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RWIU 4 Apr 2008
[Please use the list of article links below to jump directly to the story of interest. We do not expect you to be interested in everything.]
In this Update:
North Eveleigh DGRs Issued – will be on DoP Website soon
RWA provides information on “Dry” Alcohol Support Service for Redfern Waterloo
Settlement Neighbourhood Centre seeks new Executive Officer
Sustainable Sydney 2030 and Redfern Waterloo
Redfern Waterloo Census Statistics for 2006
The CoS study “Redfern Business Precinct – Towards the Future”
Woolworths Stores Comparisons for Inner City
Chippendale News - Balfour Street Park – Frasers – History Week
Housing NSW – Future Directions for Tenant Participation or Not?
Sydney Electorate ‘2020 Summit’ - Saturday 5 April 2008
What the Indigenous Land Council (ILC) is doing in Redfern – 16th April 2008
“The Coloured Digger” March Ecumenical Service and exhibition – 25th April 2008
Inquiry into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage – Submissions until Wednesday 30th April 2008
Have your say – Summary of Current Consultations
Coming Events (look at the new local events entered on the REDWatch website that are not covered here)
North Eveleigh DGRs Issued – will be on DoP Website soon
The RWA has confirmed that the Director General’s Requirements (DGRs) for the North Eveleigh Concept Plan have been issued by the Department of Planning (DoP). The DGRs set out the documentation the RWA is required submit to the DoP and it is expected to the RWA will submit it shortly. To obtain the DGRs the RWA had to submit a Preliminary Project Assessment / Environmental Assessment which sketches out what it is proposed. This document and the DGRs will be posted on the DoP’s Major Project Website at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/register2006.asp#gma. We have been speaking the DoP and have been told that their IT section has been asked to put up the documents and that they should appear in the next couple of days when the community will be able to get their first look at what is included in the Concept Plan.
RWA provides information on “Dry” Alcohol Support Service for Redfern Waterloo
In a letter to the South Sydney Herald Don Stewart from Human Services in the RWA has clarified the RWA and CoS proposal for a “dry” alcohol centre for Redfern Waterloo. The letter reads:
“The March issue of the SSH incorrectly stated that the Redfern-Waterloo Authority supports a “wet” centre in Redfern as part of a range of actions to address the needs of street drinkers and other people with alcohol issues. In actual fact the reverse is the case. For almost two years, the RWA and the City of Sydney have been actively seeking Commonwealth support for a “dry” alcohol support service for men in Redfern and Waterloo. A “dry” alcohol support service does not allow drinking on the premises, actively works to divert people from drinking toward other activities and provides a range of incentives for drinkers to reduce alcohol consumption to safer levels or abstain all together. Support for a dry alcohol support service is based on the need to address well-recognised major service gaps, expert advice on the merits of the dry alcohol support service model over the wet centre approach and feedback from local community service providers, individuals and street drinkers.
On the basis of this advice, the RWA and the City of Sydney developed a proposal for a dry alcohol support service which uses targeted support and intervention strategies and provides clear referral pathways to health, family and other support services and to culturally specific supports. The proposal is consistent with current best practice in the provision of support for people with either a chronic alcohol addiction or other alcohol-related issues. Clients would be provided with opportunities to recover from alcohol dependence and be encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The consumption of alcohol would NOT be permitted on the premises, however men with an active dependence on alcohol who are not ready to stop drinking would not be excluded from the service. The local community would be encouraged to have a sense of ownership of the centre and to actively participate in its operation and management.
A submission seeking Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing support for a trial of the dry alcohol support service was forwarded by the City of Sydney and the RWA in November 2006. The proposal indicated that the service would be operated by a nongovernment service or consortium of services, selected by tender on the basis of demonstrated expertise and capacity to effectively run this service in the local area. Unfortunately, the Department of Health and Ageing declined to support the proposal. It was however referred on to a wider whole-of-government assessment process in October 2007. The outcome of this assessment process will determine if the trial of this much-needed service can proceed.”
Settlement Neighbourhood Centre seeks new Executive Officer
As many working in Redfern Waterloo Human Services would be aware Michael Gravener, the Executive Officer at The Settlement has recently been on leave following a medical problem. While Michael is recovering well, he has decided it is time for him to leave The Settlement. As a result The Settlement is looking for a new Executive Officer. Please let anyone you think might be appropriate for the position know about the vacancy. The advertisement describes the position as follows:
'The Settlement' requires an experienced innovative EO to manage and grow our multi-program community organisation. We are at an exciting stage in our development as an organisation of more than 115 years standing and need a leader to enact change which ensures strategic sustainability and visioning.
