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TAFE NSW Eora Campus in Darlington Supports Young Barkindji Woman’s Ascent in AFP Recruitment

At the TAFE NSW Eora campus in Darlington, 22-year-old Barkindji woman Taela Douglass is close to breaking through a significant barrier, aiming to increase Indigenous representation in the Australian Federal Police, which stood at just 1.9% as of May 2022.

Pioneering Opportunities Through Education

For fifteen years, the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program at TAFE NSW’s Eora campus has been a crucial initiative helping Indigenous Australians like Taela Douglass pursue ambitious careers in law enforcement and justice services. Over a thousand individuals have benefited from this program, gaining the skills and support necessary for professional advancement and further education.

“The IPROWD program was honestly one of the best things I have done in my life,” said Taela. “They helped me find my voice and opened doors to opportunities that seemed beyond reach.”

A Dual Path of Learning and Leading

Taela is currently undertaking a dual role; she is a student at Western Sydney University, pursuing a Bachelor of Sociology in Criminal Community Justice, and also works at TAFE as an Aboriginal Learner Support. In her role at TAFE, she assists new students with their enrolment and course selections, and supports them in seizing employment opportunities.

“My ultimate goal is to join the detective unit within the Australian Federal Police,” Taela explained. She has successfully passed various stages of the AFP recruitment process, including psychometric tests and security vetting, with only the literacy and numeracy tests remaining.

Taela Douglass — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Recognitions and Inspirational Role

Not only is Taela a participant in the IPROWD program, but she has also risen to become a mentor and role model within the community. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the ‘Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employment Skills Student of the Year’ at the TAFE NSW Gili Awards.

“I’m forever grateful to people like Aunty Pam and Tatum in the IPROWD program who took a chance on me. Working in this program is a privilege, and it feels like being surrounded by unconditional love,” Taela remarked.

A Community of Empowerment

The IPROWD program enriches its academic curriculum with physical fitness programs and community engagement projects, like boxing, which enhance the students’ readiness for police work. Aunty Pam Touma, the IPROWD Coordinator, underscores the importance of this comprehensive support system.

“Moving to Sydney can be daunting, especially when it’s the first time away from home for many of our students. The TAFE NSW Eora campus provides a culturally safe learning environment where students are embraced into the IPROWD and Eora family,” said Aunty Pam.

She added, “Watching our students grow in confidence and become role models within their communities has been incredibly rewarding. For me, IPROWD is more than just a course; it’s about seeing our students succeed and excel.”

About the IPROWD Program

Launched in 2008, the IPROWD program at TAFE NSW offers a 12-week intensive course aimed at preparing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for careers with the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police. The program’s curriculum covers communication, ethics, Aboriginal studies, and practical experiences like excursions to the NSW Police Academy. Additionally, it provides essential support to help students meet the physical fitness standards required for police recruitment.

Published 2-June-2024

Fire Truck Adorned in Indigenous Artwork for Reconciliation Week

Photo Credit: Fire and Rescue NSW

A Redfern Station fire truck has been transformed into a vibrant canvas honouring Indigenous culture during Reconciliation Week. The distinctive artwork is a collaboration between First Nations FRNSW firefighters Muliyan Waters, Shawn Orcher, and Brodee Mate.

The reimagined fire engine will make its public debut tomorrow, June 1st, at the Sydney Swans Fan Day in Moore Park. Firefighters aim to use the truck’s eye-catching design to engage with the community and share important winter fire safety messages about smoke alarms and kitchen hazards.

“Gadigal is the country on which Redfern Fire Station responds and the community with which the crew engages, and each component of this piece reflects an aspect of our service,” explained Senior Firefighter Orcher.

He highlighted how the central circle represents the station as a meeting place, while the outer circles signify the four different staff shifts. The red and orange hues symbolise fire and FRNSW’s passionate commitment to the community.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell joined Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib to inspect the newly decorated truck as it reentered active duty.

“The terrific, colourful artwork can’t help but start positive conversations as the crews go about their work,” Commissioner Fewtrell stated.

