A curated collection of 93 works by well-respected Indigenous artists such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Rover Joolama Thomas, and Lin Onus will be up for auction at the Art Leven gallery, which specialises in First Nations art.
The collection will feature a range of mediums, from traditional bark paintings and sculptures to contemporary works like limited edition prints and photographs.
The auction on 12 November, which will be held at the gallery’s Redfern location, aims to celebrate the diversity and richness of Indigenous art across Australia.
A particular auction highlight is an early Papunya board painting attributed to Timmy Payungka Tjapangati. This rare piece, created during a pivotal period in Indigenous art history, is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Art Leven Gallery Director Mirri Leven expressed pride in the gallery’s continued commitment to promoting Indigenous art and culture. The auction, she said, reflects the gallery’s dedication to showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully contained an e-bike battery fire that threatened residents in a Waterloo apartment complex early Wednesday morning, 23 October. Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters from Alexandria, Redfern, and City of Sydney stations responded to the incident at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Raglan Street.
The fire originated from an e-bike stored in the ground floor stairwell of the apartment building. According to FRNSW, the device’s battery entered a state of “thermal runaway” while charging, causing it to burst into flames. The technical malfunction triggered a chain reaction, resulting in battery explosions and the release of toxic gases.
Emergency responders worked diligently for an hour to contain and extinguish the blaze, successfully preventing the fire and smoke from spreading to the four residential units within the building. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
Fire and Rescue NSW safety guidelines
Photo Credit: Vimeo/Shaun Fewings
In light of this event, FRNSW has issued critical safety recommendations for Waterloo residents who own e-bikes and similar micromobility devices. Key safety measures include: (1) Avoiding charging devices during sleep hours (2) Preventing overcharging of batteries (3) Keeping emergency exits clear of devices (4) Charging devices outdoors when possible (5) Using only reputable battery brands (6) Installing active smoke alarms (7) Maintaining a home evacuation plan
FRNSW emphasises the importance of proper battery disposal to prevent similar incidents. Residents are advised not to dispose of lithium batteries in regular waste bins, as they pose a significant fire risk in garbage trucks and at waste facilities. Instead, community members should contact local approved recycling centres for proper disposal methods.
A small, dilapidated inner-city terrace house at 14 East St, Redfern is drawing the attention of young families despite its uninhabitable condition, thanks to its potential and unique features.
The two-bedroom, two-story home on a 101sqm plot was purchased by the late academic Alida Whiting over 30 years ago in 1993 for $169,000. Whiting, a linguist who taught at the University of Sydney, used the property as a meeting spot, filling the home floor-to-ceiling with books.
Since Whiting’s passing and the decline of her health in recent years, the property has fallen into disrepair. BresicWhitney sales agent Michael Kirk, who is tasked with selling the property on behalf of Whiting’s two nieces, describes it as “unlivable” — with peeling paint, a rudimentary kitchen, and the most unusual feature, a toilet bowl in the corner of the “master suite” without any surrounding walls.
Despite its uninhabitable state, the home is attracting interest from young families who can see its potential. Kirk notes that buyers “love the north-facing backyard and the potential” of the property. He has set a price guide of $1.2 million ahead of the November 2 auction, with the books included as part of the deal.
Recent sales in the neighbourhood have shown the potential payoff, with a home at No. 10 East St selling for $1.4 million in 2020 after being purchased for $1.01 million in 2013.
While the “unlivable” state of 14 East St may deter some buyers, the draw of its potential and prime Redfern location appears to be enough to capture the imagination of young families seeking an affordable foothold in the competitive inner-city market.
The Erskineville Hotel and several other venues across New South Wales, will soon be able to host live entertainment again as restrictions previously imposed are set to be lifted.
For years, the Erskineville Hotel has been unable to offer live performances due to rules set during the development approval (DA) process. Despite being located in a vibrant nightlife area, the venue was barred from providing entertainment, frustrating both the owners and patrons.
Restrictions Across Venues
These limitations weren’t unique to the Erskineville Hotel. Many other venues have faced similar challenges. The Mitch Hotel in Alexandria was restricted from offering acoustic performances on Sunday afternoons due to a “no entertainment” clause in its consent. The Petersham Public House was banned from having amplified music in outdoor areas like beer gardens, and Barangaroo House had restrictions on strobe lights and disco balls.