YOU WILL NEED: Lots of flexibility and creativity with high level skills in community engagement, communication, staff development and management, program delivery, liaising with funding bodies and administration. Understanding of Aboriginal cultural issues is essential.
A degree in social work or its equivalent is preferred. This is an above SACS 6 Award position which includes generous salary sacrificing. Enquiries to: Michael Gravener at The Settlement, on 0400-990-301 or msg2000@bigblue.net.au for job pack’ Applications close 11 April 2008.”
Sustainable Sydney 2030 and Redfern Waterloo
The City of Sydney has released its Draft Sustainable Sydney 2030 proposals. You may have seen the media reports of the project ideas like removing the Cahill Expressway, undergrounding the Western Distributor through Darling Harbour to create a new park and residential area or the proposal for building above the railway corridor south of Central Station. These are some of the grander scale ideas in a report that also tries to look again at what needs to change in Sydney to create a sustainable city by 2030. Following the report being considered by Council, it is proposed to go on exhibition from April 17 to May 31 2008 when the community will have its opportunity to make comments on the ideas in the report.
The CoS Council has set up a website that introduces some of the key recommendations - you can find this site at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/2030/. You will not find anything specific about what it proposes for Redfern Waterloo on the website. To find out this level of detail you will have to download the whole report which is broken up into 13 large PDF files or wait for the document to go on exhibition in hard form in mid April. To help people with an interest in Redfern Waterloo get an understanding of what is said about the Redfern Waterloo area in Sustainable Sydney 2030 we have gone through the reports and extracted the references to our area. These have been placed in a MS Word document with local references in bold so you can see the specific references to our area. You can download the MS Word document from the REDWatch website at References to Redfern Waterloo Area in Sustainable Sydney 2030 (MS Word 210Kb). The latest Courier has also run two brief pieces on how the Sustainable Sydney 2030 plans affect Surry Hills Hills Heightened and Redfern Redfern Revamp Stresses Culture, Business.
The Sustainable Sydney 2030 documents introduce the concept of “activity hubs and catchments” and divide the city into 10 hubs and catchments. The hubs are a ‘middle’ level of urban place between the city and the local villages. On the maps the Redfern Street Hub roughly covers Redfern and Waterloo west of Chalmers St, south of Central Station, Broadway and City Road, so it incorporates Prince Alfred Park, Chippendale, Darlington, Eveleigh and parts of Erskineville and Alexandria as far south as McEvoy St. For this reason we have included references to the areas surrounding Redfern and Waterloo which fall into the proposed “activity hub and catchment” for Redfern Street. The Redfern Street hub and catchment is surrounded by six catchments centring on Green Square, Crown Street, Haymarket, Harris Street, Glebe Point Road and King Street. For easy reference we have also extracted the section of the report that covers the Activity Hubs Proposal (901Kb PDF).
Housing and job projections are based on these hubs and catchments. The Redfern Catchment is expected to add housing for 7,350 (second behind Green Square) and 16,850 jobs (3rd behind the Harbour and Haymarket) between 2006 and 2031. The report proposes that “By 2030, of all housing in the City 7.5% will be social housing, and 7.5% affordable housing delivered by ‘Not–for–Profit’ or other providers.”
The Sustainable Sydney 2030 extracts which mention of Redfern Waterloo deal with a wide range of issues including the project idea of the Eora Journey Pathway from the Harbour to Redfern and an Australian Indigenous Cultural Centre – you can see the detail in this PDF extract Project Idea - Eora Journey - Pathways from the Harbour to Redfern (837 Kb PDF). In the week prior to the release of the CoS report Courier Central ran the story History in the Making - Indigenous Centre Proposed about the centre proposed in the 2030 document. The 2030 proposal also covers Indigenous employment and enterprise, culture and housing. It also deals the redevelopment of the Redfern Waterloo area and relationships between the CoS and government, including relationships with the RWA and ATP. Transport linkages, affordable housing targets, improved council and government services and better integration of surrounding communities with the Universities are also mentioned.