Minister Dib praised the artwork’s intricate details carrying cultural significance, like the emu and kangaroo footprints representing the journeys of female and male firefighters, respectively.

“The variation of colours used for the crew represents Redfern being an eclectic melting pot of culture of all different races, Indigenous and non-Indigenous,” he explained.

As it rolls through the streets in the coming days, the vibrant fire truck artwork will undoubtedly turn heads and spark important discussions about Indigenous reconciliation.

Published 31-May-2024

Redfern Unveils New Knowledge and Cultural Centre

Photo Credit: City of Sydney

A new chapter in the rich history of Indigenous activism and community-driven initiatives has begun with the opening of a knowledge and cultural centre at 119 Redfern Street.

The centre aims to carry on the legacy of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Tracey Duncan, a Gomeroi woman and City of Sydney project manager, described her vision for the centre at the opening ceremony. She envisions a dynamic hub for living culture, where real-life experiences and knowledge are shared and passed down through generations.

Duncan emphasised the centre as a symbol of the resilience and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples, whose connection to the land and waterways spans millennia.

119 Redfern Street — *Photo Credit:* *City of Sydney*

Housed in the two-storey former post office, the City of Sydney-owned centre boasts four rooms available for weekday use. Duncan envisions the centre as a versatile gathering place for workshops, exhibitions, classes, or simply sharing a cup of tea. She hopes the local Indigenous community of all ages will embrace and shape the space according to their needs and aspirations.

Dan Munro, Wiradjuri Gomeroi man and co-chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel, expressed his enthusiasm for utilising the centre. He plans to hold sessions for fathers through his Biyanga programme, which aims to empower local dads with the knowledge and skills to become confident and nurturing parents.

By running these sessions at 119 Redfern Street, Munro believes they can strengthen family bonds and foster cultural pride and traditional practices within the community.

The new centre is part of the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey programme, designed to promote cultural, economic, and social sustainability for First Nations communities in Sydney.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore affirmed the city’s commitment to providing a culturally safe haven for Indigenous people to gather, access services, and share knowledge and culture. She emphasised the significance of Redfern as a symbol of Indigenous community, culture, and activism, and pledged to continue working with the community to ensure the centre remains a place of empowerment and inclusivity.

Published Date 28-May-2024

Redfern Community Centre Marks 20 Years of Community Engagement

The Redfern Community Centre, which was opened in 2004, marked its 20th anniversary with community leaders and residents commemorating two decades of service and development in the heart of Redfern.

Opened on the 16th of March 2004, the Redfern Community Centre was established during a transformative period in the suburb.

The area had experienced civil unrest among local youths and had recently been incorporated into the City of Sydney following the dissolution of the South Sydney Council. At this time, the Premier’s Department was actively engaging with the community on the RED Strategy, which aimed to revitalise a significant portion of Redfern-Waterloo.

NSW Governor Marie Bashir and Aunty Joyce Ingram was present during the inauguration.

From Industrial Site to Community Hub

The Redfern Community Centre’s building, originally a printing factory, alongside a disused timber yard and a historic corner shop from 1881, now adorned with the Welcome to Redfern artwork, represents a significant transformation.

The former industrial area was rezoned for recreation in 1991, and the council purchased it in 1993 after intense community debates regarding its future use. Proposals had ranged from a police station to a native flora park, but it was the community’s push for a reconciliation and cultural centre that ultimately shaped its current function.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

Despite the challenge of heavy rain on the 20th of April 2024, the community turned out to celebrate the anniversary.

The event featured Councillors (Waskam) Emelda Davis and HY William Chan, and Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, who had a long-standing connection with the centre since its inception.

Together, they participated in the ceremonial cake-cutting. Otis Williams, the community development officer and acting manager of centre, played a crucial role in orchestrating the festivities.

The celebration was a poignant moment for speakers such as Ms Davis, representing the Lord Mayor, and Aunty Beryl, who shared their reflections on the centre’s profound impact on the local community over the years. Their speeches highlighted the centre’s role as a community hub and a beacon of hope and growth for Redfern.

A Centre for Culture and Recreation

Today, the Redfern Community Centre is a valuable centre for Aboriginal social and cultural activities, surrounded by a landscaped park with an amphitheatre and a children’s playground.

