9 May 2006

In This Update

RWA Human Services Update

Update of Local Services Information

Public Housing Tenants Job Disincentives

REDWatch Demands SEPP be withdrawn

In the Media

South Sydney Herald May 2006

RedWater News now also available on Line

Macdonaldtown Stabling Yards Community Meeting 7.30pm May 10 at Erskineville Town Hall

Sustainable Transport Summit “Routes to Success” 16 May 8am

Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruises

RWA Human Services Taskforces

Reforming Human Services Team - Core Areas of Staff Responsibility

Coming Events (entered on the REDWatch website and updated as we get new event details)

RWA Human Services Update

We have not heard a lot from the RWA about what is happening on the implementation of the Human Services Plan so we asked Aldo Pennini, Director, Reforming Human Services at the RWA for an update. We greatly appreciate the material which he has supplied for us.

Aldo Pennini advised that the RWA are currently working with all the service clusters on implementing Phase One of the Human Services Plan.  This involves work being done through monthly meetings the Youth Taskforce, the Family Violence Taskforce, the Youth Health Services Taskforce, the Street Drinking Taskforce and the Community Capacity Building Working Group. At the foot of this email we provided details of the organisations represented on all these taskforces although not the names of individuals as the RWA does not want this made public without the approval of those involved. Details of the RWA Taskforces have been also added to the REDWatch website at http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/structure which also contains details of RWA committees.

In addition to the Taskforces the RWA Human Services Plan also involves meetings of the Chief Executive Officers Group, the Implementation Senior Officers Group and the Human Services Ministerial Advisory Committee. Aldo Pennini has also provided us with a list of the major areas of responsibility for each of the RWA Human services staff (which is at the bottom of this update) and provided the following additional comments:

“We are currently working with all the service clusters on implementing Phase One of the Human Services Plan … All these groups are made up of members of the cluster groups and are kept up to date on latest developments.  I am very encouraged by the level of commitment and energy evident in each of the groups.  The reason for this is that they are all task oriented and are getting things done.”

“I can also share with you that the RWA is making preparations for a community forum to be held in late July to discuss issues relating to Phase Two of the Plan.  I'm hoping to get more information about the forum out to the community and service providers once we've finalised arrangements.  The forum will provide an opportunity for the community and relevant service clusters to contribute to the development of Phase Two of the Plan.”

While from the above comments all seems to be going well, we have heard some concerns from NGO’s about what is happening to services and how the RWA is implementing the Human Services Plan however we have not had time to pull this material together for this update. We will do a follow up next update with some NGO comments. If your agency is involved in one of the Taskforces and want to let people know what is happening or if you have comments, questions or concerns you would like to share please let us know.

Update of Local Services Information

The City of Sydney Library is currently updating some information on the LINCS (Local Information Network for Community Services) database. If your service is already listed and you need to update your service information or would like to add your service to this database please contact Phil Ward, City of Sydney Library on 9242 8558 or pward@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au .

The LINCS database is available to the public at http://www.datadiction.com.au/lincs/. It can also be accessed through the City of Sydney website. REDWatch has a Community Services section on its website and it provides access to LINCS as well as other community services at http://www.redwatch.org.au/redw/services/ . The Term Two Updates for Connect Redfern are also available in this section of the REDWatch site.

Public Housing Tenants Job Disincentives

The Tenants Union of NSW has recently published a research that shows that public housing tenants who get a job face losing more than 70 per cent of their wages, under changes to the NSW Department of Housing's rent rebate system. Single parents on 'moderate incomes' lose 93 cents in each additional dollar, and face losing their housing. The new research indicates that the Government's 'reshaping public housing' reforms interact with the tax and social security systems to create significant work disincentives for public housing tenants. The reforms discourage tenants from getting into work or earning a little more. “If you're a single parent asked to do some overtime and you get to keep just seven cents in the dollar, that won't even pay for the baby-sitter. You'll lose more than you gain”, Tenants' Union's chairperson, David Vaile said.

‘The NSW Government cannot blame the social security system for these work disincentives' said Chris Martin, Policy Officer for the Tenants' Union. 'In the "moderate income" range, Centrelink payments do not play a part. The largest single contributor to effective tax rates at these wages is the Department of Housing. The result is that if a tenant struggles through the work disincentives created by the withdrawal of Centrelink benefits, they face another round of work disincentives of the same or greater magnitude, created largely by the Department of Housing's reforms.'