These changes have implications for the entire city not just Redfern Waterloo. Please note that the references we have collated from the document are only a collection of quotes where the area is mentioned by name. Sustainable Sydney 2030 is about a wide range of strategies which CoS proposes to introduce many of which will also effect our area. To get a detailed view of what is proposed you will need to download the 13 PDF files that make up the report from the website above. The report can be downloaded from the links below:
Download Links for draft Sustainable Sydney 2030
- Cover Letter by Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP | 550kb PDF
Draft Strategic Plan City Vision
- City Vision | 5.7 Mb PDF
- City Futures | 4.3Mb PDF
- 1. A Globally Competitive and Innovative City | 5.2Mb PDF
- 2. A Leading Environmental Performer | 5.3Mb PDF
- 3. Integrated Transport for a Connected City | 3.8Mb PDF
- 4. A City for Walking and Cycling | 3.8Mb PDF
- 5. A Lively, Engaging City Centre | 6.2Mb PDF
- 6. Vibrant Local Communities and Economies | 2.9Mb PDF
- 7. A Cultural and Creative City | 5.6Mb PDF
- 8. Housing for a Diverse Population | 2.2Mb PDF
- 9. Sustainable Development, Renewal and Design | 4.5Mb PDF
- 10. Implementation Through Partnerships | 2.4Mb PDF
- Appendices | 1.7Mb PDF
Redfern Waterloo Census Statistics for 2006
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the statistics from the last census so it now possible to have a look at the latest statistics for your suburb / region / local government area. The smallest ABS statistical breakdown that covers the entire Redfern Waterloo area is the Sydney South Statistical Local Area. It also includes Camperdown, Erskineville, Alexandria Beaconsfield, Zetland and Rosebery, so while the aggregated statistics need to be treated with caution, as they include figures for a wider area, the “MapStats” are useful as they give a pictorial representation of statistical measures across the whole of Redfern, Eveleigh, Darlington and Waterloo. You can make maps (including in PDF or PNG format) for some useful data sets from: ABS MapStats - Sydney South Statistical Local Area.
On the REDWatch website Statistical Information about Redfern Waterloo, we have included links to suburban level data as well as links to CoS web pages that have statistics that cover Redfern Waterloo. The ABS has also released a Social Atlas of Sydney based on the 2006 census which can be downloaded from www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/2030.12006?OpenDocument .
The CoS study “Redfern Business Precinct – Towards the Future”
Last update we mentioned of the CoS Redfern Business Precinct Survey. We have now received further clarification about the study from the council. We have been advised that the study is not strictly confined to Redfern/Regent Streets as it takes into account the influences of the surrounding areas on the precinct as a whole. This includes for example the ATP, RWA projects (current and planned) and the broader areas covered by Souths’ South Sydney Business Community Forum and the Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce including Darlington and Waterloo. The business and shopper survey however does focus on the Redfern/Regent Street areas as it seeks to take account of the recent upgrade works and make use of the data collected from the floor space and employment survey.
The Redfern Business Precinct Study will consider information gained from a number of sources including; a business and shopper survey Redfern Street (from Regent to Chalmers Streets) and Regent St (from Cleveland to Henderson Rd); information from the City of Sydney Floor Space and Employment Survey (Redfern/Regent); 2006 ABS data (precinct wide); Metro Strategy population and employment projections (again precinct wide); key influences (from surrounding areas, precinct wide, including RWA projects, other CoS capital works etc); consultation and workshops (Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Souths). The study will be used to inform future work, including a strategic marketing plan for the precinct as a whole and in the development of targeted tenancy planning etc. The focus is on actions in the next 3-5 years.
At the recent South Sydney Business Community Forum invitees discussed ideas for the rejuvenation of the Redfern business precinct. We have reproduced the information provided to the forum by the consultant Gillian Savage from Environmetics, as we think it might be of interest to those not at the forum:
Background Facts
- There are 217 businesses in the precinct.
- Vacancy Rate = 23% of business premises are vacant.
- There are currently an estimated 12,500 residents in Redfern, and approximately 5,000 workers.
Some current activities
- Redfern Street upgrade improved the streetscape, making it much more attractive and usable.
- Redfern Oval and Redfern Park redevelopments are underway.
- A new tenancy (Group Colleges Australia) in 10 levels of old TNT building will bring about 1,000 students to English language classes. Classes will run from 8.00am-9.00pm.
- A new research facility at ATP will see 600 employees of National ICT and Defence Science Australia relocate in early 2008.
- Construction of a media facility at ATP will become operational in late 2009 with around 700 workers at the Seven Network, Global Television and Pacific Magazines.
- Redfern Courthouse and Police Station will house a Community Health Centre.
- The Rachel Forster Hospital will be redeveloped to provide 150 dwellings.
Key Questions
- What broad directions are most viable for the Redfern Business Precinct?
- What specific shops and businesses would you like to see in Redfern?
- What strategies and plans are needed?
- What organisations do you know that can make a contribution?
- Is there one thing you can do?