These facilities are part of the broader Pemulwuy Project, integrating seamlessly with Yellomundee Park and Hugo Street Reserve, enhancing the communal and recreational space available to the Redfern community.

Published 21-May-2024

Sydney to Revamp Redfern Community Centre Open Space, Honouring Indigenous Culture

The Redfern Community Centre open space will be the centrepiece of major park upgrades planned for Sydney, celebrating the area’s rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.

Read: Powerhouse Ultimo Closing for 3-Year Renovation, Transforming Sydney’s Cultural Landscape

The Redfern Community Centre open space will feature a larger playground catering to children of various ages, expanded lawn areas suitable for events and recreational activities, and new shaded barbecue and seating areas will be introduced.

The Community Centre will feature an “activated Redfern terrace” designed as a “living museum” to showcase local Aboriginal stories as part of the Eora Journey public domain vision.

Photo credit: Chris Southwood/City of Sydney

Extensive community consultation has shaped the project scope, which prioritises creating greener, cooler and safer spaces that foster a stronger sense of community. Native trees and plants will be introduced, enhancing the park’s natural appeal and providing welcoming environments for residents to gather and socialise.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO emphasised the importance of creating inviting public spaces as Sydney continues to grow and develop.

Yellomundee Park and Hugo Street Reserve are also set for upgrades, spanning over 4,500 square metres of works across three parks in Sydney.

“The Block is so important for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and is an area where the local community has shaped its neighbourhood,” she said. “This is why we’ve really listened to what they want for the future of the area and, in particular, these local parks.”

Other enhancements across the three parks include low wall seating, additional bins, bubblers, and improved lighting, catering to the needs expressed by residents who share a strong sense of community in the area.

After the scope of the project receives approval from the Council, a team consisting of experts from various disciplines, including a specialist in Aboriginal culture, will collaborate with the local community members to design and develop the project.

Read: Sydney Streets: Redfern’s Vibrant Celebration Returns

As major developments around Redfern and the upcoming Waterloo metro station reshape the neighbourhood, these park upgrades aim to preserve and celebrate the area’s rich cultural heritage whilst providing modern, inclusive spaces for recreation and community building.

Published 17-May-2024

Sunshine Inn: Vegan Redfern Eatery Shuts Down After Four Years

Sunshine Inn, a popular vegan restaurant and bar in Redfern, announced its closure after four years, leaving regulars devastated.

After serving innovative vegan fare and cocktails, Sunshine Inn along Redfern St has announced it will be closing its doors for good at the end of June 2024.

The plant-based restaurant and bar broke the devastating news to its 6,000 social media followers this week, prompting an outpouring of dismay from loyal customers.

The closure announcement was met with an outpouring of disappointment online, with customers mourning the loss of the beloved neighbourhood haunt. Others inquired desperately about potential future plans from the owners.

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In a bittersweet farewell, Sunshine Inn is inviting diners to join them for one final hurrah – a multi-course “dinner party” on the 6th of June 2024, featuring a greatest hits menu of staff favourite dishes from over the years.

The venue is also raiding its cellar for a special wine list available for one night only.

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For the entire month of June leading up to the closure, Sunshine Inn is serving up $15 negroni cocktails as a parting gift to devoted patrons.

Venue manager Rachael Paul said that they intended to “go out with a bang.”

The closure comes amid a shakeup in Sydney’s hospitality scene. Just kilometres away in Newtown, vegan fast food chain Lord of the Fries shuttered its last remaining NSW outpost.

Nationally, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows households are spending more on food overall but less at cafes and restaurants as of March 2024.

Whilst the team behind Sunshine Inn is remaining tight-lipped about specifics, they have hinted at an exciting new project in the works – potentially taking over the large Bat & Ball Hotel premises just up the road on Cleveland Street in Redfern.

Published 13-May-2024

Chippendale Becomes Sydney Home for Melbourne’s Hit The Happy Mexican

Photo Credit: The Happy Mexican

The inner-city suburb of Chippendale becomes the first Sydney location for the renowned Melbourne Mexican restaurant The Happy Mexican. The vibrant eatery has opened inside the iconic Lansdowne Hotel on City Road.