This research has major implications for the Employment and Enterprise Plan of the RWA who are seeking create jobs for the unemployed in Redfern Waterloo, the majority of whom are also public tenants. The full media release from the Tenants Union of NSW can be found from http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/060501tunsw/ and the research paper can be downloaded from this link.(570KB)

REDWatch Demands SEPP be withdrawn

REDWatch at their last meeting decided to push for the State Government to withdraw the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for Redfern and to push for the Built Environment Plan to be re-exhibited with the additional information necessary for the community to properly understand and comment on what the RWA were proposing. A media statement Redfern Waterloo Residents Demand SEPP be Withdrawn - 3 May 2006 was issued last week to alert the media to their concerns and to kick off their push for further consultation on the RWA Draft BEP and SEPP. The REDWatch and other publicly available submissions on the Draft BEP can be found at http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/statesignificant/ssbackground/submissions/ .

In the Media

A recent announcement was made on affordable housing promised 3000 homes for elderly - 30 April 2006 under a multi-million dollar State Government plan to address the state's ageing population. The announcement also included the government’s proposal to separate aged residents from younger public housing tenants in new developments.

In another article For our cultural desert's sake, roll them off to rot - 3 may 2006 Elizabeth Farrelly in the SMH looked at the 3801, Heritage and the Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan.

The memorial seat to the Aboriginal activist Mum Shirl also made the news in Aboriginal leaders, church in feud over memorial seat - 3 May 2006 as questions about the fate of the seat in the Council Redfern Street Upgrade were raised along with the lack of consultation with the AMS and other aboriginal organisations (see the AMS letter on http://church-mouse.lanuera.com/cmblogger/ ).

For those that could not make Rock the Block the music festival on 6 May 2006 to raise funds for work on the Gym on the Block you missed a good day of Black and White joining together on the Block for a wide range of music. One of the reports on the event and a link to some pictures can be found at Rock the Block Festival a Harmonious and Financial Success.

South Sydney Herald May 2006

The May edition of the South Sydney Herald is now up on the REDWatch website for those who do not get it delivered. Some of the issues of interest to those who read the updates are likely to be an account of on of the RWA BEP Focus Groups in Now was this really a focus on Redfern? - May 2006 , the Campaign to Save Marian Park - May 2006 , Rachel Forster, please redevelop it for the community - May 2006 and State Cabinet considers invitation to visit Redfern-Waterloo - May 2006 . The Full 2.8 MB PDF version of the South Sydney Herald can be downloaded here - May 2006 .

Subscriptions are also available for those who live outside the delivery area who would like to receive a mailed copy of the paper contact mailto:editor@ssh.com.au

RedWater News now also available on Line

We are pleased to also advise that RedWater News is also now available from the REDWatch website and the latest edition can be downloaded from http://www.redwatch.org.au/redw/localmedia/redwaternews/0604/download. RedWater News is a bi-monthly newsletter produced by the Redfern and Waterloo Neighbourhood Advisory Boards. RedWater News is distributed to every household on the Redfern and Waterloo estates and is now also available by email. An Editorial Committee made up of tenants, the HCAP worker, and the worker from the University of New South Wales Community Development Project produce the newsletter. RedWater News publishes articles of interest to tenants including local tenant initiatives, tenancy issues, tenant profiles, local events and activities. The Editorial Committee would be pleased to accept articles or information on your service, advertisements, photos or any other information relevant to public housing tenants in Redfern and Waterloo. For further information contact Orna Marks, Housing Communities Assistance Program (HCAP), The Factory Community Centre 67 Raglan St Waterloo 2017 Ph: 9698-9569 Fax: 9310-4141 Email: hcap@the-factory.org.au . The cut off for the next RedWater News is 31 May 2006.

Macdonaldtown Stabling Yards Community Meeting 7.30pm May 10 at Erskineville Town Hall

A community meeting about the Macdonaldtown Stabling Yards project will be held by the Steering Group to update residents and inform them about the Determination implications, mitigation measures, community issues and goals, community representatives, points of contact for the construction and a range of other issues. A gold coin donation to cover the costs of hall hire would be appreciated. The Determination and Submissions Report is online at www.tidc.nsw.gov.au. If you can not make the meeting and would like further information then email the steering group no_stabling_yards@yahoo.com.au .

Sustainable Transport Summit “Routes to Success” 16 May 8am

The 10,000 Friends of Greater Sydney are holding a Sustainable Transport Summit “Routes to Success” in the Vestibule of the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 16th May 2006 commencing 8:00 am for an 8:30 am start.  Light refreshment will be provided. The purpose of the summit is to debate the findings of a Community Values Survey which 10,000 Friends is currently completing on attitudes to Sydney’s Transport. Preliminary findings are REALLY interesting.