ATP Function Noise Complaints
Residents close to the ATP have been complaining about noise from functions at the ATP for ten years, but their problem remains unaddressed. In early 1999 the ATP responded to residents’ concerns about the noise from dance parties held on the site and the ATP Board put in place a policy which limited noisy activity. This decision was reinforced by the adverse impact of a test event on 27 February 1999. Major problems result from the lack of sound proofing at the venue to lessen the impact on surrounding residents. The problem has continued to re-occur with events at ATP. Residents say they can not find out from the ATP when events are on so are unable to arrange independent monitoring. They say the monitoring done by the ATP is not adequate and is not taken at the places where residents are affected. The news that the MTV awards were to be held at the ATP have generated even more concern. Following the announcement one of the residents wrote to the Premier that:
“Since development of the Australian Technology Park (ATP) on the Eveleigh site, inappropriate functions have been held which exceed the legal noise levels allowed under the Governors Liquor Licence, often resulting in residents being forced to request police assistance to rectify.
Whilst monitoring of noise is done at ground level, this monitoring is NOT noise control nor does it include monitoring/controlling noise which emanates through the polycarbonate roofing at the ATP (this roofing can be clearly seen on page 4 of the magazine CENTRAL Sydney dated Wednesday 27, 2008 advertising the MTV awards to be held at the ATP). Experience has shown that this proposed event is a potential noise nightmare for Darlington and Alexandria residents unless correct noise CONTROLS are in place including noise controls on the polycarbonate roof.
The State Government's ATP site management representative constantly side steps the issue with responses such as "we monitor noise on the site during the functions! !!" (to date no monitoring of noise coming through the polycarbonate roof has been done) also "we don't have functions that often!!!", indicating your representatives disregard of the environmental and legal issues.”
Following another function at the ATP on Tuesday 18 March 2008, which residents claimed again exceeded legal noise levels, a follow up letter was sent to the Premier and to the South Sydney Herald Excessive noise from ATP. The local residents have now been advised by both the Premier's office and Kristina Keneally that the matter has been referred to Verity Firth in her capacity as Minister for the Environment. They hope that a solution to their sleepless nights will be found soon.
Souths League’s Club DAs
Two Development Applications are currently on exhibition for the first and fourth floors of South Sydney Leagues Club at 261-265 Chalmers Street Redfern. The proposals are:
DA Number: D/2008/353 - Fit-out and use of approved level 4 of South Sydney Leagues Club building for commercial office space, including the addition of an internal mezzanine level within the existing roof. Proposed hours of operation are 8:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday, inclusive, and 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturdays. For more details - South Sydney Leagues Club Level 4 Fit out – Until 9th April 2008
DA Number: D/2008/354 - Hospitality fit-out of the first floor of South Sydney Leagues Club building, including bar, restaurant and kitchen areas, conference facility with bar; bowling alley; separate external smoking and dining areas; with ground floor entry lobby and merchandise store to Chalmers Street. Proposed hours of operation are 10:00am - 12:00 midnight Sunday to Wednesday (inclusive), 10:00am - 1:00am Thursday to Saturday (inclusive). For more details - South Sydney Leagues Club Level 1 Fit Out – Until 16th April 2008
The DAs can also be inspected at the Council’s Neighbourhood Service Centre 158 Redfern St, Redfern from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mon – Fri and 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Sat.
RWA Staff Changes
The RWA website has been changed to show that Julie Parsons, who had been Acting Manager (Human Services) at the RWA since Aldo Panini left, is now Acting Community Relations Manager replacing Angela Koutoulas. Julie can be contacted on julie.parsons@rwa.nsw.gov.au. In the last few weeks emails to Human Services staff member Norma Ingram have been bouncing and we have heard that she is currently working elsewhere as a consultant but we have been unable to get confirmation from the RWA on this. The RWA has provided the following response to our enquiry about the changes:
“The funding for the former Redfern-Waterloo Partnership Project that was transferred to the RWA comes to an end on 30 June 2008, However, the RWA will continue to play a role in the facilitation and evaluation of the progress of the Human Services Plan.
The actions in the Plan are being effectively undertaken by the agencies responsible for their implementation. The RWA Implementation Senior Officers Group (ISOG) will continue to meet to ensure that this effort continues.”