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While Sydney has no shortage of Mexican dining options, The Happy Mexican brings an authenticity and flavour profile that has made it one of Melbourne’s most popular spots for south-of-the-border cuisine. Until now, Sydneysiders had to travel to Victoria to experience The Happy Mexican’s food.

Chippendale has been chosen as the launching pad to introduce The Happy Mexican’s menu of unique, handcrafted Mexican dishes to Sydney. Head Chef Jesus Rios says he will be “serving up a spectrum of authentic flavours straight from the heart of Mexico” at the new 500-seat location.

Signature items include slow-cooked beef birria tacos, chilaquiles, calabacitas, nopales, and the legendary Jalisco Birria-style quesabirrias oozing with Oaxaca cheese. A range of Mexican cocktails like piña coladas, palomas, margaritas, and mezcalitos, plus beers on tap, round out the vibrant beverage program.

The historic ambience of the Lansdowne Hotel, combined with The Happy Mexican’s lively Mexican flair, creates an inviting space for both locals and visitors to enjoy great food and music. Lunch and dinner are served Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm.

book a table here!

Published 30-April-2024

The Grounds of Alexandria Named Most Instagrammable Restaurant in the World

Sydney has clinched the title of hosting the globe’s most Instagram-worthy dining destination, with The Grounds of Alexandria emerging as the reigning champion, boasting over 120,000 Instagram posts.

With its picturesque alfresco setting and enchanting gardens, The Grounds of Alexandria on Huntley St has become a magnet for social media enthusiasts seeking the perfect snapshot.

The popular dining destination, which opened in 2012, is owned by Ramzey Choker, Jack Hanna, and Barney Walters. Whilst the overall theme remains consistent, The Grounds often introduces seasonal or thematic decorations and installations to enhance the experience for guests. These changes may include festive decorations for holidays, themed events, or special installations to coincide with specific promotions or occasions.

Whether savouring artisanal cuisine, indulging in freshly brewed coffee, or simply basking in the beauty of its surroundings, patrons are drawn to The Grounds for its unique blend of culinary excellence and aesthetic appeal.

Instagrammable Restaurants in the World

Sketch in London claims the second spot on the list, enchanting visitors with its transformation from an 18th-century townhouse into a captivating cocktail lounge. Meanwhile, Catch in Los Angeles clinches third place, enticing patrons with its trendy rooftop ambience in West Hollywood.

Beyond the top three, a diverse array of culinary destinations captures the imagination of Instagram users around the world, according to Betway.

Pink Mamma in Paris, renowned for its vibrant ambience, secures fourth place, while The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Texas, captures fifth place with its rustic charm. Hong Kong’s Man Wah, Bangkok’s Thip Samai, and New York City’s Le Coucou follow closely, each offering a unique blend of culture and cuisine that resonates with Instagram users worldwide. The top ten are La Favela in Bali, known for its eclectic charm, and Dalloway Terrace in London, a haven of elegance and sophistication.

Rank	Restaurant	Location	Instagram Posts
1	The Grounds of Alexandria	Sydney	120,440
2	Sketch	London	94,098
3	Catch	Los Angeles	66,092
4	Pink Mamma	Paris	29,242
5	The Salt Lick BBQ	Driftwood	23,741
6	Man Wah	Hong Kong	18,468
7	Thip Samai	Bangkok	16,846
8	Le Coucou	New York City	15,989
9	La Favela	Bali	15,444
10	Dalloway Terrace	London	13,471

Methodology

Betway’s analysis encompassed a comprehensive review of Instagram hashtags for 100 renowned restaurants globally, as well as an additional 100 in the United States. The study sought to identify the most popular dining destinations based on their social media presence. Restaurants lacking relevant hashtags were excluded from the rankings, ensuring a precise assessment of each venue’s online popularity.

Silvester Fuller Tapped to Design Redfern Place

Sydney-based architecture and interior design firm Silvester Fuller has been named the winner of a hotly contested competition to devise the vision for Redfern Place.