In regional areas, rules also limited entertainment choices. For example, the South Dubbo Tavern only permitted small cover bands, meaning original rock bands were prohibited. These restrictions created difficulties for venue owners trying to bring a variety of performances to their customers.
Action to Remove Bans
In response to widespread frustration from venue owners and local communities, live music and entertainment bans are being removed. This change is part of broader reforms aimed at boosting the local entertainment scene and simplifying the regulations that have hindered live performances.
Local business owners have expressed relief, as the previous system allowed local councils to dictate specific entertainment options. In some cases, venues were allowed to host certain performances, like rock bands, but were barred from hosting choirs or other group performances due to strict performer limits.
These changes are expected to give venue owners more flexibility, allowing them to offer a wider range of entertainment without the burden of excessive restrictions.
Impact on Local Communities
Venue owners across the state have welcomed the removal of these entertainment bans, citing long-standing frustrations with the old system. Karl Schlothauer, owner of the Pocket Bar in Terrigal, explained how the restrictions affected his ability to host unique performances. He could not book four poets for a reading because the rules only allowed a maximum of three performers at a time. Schlothauer noted that despite the bar’s beachfront location, where noise is not a major concern, these restrictions made it difficult to provide diverse entertainment options for patrons.
With these rules lifted, communities can expect to see a broader variety of live music, poetry readings, and other performances returning to their local venues. This is likely to have a positive impact on the local nightlife and economy, as outdated and often arbitrary rules will no longer limit venues.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Looking Ahead
The changes are part of ongoing efforts to support the music and night-time economies across New South Wales. By simplifying regulations and allowing venues like the Erskineville Hotel to offer more entertainment options, the hope is to revitalise local communities and support the state’s cultural and social life.
As these reforms take effect, venues across the state are looking forward to greater flexibility in hosting live performances, which will bring more choice and vibrancy to the local entertainment scene.
The historic Redfern Terrace, currently adorned with the iconic ‘Welcome to Redfern’ mural, is set to be transformed into a living museum celebrating Aboriginal history and culture in the heart of Sydney’s most significant Indigenous urban community.
The City of Sydney is calling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to reimagine the narrow Caroline Street terrace, which stands as a silent witness to decades of Indigenous life, activism, and community building in the area known as The Block.
Photo credit: Phoebe Pratt, City of Sydney
“It could be a museum, an artist studio or artwork, and somewhere community can share knowledge and creativity,” says curator Emily McDaniel, who envisions the space as a dynamic repository of local memories and nationally significant events.
The project represents more than just a building renovation. In an area experiencing rapid urban development, with new stations and increased construction around Redfern, the terrace transformation symbolises the city’s commitment to preserving Indigenous heritage and storytelling.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore frames the initiative as part of Sydney’s broader Eora Journey program, which aims to promote cultural, economic, and social sustainability for Aboriginal communities.
“Converting this old terrace in the heart of an area synonymous with First Nations community, culture and activism reflects our commitment to ensuring Redfern remains a proudly Aboriginal place,” Mayor Moore said.
Photo credit: Phoebe Pratt, City of Sydney
The terrace’s history mirrors the broader story of Indigenous Redfern. Originally a shop and residence built in the 1880s, it later served as a dressing room and storage space for a neighbouring sawmill. Meanwhile, The Block emerged as a crucial Aboriginal hub from the 1930s Great Depression onward, as extended families moved to the area seeking work and community.
Today, the building’s exterior features the Welcome to Redfern mural, completed in 2013 by Reko Rennie and young local Aboriginal artists. The city now seeks to extend this artistic legacy inward, inviting First Nations artists, architects, filmmakers, and sound designers to reimagine how the interior space can showcase both contemporary and archival materials.
The project aligns with other Indigenous initiatives in the area, including a recently opened knowledge and cultural centre on Redfern Street and the ambitious Yananurala project – a 9km harbour foreshore walk celebrating Aboriginal heritage through installations and artworks.
Artists interested in contributing to this historic transformation can attend a briefing and site visit on October 22, with project submissions open until 19 November 2024. Visit the City of Sydney’s website for more details.
Redfern is about to get much cooler with the November opening of The Eve, a stylish new hotel boasting 102 luxurious rooms, two distinct dining experiences, and poolside relaxation.
This boutique project by TFE Hotels, the team behind Brisbane’s The Calile, is taking a fresh approach by entrusting its entire food and beverage operation to local hospitality group Liquid & Larder.
