Redfern is set to undergo a significant transformation with the approval of a 355-home social and affordable housing development. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Bridge Housing, aims to address the pressing issue of housing affordability in inner Sydney.
The four-building complex, slated for construction at 600-660 Elizabeth Street, will offer social, affordable, and disability-supportive housing. It is designed to cater to a diverse range of individuals and families, including those escaping domestic violence, older women, Aboriginal households, and essential workers.
Bridge Housing CEO Laurie Leigh emphasised the project’s significance, highlighting its potential to alleviate the strain on homelessness services and provide much-needed support to vulnerable communities. The development is expected to be completed by early 2028.
Rents will be adjusted based on residents’ income to ensure long-term affordability. The project’s design, led by a consortium of renowned architecture firms, incorporates Indigenous cultural principles, reflecting the area’s rich heritage. Sustainability is also a key focus, with plans for solar panels and a commitment to achieving high environmental ratings.
The development will include a new community facility, replacing the old PCYC, and a Bridge Housing head office, which will provide on-site support services to residents.
NSW Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson praised the project as a model for collaboration between the community housing sector, government, and private industry in addressing the state’s housing crisis.
Founded by the dynamic duo Harriet and DJ McCready, Mountain Culture Beer Co has quickly risen to prominence, earning accolades as a two-time winner of the GABS Hottest 100 and opening its third venue, this time in Redfern, a sure sign of its growing influence in the Australian beer industry.
The couple hopes Mountain Culture Redfern will become Sydney’s ultimate craft beer destination. They envision a place where people can enjoy the best beer in the country and have a fantastic time.
The new venue occupies the former Atomic Brewery site, which ceased operations in September. Despite recent challenges faced by the beer industry, including closures of notable breweries like Ballistic Beer Company, Big Shed Brewing, and Hawkers Brewery, Mountain Culture Beer remains optimistic about its future.
Mountain Culture’s story began in 2019 when Harriet and DJ McCready, passionate about craft beer, decided to turn their dream into reality.
The journey was not without hurdles but the couple’s vision prevailed. Facing setbacks like the devastating Black Summer fires and the global COVID-19 pandemic, their persistence and dedication to quality and innovation proved a winning formula.
The Redfern venue is poised to become a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts. It will feature diverse beers, including the award-winning Status Quo Pale Ale and a rotating innovative brewup.
Mountain Culture Redfern opened in Redfern on 21 November 2024.
A new Redfern exhibition showcases the transformative work of First Nations artists from the Northern Territory’s Barkly Tablelands, where discarded metal from old mining sites has been turned into powerful expressions of cultural connection to Country.
The exhibition, titled “Reclaimed | Art from the Barkly,” is being held at Art Leven Gallery on Thurlow Street, Redfern, and will run from 23 November to 14 December 2024. The opening event on 23 November, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will feature artists Susie Peterson and Dalery Bredd, who will be present to discuss their work.
Photo Credit: Art Leven
The Barkly Tablelands, a remote region of over 320,000 square kilometres in the Northern Territory, is home to a vibrant community of over 50 First Nations artists. The collective draws inspiration from the region’s vivid landscapes, marked by red earth, endless blue skies, and diverse flora. These natural elements, deeply intertwined with the artists’ cultural heritage, are central to the works on display.
Art Born from Adversity
At the heart of the exhibition is a collection of artworks painted on reclaimed metal objects sourced from abandoned mining sites around Tennant Creek. Once symbols of environmental exploitation, these materials have been transformed into evocative pieces that celebrate resilience and regeneration. Reusing industrial debris aligns with the artists’ enduring connection to their land and commitment to preserving its story.
Emerson Radisich, the Visual Arts Director of Barkly Regional Arts, explained that many materials initially came from everyday items such as buckets but were soon expanded to include other discarded items from the area’s mining history. Radisich highlighted how this process reflects creativity and the community’s relationship with their environment.
The “Reclaimed” exhibition features the work of sixteen artists who represent the broader Barkly collective, celebrating their individual artistic styles and their shared cultural heritage. The initiative fosters a sense of unity, bringing together artists from remote communities such as Wutunugurra (Epenarra), Owairtilla (Canteen Creek), and Kulumindini (Elliott).
Through this exhibition, organisers aim to invite audiences in Redfern and beyond to appreciate the enduring beauty of the Barkly Tablelands and to reflect on the deep connections between culture, land, and history.
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.
