of Cope Street, Redfern Between Regent and Turner Streets

Following the comments received in the community workshop of 2 November 2005, the concept has been finalised for a new public space at Jack Floyd Reserve (Cope Street). The final concept plans are also displayed. The development of this space provides an important civic space for Redfern's large and diverse community.

The planned improvements include:

• The closure of the northern section of Cope Street between Regent and Turner Streets to provide a larger open space to support the functions of passive recreation, the local commercial strip and safer pedestrian activity. This new civic space will be able to accommodate a range of activities such as outdoor dining, markets and community events.
• Reconfiguration of parking plus loading zones and creation of shared zone for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency / maintenance vehicles. Loading zones have been provided at corner of Cope St and turner St.
• Green space with new Eucalyptus trees in plaza and plane trees on Regent Street footpath.
• High quality unit pavers and new furniture including seats and bins.
• Improved accessibility, permeability and visibility through the space and improvement of links between commercial & residential areas and to major transport networks.
  

I draw attention to the notice in classified section of the Daily Telegraph dated 15 April 2006 and Sydney Morning Herald dated 18 April 2006, of Council's proposal to seek approval under Section 116 of Roads Act 1993 for the closure of the northern section of Cope St, Redfern between Regent Street and Turner Street.

The City would appreciate your comments on of the closure of Cope Street between Regent Street and Turner Street by 13 May 06.

3. Community Meeting of 26 April 06

The City of Sydney invites you to attend a public meeting in Redfern Town Hall at Pitt Street on Wednesday 26 April 06 from 6pm till 8pm to discuss comments on the detailed design and opportunities for celebrating special places in Redfern Street.

Please provide your comments and enquiries as requested above to:

Director City Projects
Attention: Mukesh Malhotra, Project Manager
at
City Projects, GPO Box 1591, Sydney 2001
or
Email: mmalhotra@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au  or
Fax: (02) 9265 9116.

Yours sincerely

Russell Lloyd Director City Projects