This is a reminder of how things have changed since the RWA was established. Initially emails were sent to human services organisations and interested residents, to let people know what was happening. Three years down the track it is necessary to piece together what is happening from website changes, email bounces, word of mouth and two line general statements! It is hoped that the RWA will handle the funding transition that will happen when the RWPP funding ceases in June 2008 with greater continuity than is happening with changes to the human services team. If funding continuity is not retained in some form then there will be programmes currently operating in Redfern Waterloo that will cease operating when the RWPP/RWA funds dry up. Some organisations who receive brokered funding and so do not deal directly with the RWA about funding for some of their programmes are unsure how they might be affected and how funds to fill the gap will be sourced. This is not a satisfactory situation for continuity in either Human Services’ staff or RWA supported projects. [Those with an interest in RWA Human Services might also like to read the Rimfire opinion piece Redfern and Waterloo Revitalisation by RWA or Not? and submit their thoughts to the National Tenant Support Network’s Rimfire].
RWA DA on Exhibition
The RWA website also has on exhibition DA 029-03-08 which is for Change of Use and internal fit out of ground floor of 66 Regent Street for a restaurant, including kitchen and additional seating that will service adjoining restaurant at 64 Regent Street Redfern. The proposal can be seen on the RWA’s website Development Proposals on exhibition or inspected at the Council’s Neighbourhood Service Centre 158 Redfern St, Redfern from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mon – Fri and 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Sat.
Woolworths Stores Comparisons for Inner City
Village Friends in Erskineville have written to Lord Mayor Clover Moore about the Woolworths store being proposed for Erskineville. The letter questions the comparisons made between what is proposed for Erskineville with what exists at Potts Point and St Margaret’s. Village Friends have put together figures on catchments, floor area and car usage to compare the projects. Given recent reports that North Eveleigh may contain a supermarket, in which Woolworths may have an interest, we think some of those in Darlington may also find their figures of interest. You can read the letter on the Village Friends website at www.erskinevillevillage.org/ . The South Sydney Herald also ran an article about the Village Friends’ campaign - Erskineville “not a village in need of a supermarket”.
Chippendale News - Balfour Street Park – Frasers – History Week
Coalition Chippendale Community Groups reports in their latest email that Sunday March 30th is an auspicious date for Chippendale.
“It marks the formal closure of a part of Balfour Street (between Kensington and O'Connor Streets) to make our latest small park. Chippendale has the lowest open space per person of all Sydney suburbs. So, every additional green space we can gain is valuable. Even tiny "pocket parks" (like the street closures on Balfour at Cleveland, and at Shepherd at Broadway) have a positive benefit for us in a number of ways. But there's an important community lesson with the new Balfour Street park (yet to have an official name). Moves to have this street closure and park started many years ago when a small group of residents approached Council. Despite getting rejected, deferred numerous times, being buried in municipal bureaucracy, and getting sidelined through Council amalgamations, the idea simply was not allowed to die. We salute the residents who kept persisting and nagging on the matter. They never gave up. Eventually, the park will be properly landscaped. It will link across O'Connor Street with the main park intended for the brewery site redevelopment and with the strip park to be created down the side of Wellington Street. It will also become part of the long-advocated "green link" pedestrian and cycle-friendly way going from Eveleigh through Redfern, Chippendale, and Ultimo into Darling Harbour.”
A guided walk of Chippendale led by CoS historian Shirley Fitzgerald has very quickly booked out. But the official launch of her new edition of her book “Chippendale: Beneath the Factory Wall”, including a talk by Shirley, is open to all. Sunday 13 April, about 12noon at 1 Beaumont Street, Chippendale (behind Pine Street Creative Arts Centre) Call Edda Boyd at City of Sydney on 9265 9895 for more information.
In other Chippendale news the Department of Planning have issued Frasers with the Demolition Approval Notice for the former CUB site Demolition Approval Notice [PDF 844KB].
If you would like to receive emails from the Coalition Chippendale Community Groups email communityworkingparty@yahoo.com.au .
Find a Bike Route
CLOVER'S eNEWS of Friday 28 March 2008 carried the following item about bike issues which we thought worthwhile reproducing:
The number of people cycling has increased dramatically, with a new emphasis on sustainable transport and people finding that bicycles are a real alternative to traffic congestion and underfunded public transport.
New cyclists regularly contact me about finding the safest routes to cycle. I also receive complaints from pedestrians about cyclists illegally using footpaths and putting them at risk. Older people are particularly concerned about being injured and having to go to hospital after being hit by cyclists riding on footpaths. I have asked local police to patrol "hot spots" that have been reported to me, and have asked the Minister for Roads to carry out community education campaigns on cycling.
Guttermonkey is a website that aims to help cyclists find other riders they might like to ride with and safe routes by sharing the knowledge of other bike riders. Bicycle NSW and local Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) can help cyclists find good routes, and some organise "bike buses" to take help new riders get confident and learn safer routes.