This partnership departs from the usual hotel playbook of enlisting a celebrity chef. Instead, Liquid & Larder, known for its trendy bars like The Rover and the meat-centric Bistecca, will bring its edgy, street-smart Sydney vibe to The Eve. They’ll oversee an all-day bar and restaurant on the lobby level and a rooftop Mexican restaurant featuring a mezcaleria and poolside dining.
James Bradey, co-owner of Liquid & Larder, sees this as an exciting opportunity. He believes their experience creating vibrant, welcoming spaces will draw in hotel guests, Redfern locals, and a wider Sydney crowd. “We don’t have the hotel culture of Asia where you get what I call over-servicing,” Bradey notes. Australians are more laidback than that.”
The Eve is nestled within the burgeoning Wunderlich Lane precinct, joining other established Sydney hospitality players. The Potts Point’s The Apollo team will launch Olympus restaurant in late 2024, and a pizzeria from the owner of Pyrmont’s acclaimed LuMi is also in the works. The group behind CBD favourite Hinchcliff House will also open two new venues.
While Liquid & Larder’s Mexican restaurant concept is new, Bradey is confident in its ability to deliver. He emphasises that their shared vision with TFE Hotels to create Sydney’s best hotel experience was critical in their decision to take on this project.
With its prime location, stylish design, and Liquid & Larder’s culinary expertise, The Eve is poised to become a new hotspot in Redfern. It’s a testament to the suburb’s evolving landscape and a sign of exciting things.
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Sydney’s train network experienced significant delays during the evening peak hour due to an incident at Redfern station. At approximately 3 PM, a man was spotted on the tracks, prompting immediate action from authorities and causing delays across multiple train lines.
The incident affected several key routes passing through Redfern, including the T1, T2, T3, T8, and T9 lines. Transport for NSW issued warnings to commuters about potential delays in both directions.
T9 Sydney Trains posted an alert on social media, advising passengers: “Allow extra travel time due to an incident requiring emergency services at Redfern. Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing. Please listen for announcements and check information screens before getting on trains.”
Allow extra travel time due to an incident requiring emergency services at Redfern.
Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing.
Please listen for announcements and check information screens before getting on trains. pic.twitter.com/2Y9HQMq3Gy
Police were called to the scene to address the situation. The presence of a person on the tracks posed serious safety concerns and necessitated the temporary disruption of services.
The incident’s timing during the afternoon rush hour amplified its impact on commuters, many of whom faced extended travel times and potential alterations to their usual routes.
After police intervention, the man was safely removed from the tracks. However, the knock-on effects of the incident continued to affect evening commuters as the network worked to resume normal operations.
A new aged care facility is planned for 49 Cope Street, Redfern, bringing much-needed affordable housing for elderly residents in the rapidly changing inner-city neighbourhood.
The City of Sydney has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for registered not-for-profit organisations to design, build, and operate the residential aged care facility. Applications close on Thursday, 19 December 2024, and are part of the city’s efforts to address housing shortages for older locals while fostering greater community involvement, especially among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Purpose of the Development
The new aged care facility will replace an underused 1,925 square metre public car park currently at the Cope Street site.
The City of Sydney aims to create a minimum of 50 affordable residential aged care places to serve the local community. The facility will focus on supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, with a requirement for the aged care service to be delivered by, or in partnership with, local Aboriginal organisations.
The proposal ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and staff will be an integral part of the facility’s operations.
In addition to the aged care spaces, the successful bidder must build a 55-place underground car park, which will be handed back to the City of Sydney for continued operation as a paid public car park.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Eligibility and Criteria
The City of Sydney has set strict eligibility criteria for this project. Only registered not-for-profit aged care providers or those partnered with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations may apply. For-profit organisations, unincorporated groups, or individuals are not eligible to participate in the EOI process.
The property will be sold to the chosen applicant for $1, but a covenant will be placed on the land title ensuring the site is used exclusively for affordable aged care purposes in perpetuity. Financial stability is also required, as applicants must demonstrate the ability to fund, build, and sustain the facility long-term.
The evaluation process will consider both mandatory and qualitative criteria, including previous experience in designing and managing residential aged care facilities, as well as the ability to provide employment opportunities for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community during both the construction and operational phases of the project.