The program is chaired by Robert Whitehead, Marketing Director, John Fairfax and opened by Clr Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney with three speakers addressing aspects of the survey - Gary Moore [NCOSS], Jeff Angel [Total Environment Centre] and Dr Andrew Stoeckel [Centre for International Economics]. This will be followed by a panel discussion of approx 60 minutes will include Bob Meyer (Planning perspectives) Gary Glazebrook (Transport perspectives) and Clr Tony Hay (WSROC) (Local Government). The event will conclude at 10:30 am.

As catering needs to be organised please respond by Tuesday 9th May by email to fionah@eng.usyd.edu.au  or Ph: 9351 7205. For more information contact r.walker@eng.usyd.edu.au  or on 02 9351 7199 or Mob: 0419 617 510 or visit www.10000friends.org.au .

Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruises

Aboriginal Cultural Cruise - Set sail on a journey to discover the stories of the Gadigal people on Sydney’s only Aboriginal Harbour Cruise. Come ashore on an island in Sydney Harbour to a traditional welcoming ceremony and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks. Enjoy Aboriginal Cultural Cruise and set sail on a 1 hour 45 minute journey to discover the stories of the Gadigal people.

Departure Times: Cruises depart daily at 10.45am and 12.45pm From Eastern Pontoon, East Circular Quay bookings essential. Price: Adult $55 per head, Child $45 per head (5-14 yrs) and Senior $45 (for Australia Senior Cardholders Only). Price validity is to July 31 2006.

Tickets Available from:

• Sydney Visitor Centre1800 067 676, www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com
• Sydney Visitor Centre, THE ROCKS 1st Floor, Cnr Argyle & Playfair Streets,
• The Rocks Sydney Visitor Centre, Darling harbour 33 Wheat Road,
• Harbour Sydney Ferries Booking office Wharf 2, Circular Quay, Sydney, www.sydneyferries.info or
• Group/Charter and School Bookings please call Sydney Learning Adventures Ph: 02 9240 8552 www.tribalwarrior.org
  

RWA Human Services Taskforces

Below please find details of the membership of RWA Taskforces and Working Group set up to implement the Redfern-Waterloo Human Services Plan. The RWA have advised that the names of individuals on the taskforces will not be publicly provided without their consent.  Membership of these groups is limited to organisations providing services and funding agencies.

Youth Taskforce (set up in December 2005 meets monthly)

South Sydney Youth Services
The Settlement
The Fact Tree
City of Sydney
Redfern Community Centre
Alexandria Park Community School
Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development
Department of Community Services
Department of Education and Training
Department of Health
Police
Attorney General's Department of NSW
FACSIA 

Family Violence Taskforce (set up in March 2006 meets monthly)

Police
Department of Community Services
Women Against Violence
Inner City Domestic Violence Group
Department of Education
Department of Housing
Attorney General's
FACSIA
Redfern Legal Centre
Department of Health
Mudgin-gal 

Youth Health Services Working Group (set up in April 2006 meets monthly)

Rivendell, Mental Health
Early Intervention Co-ordinator * Mental Health
Sexual Health Promotion Unit
Sexual Health Services
Adolescent Mental Health
Health Promoting Schools Officer
Aboriginal Liaison, Social Work, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Aboriginal Medical Services
South Sydney Youth Services
The Settlement
Central Division of GPs
Drug Health Services
Brain & Mind Research
Creating a Safer Community Project 

Capacity Building Taskforce (set up in January 2006 meets monthy)

The Factory Community Centre
Waterloo and Redfern NAB
Connect Redfern
City of Sydney
NSW Ministry for the Arts
Community Relations Commission
DAA
ICAMPA
Food Distribution Network
Wyanga Aged Care
Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development
SESAHS Health Promotion.
NSWU CDP
AMS and Redfern Aboriginal Authority have been invited

People are invited to participate as needed.
Meetings held with
UTS Jumbunna
Aboriginal Arts Board 

Street Drinking Taskforce

City of Sydney
Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care
Redfern Police
Department of Housing
Redfern Chamber of Commerce
Liquor Stores Association of. NSW
Australian Hotels Association of NSW
NSW Gaming and Racing
NSW Health
Aboriginal Medical Service
Roads and Traffic Authority
Indigenous Coordination Centre
RWA 

The RWA also Chairs:
a) the Chief Executive Officers Group,
b) the Implementation Senior Officers Group and
c) the Human Services Ministerial Advisory Committee.

Reforming Human Services Team - Core Areas of Staff Responsibility

Aldo Pennini: Director, Reforming Human Services - Policy development, coordination and implementation;

Norma Ingram: Capacity building, Aboriginal services, services for older people and services for migrant communities;

Julie Parsons: Youth services, family violence services, children and family services;

Don Stewart: Health services, drug and alcohol services, services for homeless people and services for people with disabilities; and

Melinda Walker: Assistant Project Officer.