Information about cycling and bike routes can be found at:
- www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/Default.asp
- www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/services/traffic_and_transport/bicycle_plan
- Bicycle NSW: http://www.bicyclensw.org.au
- BikeSydney: http://bikesydney.org
- MASSBUG: www.massbug.org.au
- BIKEast: www.bikeast.org.au
- Guttermonkey: www.guttermonkey.org
- Bikebus: www.bikebus.org.au
- How to not get hit by cars: www.bikesarefun.org/bicyclesafe.html
Redfern Waterloo watchers might also be interested in the South Sydney Herald article On ya bike, Sydney! New cycleway for the CBD which comes through Phillip Street Redfern and Elizabeth Street Zetland.
REDWatch Website Update
You may notice some changes on the REDWatch website www.redwatch.org.au, the site has been migrated to the latest version of Plone. This should now mean the powerful on site search function will now also search within MS Word documents and PDF text files. The new platform will also provide us with the ability to include photos with some news stories. There is still some fine tuning to complete the set up but we think you will find the change worthwhile. The website was down due to a problem on 2 April 2008, hence the delay in getting this update out. It is back up now.
Housing NSW – Future Directions for Tenant Participation or Not?
Housing NSW has produced a discussion paper on Housing NSW - Future Directions Tenant Participation Program Discussion Paper - March 2008 (94 KB PDF). The consultation paper outlines a proposed new direction and implementation process for Housing NSW’s Tenant Participation Program, and specifically the future funding of Tenant Participation Resource Services, currently delivered by Regional Tenant Resource Services and Public Tenants Councils. Waterloo Public Tenant Ross Smith attended one of the consultations and he has provided A Tenant Response to Housing NSW - Future Directions Tenant Participation Program Discussion Paper in which he says the future of Public Tenants Councils are in doubt.
Good Neighbourhood BBQs
Just a reminder that community BBQs featuring live music and children’s activities are planned for the City South area to provide you with safety advice on how to better secure your home and information about events and activities taking place in your area. It is also a chance to meet Council safety officers and local police. Come along and meet your neighbours! For more information call: City of Sydney: Dominic 9265 9954 or Billy 9265 9389 Redfern Police: Suzie 8303 5127
- ZETLAND Sunday 6 April, 11.00am – 2.00pm Joynton Park, Gadigal Ave
- DARLINGTON Wednesday 9 April, 3.00pm – 5.00pm Redfern Community Centre, Hugo Street
- ALEXANDRIA Sunday 13 April, 11.00am – 2.00pm Alexandria Park, Buckland Street
Sydney Electorate ‘2020 Summit’ - Saturday 5 April 2008
In the lead up to the 2020 summit later in April there are also smaller electorate based 2020 summits being held to give local residents and community organisations a chance to have their say and contribute to the wider discussion. The Sydney Electorate summit will be held from 9.30 - 1pm at Trades Hall Auditorium, Unions NSW, 377 Sussex St, Sydney Saturday 5 April 2008. Registration is compulsory so please call Paula or Jill on 9357 6366, or email tanya@tanyaplibersek.com to register for the forum or for further details. Tanya says it would be fantastic to have as many engaged, creative members of the community as possible there to enrich the debate. We picked this up from Tanya’s enews. If you would like to receive Tanya’s enews email pliberseknews@aph.gov.au .
Waterloo Incinerator coming down & Green Square Town Centre Public Domain Exhibition – Until 13th April 2008
The Green Square Town Centre moves a step closer to reality with the Public Domain Design Information Exhibition at 100 Joynton Ave Zetland between now and 13 April 2008. Click here to download the GSTC Public Domain Design Information Exhibition Summary (PDF 714 KB) and visit Green Square Town Centre Project Office, 100 Joynton Ave, Zetland Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (Wednesdays 9am – 7.30pm), Saturdays 15 & 29 March, 5 & 12 April 11am – 1pm or Sundays 16 & 30 March, 6 & 13 April 11am – 1pm.