Read: Hollywood Actor Mark Wahlberg Joins Fight To Save Moore Park Golf Club From Downsizing

Redfern Place is a major new $230 million mixed-use housing hub proposed for 600-660 Elizabeth Street in Redfern.

The innovative practice beat out numerous competitors to secure the plum job of designing the transformative precinct, which aims to provide over 300 homes across a range of social, affordable and private housing types.

Concept image for Elizabeth Street (Photo credit: bridgehousing.org.au)

The development led by Bridge Housing and Capella Capital aims to revitalise the area by replacing an obsolete building with:

100 social housing units owned by NSW Land and Housing Corporation
40 affordable homes for very low to moderate income families
80 affordable homes designated for key workers like nurses, police, and teachers
11 specialist disability accommodation homes
Around 100 private market-rate apartments
3,500 square metres of community space including facilities for the local PCYC

Rose Jackson, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, expressed approval of the selection of Silvester Fuller as the lead design firm for the redevelopment project.

“More social housing in inner city Sydney is crucial, and this project will bring together a diverse housing mix along with a community facility that will greatly benefit the Redfern community,” Ms Jackson said.

“I look forward to seeing Silvester Fuller’s vision for Redfern Place, and for this project moving another step towards providing more housing for people in need.”

“Redfern Place marks a turning point in property development history at a time when housing affordability has never been more important,” said Stephen Bull, Executive Chair of Bridge Housing.

Photo credit: @martinsiegner.studio/Silvester Fuller/Instagram

Mr Bull highlighted that Redfern Place will comprise 70 percent of social and affordable homes, giving people a home where they want to live, close to family networks and their jobs. He said the design will also be audacious, genuinely striving to design for community and country and “celebrating Redfern’s history, vibrance and resilience.”

While Silvester Fuller won the competition for the overall vision, several other firms have been brought on to execute different components. Architecture AND will handle the design of the community facility space within the Redfern Place complex.

The broader design team is being led by Hayball, who will serve as the lead design architects overseeing execution. Landscape architecture and cultural advisory will be provided by Aspect Studios and Yerrabingin, respectively.

Read: Over 43,000 NSW Homes Lay Vacant, Erskineville at Crisis Epicenter

Redfern Place may prove to be a blueprint for how cities can thoughtfully densify whilst maintaining diversity and easy access to vital services. Its success could pave the way for similar mixed-tenure developments that bring high-quality housing within reach for all demographics.

Published 22-April-2024

Female-Only FoxFit Studio Expands to Sydney with New Redfern Location

FoxFit is a fitness studio for people who identify as female that gained popularity in Melbourne for attracting elite fitness influencers. The studio recently opened its first Sydney outpost in Redfern, offering a unique environment free from “macho energy.”

FoxFit has chosen Redfern for its first expansion outside Melbourne, where it has thrived since 2019. The new studio occupies 332 square metres with two spacious custom-designed rooms to enhance female fitness without the traditional gym intensity.

Facilities and Training Options

The studio includes a HIIT Room for high-intensity circuit training encompassing treadmills, mat-based pilates, and endurance stations. Adjacent to this is the Strength Room, equipped for resistance hypertrophy-based training and personal training sessions. Both areas are outfitted with cutting-edge Technogym equipment, ensuring a premium training experience.

Members also enjoy luxurious amenities such as a hydration station with filtered water, complimentary towel service, and high-end shower facilities with Dyson hair stylers, enhancing the overall gym experience.

FoxFit Redfern is running eight classes every weekday and two to three on weekends. These classes are meticulously designed to facilitate optimum strength and fitness for female-identifying individuals, focusing on full body integration and functional workouts.

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Community and Lifestyle

The studio is endorsed by some of Melbourne’s most famous fitness enthusiasts, including Rozalia Russian and Bec Harding, who have helped popularise FoxFit’s unique approach to fitness.

FoxFit Redfern offers a Foundation Membership for $65 per week, which includes unlimited access with no minimum term contract. Class packs are also available for those interested in sampling the FoxFit experience.

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Follow FoxFit on Instagram for updates about the establishment.

Published 16 April 2024