Next Steps
The City of Sydney will review submissions and report the outcome of the EOI process to the council in early 2025. The council may then decide to proceed with a select tender or negotiate directly with one or more of the applicants.
The aim is to begin development as soon as possible to meet the growing demand for affordable aged care services in the Redfern area.
This initiative represents an important opportunity for the Redfern community to increase affordable housing options for its elderly population while ensuring that local Aboriginal groups play a central role in the development and operation of the new facility.
A community group is spearheading efforts to address long-standing safety concerns over Erskineville Road rail bridge that has left commuters feeling unsafe for nearly a decade.
Friends of Erskineville, led by Debroh Gilbert, has been tirelessly campaigning for improved lighting on the footpath, located between Linthorpe and Angel Streets in Erskineville.
Residents have described the bridge as “dangerous” and a “black hole,” with many reporting difficulty seeing their own feet while crossing. The lack of adequate lighting has not only caused fear among pedestrians but also raised concerns about potential injuries.
Photo credit: Friends of Erskineville/Facebook
In response to these concerns, the group has launched a petition via Action Network calling for immediate action to improve bridge safety. The group is actively encouraging local residents to sign and show their support for the cause.
Photo credit: Friends of Erskineville/Facebook
“The Erskineville Road rail bridge (between Linthorpe and Angel Streets) footpath is plunged into darkness at night due to the lack of footpath lighting making it unsafe for the increasing level of pedestrian traffic,” the group stated.
The petition, which has already gathered several hundred signatures, demands better lighting and proposes installing lanterns over the walkway as an interim solution.
The community group’s primary goal is to have lighting installed underfoot, which they believe would significantly improve safety for pedestrians crossing the bridge. They hope that the growing number of petition signatures will put additional pressure on authorities to take action.
As the issue continues, Friends of Erskineville remains committed to their cause, determined to shed light on this dark corner of Sydney’s infrastructure and ensure safer passage for all commuters. They urge all local residents to sign the petition and make their voices heard in the fight for a safer community.
The notorious “murder mall” in Redfern has undergone a $500-million transformation, turning the once troubled shopping centre into the new Surry Hills Village.
The project, led by the TOGA Group and designed by architect Adam Haddow, has transformed the area into a mixed-use development featuring offices, restaurants, cafes, and residential spaces, including 122 apartments. The original plan, which was 90 per cent residential, was changed to create a balance of local amenities and workspaces to foster a vibrant community.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
Community Concerns
The redevelopment has sparked concerns about gentrification among residents, as the old Redfern Coles had long been a focal point for the community.
TOGA Group’s managing director, Allan Vidor, emphasised that the intention was to honour the local Redfern community rather than impose gentrification. He stated the development was meant to provide a vibrant, mixed-use area that integrates offices, dining spots, and public spaces.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
Residents, including Lesley Holden, noted the vast improvement in the area. They mentioned that what was once a “dodgy parking lot” at the southern end has been replaced with a pocket park, lifting the neighbourhood’s appeal.
The upgraded centre has become a lively gathering point for locals, who are seen arriving by foot, wheelchair, and scooter, with tradies and residents using the landscaped steps and seating.
Design and Sustainability
The development features a striking architectural design, including a grand vaulted ceiling at the entrance, which sets a welcoming tone for visitors. The project also includes a six-storey commercial tower made from Swedish timber, a hotel named The Eve, and landscaped gardens that integrate green rooftops and energy-efficient buildings.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
The architects created a village atmosphere by combining brickwork, varying building heights, and open spaces.
Sustainability was a central focus of the development, with efforts to minimise the site’s ecological footprint. This included water-saving technologies, energy-efficient practices, and attention to tree canopy and landscaping. The design team saw the project as a way to “stitch together” the community, building on Redfern’s working-class roots.
Future of the Village
As New South Wales pushes for more high-density development across Sydney, the Surry Hills Village has been regarded as a model for future projects. The development’s mixed-use nature aligns with the state’s goal to build upwards rather than outwards, addressing both housing shortages and urban inequality.
Redfern, a suburb with wealth and poverty and a significant Indigenous population, is a key area for such urban revitalisation efforts.
The redevelopment is set to be completed soon, with more restaurants and cafes, including a Greek restaurant named Olympus, scheduled to open by the end of the year. Residents and visitors have already begun enjoying the new spaces, and the community is adjusting positively to the changes after nearly four years of construction.