In the March 2008 newsletter from Green Square reports
“Demolition works on the Incinerator site continue and remain on track for completion in July/August 2008. So far:
- Precipitators have been demolished
- The roof of the main building has been removed
- Scaffolding has been erected around the chimney stack in preparation for its complete removal
- The majority of hazardous materials have been removed
The major components of the demolition, including demolition of the chimney and main building, will occur over the coming months. The main building will be demolished from the top down, one level at a time, using a 20 tonne excavator. Demolition of the 75 metre high chimney is a unique and challenging task. A 250 tonne crane with a concrete pulveriser attached is being used to demolish the chimney stack. The concrete pulveriser will gradually ‘eat away’ at the chimney piece by piece. Work time lapse record Time lapse images are being taken as the demolition proceeds. Once complete, a copy of the recording will be available on the website www.gstc.com.au”
The newsletter and website contains details on who to contact if you have concerns about the demolition. So far this newsletter has not yet been posted on the website and if you would like a copy contact Green Square Town Centre Project Office 96970022 or contact Ilona Van Galen on 0412 400 789 or email her at ivangalen@landcom.nsw.gov.au
What the Indigenous Land Council (ILC) is doing in Redfern – 16th April 2008
Redfern Residents for Reconciliation is providing an opportunity to come and hear about what the ILC is doing in Redfern. The RRR meeting will be held at Redfern Community Centre on Wednesday 16th April 2008. For more information contact Lyn Turnbull on turnbullfamily@stassen.com.au.
“The Coloured Digger” March Ecumenical Service and exhibition – 25th April 2008
2007 saw the belated recognition of the role of “Coloured Diggers” in an ANZAC Day March and Service to recognise the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Service personnel in the armed services. This Redfern event initially sparked an adverse reaction from the RSL, but eventually it received considerable recognition and acceptance (you can see some of the media from last year by searching ANZAC on the REDWatch website).
Plans have been released for the ANZAC DAY 2008 “Coloured Digger” March, Ecumenical Service and Exhibition, Redfern NSW Australia. The plans include assembling at The Block Redfern at 1.00pm for a Street March departing at 1.15pm; An ecumenical commemorative service at St Saviours Anglican Church from 1.45pm to 3.45pm followed by afternoon tea in St Saviours Church Hall from 3.45 – 4.30pm. There will also be an artist’s exhibition at the Damien Minton Gallery. During the ecumenical service at St Saviours a Roll of Honour, bearing names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen who participated in the 2007 Redfern ANZAC Day events and of other Aboriginal servicemen and servicewomen, will be formally unveiled. This truly unique Roll of Honour is being prepared by celebrated Redfern Aboriginal artist Adam Hill. For further information contact: Ray Minniecon 0417 929 701, David Williams 0409 813 741or Harry Allie (02) 8255 7614. You can also download the Anzac 2008 - Coloured Digger Poster (15Kb PDF) and help publicise this important event.
Inquiry into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage – Submissions until Wednesday 30th April 2008
In March the Inquiry heard evidence in Kempsey, Dubbo and Nowra but nothing has been yet posted about what the Inquiry proposes for its next sittings on April 29 and 30. The REDWatch website has details of who has given evidence so far and details and of submissions released. See Inquiry into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage 2008 for links to evidence and submissions. The deadline for submissions has again been extended. Recent submissions added include – No. 49, Liberal Party -The Nationals No. 50, NSW Police No. 51, Australian Bureau of Statistics No. 52, Combined Community Legal Centres' Group (NSW) Inc.
In the Media
The Central Courier ran a cover story History in the Making - Indigenous Centre Proposed in Central of 19 March 2008 about the Sustainable Sydney 2030 proposed Australian Indigenous Cultural Centre that could be located in Redfern. The front page featured Mick Mundine and children on the AHC’s land at the Block said “Sydney could soon become a world-class destination for Aboriginal heritage with a proposed indigenous history and culture centre gaining local support from figures including Aboriginal activist Mickey Mundine, who says Redfern is the perfect location”. In the latest edition Central also ran stories on how the Sustainable Sydney 2030 plans affect Surry Hills Hills Heightened and Redfern Redfern Revamp Stresses Culture, Business.
With the conversion of one of the former TNT towers to a teaching college we found of interest the SMH article Colleges soak up space in city and fringe areas about the way such colleges are changing the character of the CBD. Central reports that Police Accountability Community Team (PACT) meetings will be opened up to greater community participation Teams make way for Precincts. The Redfern PACT meetings primarily involved only local MPs, Councillors and their staff with police. While PACT Redfern has continued to meet the last minutes for Redfern PACT on the Police website were for 15th September 2006.
Babana reports that 112 Men attended their Men’s Health Information Day on Rodd Island. The media statement about the event with a photo of the participants can be found at Aboriginal Men’s Health and Well-Being Information Day
The NSW Liberal Party is really in trouble and we had a recent article about their problems bought to our attention Liberals must end faction fights to win | The Australian which indicates just how much trouble they may be in. The article concludes that “As things stand, Liberal strategists are grimly pessimistic about the Opposition's chances in the next State election, due in 2011. They are anticipating a change of leadership later this year with Iemma being replaced by someone such as Planning Minister Frank Sartor. In the absence of a dramatic circuit-breaker this could make the Liberals' task of raising the support needed to have any chance in the next federal election very difficult indeed.”
In follow ups from issues raised in the last RWIU: Central reported Police Stick to New Redfern Graffiti Plan on the Housing NSW plan to sticker graffiti Marton Tower in Waterloo with reference to the sprucing up of the location for the photo shoot. John McInerney responded in the Courier letters pages Committee to Decide to Kristina Keneally’s suggestion that Clover Moore would decide Hillsong’s Rosebery DA which will go to the Central Sydney Planning Committee. Scott Wright Artistic Director of Erth Visual & Physical Inc at CarriageWorks responded with a letter CarriageWorks Works to the Central article about the CarriageWorks funding and underfunded local artistic companies.
The National Tenant Support Network’s weekly opinion email Rimfire Review of 31 March 2008 picked up two opinion pieces on local issues. Ross Smith wrote on the Waterloo Green in Community Harmony or Budget Sanctuary? Another writer, using the nome de plume of “Taz Devil”, took up some of the area’s Human Services issues in Redfern and Waterloo Revitalisation by RWA or Not?
South Sydney Herald
The April South Sydney Herald SSH April 2008 4.1 MB PDF) is currently being delivered around the inner city and as usual it has a number of articles which will be of interest to those who with an interest in Redfern Waterloo. The news of Sydney University’s approval for a Major project to consolidate its Abercrombie Street properties is covered in Sydney University plans to expand and, in a look back to earlier times in Darlington, in Darlington and Florence!. The RWA has also provided some more detail on the proposed “Dry” alcohol support service for Redfern Waterloo as mentioned above.
Waterloo Green continues in the news with an article on the Minister’s stickering of graffiti trial in Writing on the wall for Housing Minister and in Waterloo Green: not a safe place. Doggie disappearances in Waterloo raises questions about dog disappearances in the area in covering the story of one of the many dogs that have gone missing in Waterloo that has been found.
Fire in presbytery, claims of demolition by neglect not only looks at the recent fire, but also raises questions about the long term future of the site and the Aboriginal Medical Service’s precarious situation on the site. The SSH follows up on the Pemulwuy Project for which the AHC needs to find funds to put its Project Application to the Department of Planning in Help on the way for Pemulwuy? The near completion of building on the old Black Theatre site and the early history of Koorie Radio is the subject of Koori Radio returns to Redfern, while “Our day to talk about things, our way” – Babana hosts Men’s Health and Wellbeing Expo covers a recent successful men’s health activity.
In other news Greens candidate: Irene Doutney the Greens are first to name their candidates for the City of Sydney local council election with local Irene Doutney second, after Councillor Chris Harris, on the Greens ticket. Protesting “punitive” welfare reforms covers the Centrelink protest on quarantining of Indigenous welfare payments, On ya bike, Sydney! New cycleway for the CBD which is routed through Phillip Street Redfern and Elizabeth Street Zetland, while Can Kevin help Sydney’s homeless? looks at what the new federal government can do about homelessness. Letters to the SSH deal with Excessive noise from ATP and Historic Rachel Forster Hospital.
There are interesting profiles on resident groups with Rosebery residents take action and the Erskineville Village campaign Erskineville “not a village in need of a supermarket”. Locals star in Erskineville Stories reports on the large turnout for the recent screening of Erskineville Stories. Trevor Davies covers the Botany Road closure, treating heroin addiction as a medical problem, paper deliveries and the end of the Waterloo Incinerator in Have you heard? - The fast news with Trevor Davies - April 2008. Old Rovers set new records at Masters looks at the Alexandria Rovers over 35’s team who made their debut in the official ARL Masters Rugby League Tournament.
Have your say – Summary of Current Consultations
Below we have listed consultations currently open for community input and provided a link for further information:
- CoS - Proposed Redfern Oval Licence Agreement - Until Thursday 3 April
- CoS – South Sydney Leagues Club Level 4 Fit Out and opening hours – Until 9th April 2008
- RWA – 66 Regent Street Change of Use to Restaurant and Fit Out DA - Until 10th April 2008
- Landcom - Green Square Town Centre Public Domain Exhibition - Until 13th April 2008
- CoS – South Sydney Leagues Club 1st Floor Fit Out and opening hours – Until 16th April 2008
TfNSW proposal to reverse Little Eveleigh Street - until Sept 10th 2023
