Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 6 of 32

Indigenous and Western Science Meet at Redfern Community Event

For more than a decade, Redfern has been the meeting place where ancient cultural knowledge meets cutting-edge science, offering locals a rare chance to explore the connections between Aboriginal traditions and modern research in one setting. This year’s community gathering will once again bring Elders, scientists and families together at the Redfern Community Centre to share skills, stories and discoveries.

The Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern Community Open Day will be held on Saturday, 9 August 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Redfern Community Centre. Entry is free and open to all, with no bookings required, although registration is encouraged.

Celebrating Science in Many Forms

The day’s program will feature hands-on activities for all ages, from physics and chemistry experiments to weaving, mathematics puzzles and Aboriginal tool-making. Elders will lead discussions on bush foods, traditional medicines and the role of seaweeds in environmental sustainability. Visitors can explore Indigenous astronomy, experience Torres Strait Islander virtual reality, and even take part in a virtual tour of a nuclear power plant. Cultural performances will connect audiences with the natural world, while stalls will offer Aboriginal arts, crafts and food for purchase.

Organisers say the event aims to show how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are part of daily life, and to highlight how Indigenous knowledge systems, developed over more than 60,000 years, continue to inform sustainable practices today. Since it began in 2012, the Redfern program has been part of National Science Week and has been organised by the National Indigenous Science Education Program in partnership with Macquarie University, with support from the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia initiative.

Indigenous Science Experience — *Photo Credit: NISEP/YouTube*

A Community Gathering with a Strong Welcome

The day will begin with a traditional smoking ceremony and an official welcome at 10:00 a.m., which organisers encourage visitors not to miss. From there, attendees can move freely between workshops, talks and performances, engaging with Elders, scientists, and student leaders who will be demonstrating activities. Professor Joanne Jamie, co-director of the National Indigenous Science Education Program, has described the opening ceremony as a central moment that sets the tone for the rest of the day’s learning and connection.

Part of a Nationwide Celebration

The Redfern event is one of many across the country during National Science Week, which runs from 9 to 17 August 2025 and includes both in-person and online programs. Across Australia, the week offers opportunities to meet scientists, discuss current research and explore the cultural and economic impact of science.

Published 8-Aug-2025

Redfern Family Still Waiting After 20 Years as Search for Missing Chef Continues

Photo Credit: Yasmin Catley MP/Facebook

A Redfern family is still holding out hope two decades after their son, Simon Knight, vanished without a trace from Surry Hills, with police renewing efforts to find answers and offering a $250,000 reward for information.

A Disappearance That Changed Everything

Simon Knight, 32, was last seen on Crown Street in Surry Hills on July 21, 2005, but never made it to his café shift in Newtown later that day. Known as reliable and friendly, Simon was reported missing that evening, and despite multiple investigations and two coronial inquests, one in 2015 ruling he had likely died, his body was never found.

His camera and mountain bike, items he regularly used, also remain missing. Nearly 20 years later, NSW Police’s Strike Force Glenlea continues to appeal to the public for information.

Community Appeal and Police Hope

Police believe someone out there knows what happened to Simon Knight and are urging the public to come forward. Acting Superintendent Christopher Hill called on anyone who was in the Surry Hills or Redfern areas in July 2005, especially near Crown and Oxford streets, to share anything they recall, no matter how small.

*Photo Credit: Yasmin Catley MP/Facebook*

A $250,000 reward was announced in 2020, showing the case remains a high priority. Investigators say even a minor detail could help bring closure to Simon’s family.

Family’s Long Wait for Closure

Simon Knight’s family says the pain of not knowing what happened remains one of the hardest parts, even after 20 years. His father, Bob, shared that Simon had recently started studying horticulture and withdrawn money just before he vanished, funds that were never touched again.

His sister Frances said Simon’s disappearance left a lasting void in their lives. The family thanked police for their ongoing efforts and urged anyone with information to come forward, believing closure is still possible.

Past Concerns and New Commitment

A 2021 review into unsolved LGBTQ+ crimes raised concerns about how Simon Knight’s case was initially handled, but current investigators have since renewed their commitment to finding answers. The family said they felt dismissed in the early days but now value the support from today’s police team.

Simon’s disappearance is no longer just a mystery, it’s a reminder that no one from a close-knit community like Redfern should be forgotten. Police continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000.

Published 29-July-2025

Aboriginal Design Firm to Oversee Green Upgrades in Redfern

Photo Credit: Yerrabingin

Design firm Yerrabingin has been appointed to lead the next stage of park upgrades in Redfern, focusing on three key community spaces.

Background and Appointment

The City of Sydney has selected Yerrabingin, an Indigenous-owned design practice, to oversee the renewal of three interconnected neighbourhood parks in Redfern. The project builds on a concept plan developed through extensive community consultation and follows earlier engagement work initiated by the City.

The targeted spaces include Redfern Community Centre Open Space, Yellomundee Park, and Hugo Street Reserve—locations closely linked to Redfern’s role in national Aboriginal cultural history.

Redfern park renewal — *Caption: Redfern Community Centre Open Space*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

Scope of the Project

The renewal will incorporate culturally responsive landscaping and infrastructure upgrades. Works will include a new playground and expanded multi-use space at Redfern Community Centre Open Space, alongside an upgrade of the basketball court at Hugo Street Reserve.

Designs will focus on cooling the urban environment, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining the cultural relevance of the parks. Yerrabingin’s previous work at the South Eveleigh Native Rooftop Farm will be used as a reference point for biodiversity goals.

Redfern parks upgrade — *Caption: South Eveleigh Rooftop Native Garden*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

Yerrabingin’s Cultural Approach

Established in 2018, Yerrabingin was co-founded by Christian Hampson to challenge traditional planning approaches and promote Indigenous-led outcomes. The firm integrates cultural knowledge with human-centred design, emphasising environmental responsibility and community collaboration.

The name ‘Yerrabingin’ means “we walk together” and originates from the Mooktung language of the Bidawal and Maneroo peoples. The firm is certified by Supply Nation, the First Nation Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia, and The Landscape Association.

Indigenous design — *Caption: Hugo Street Reserve*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

Community Collaboration in Redfern

Yerrabingin has committed to a co-design process involving local input throughout the project’s planning and implementation phases. Their approach acknowledges Redfern’s identity as a culturally safe place and aims to reflect the community’s values while honouring Indigenous heritage.

The initiative aims to meet the needs of long-term residents and new arrivals, offering shared green space in an increasingly dense inner-city environment.

What’s Next for the Renewal

Design work will proceed in alignment with the established vision and community feedback. The final outcome is expected to deliver parks that support cultural connection, recreation, and ecological sustainability as Redfern continues to evolve.

Published 24-July-2025

Community Meal Initiative Supports Locals in Erskineville

Photo Credit: Parliament on King/Facebook

A volunteer-led food relief project in Erskineville is providing free meals, donated goods, and social connection through a community initiative run from a local café.

Background and Context

Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Soup of Human Kindness was established as a food relief program operating out of Parliament on King, a café in Erskineville. Created to meet urgent needs during lockdowns, the initiative has since delivered a large number of meals to people in the local area, particularly those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

The program is sustained through revenue generated by a social enterprise catering arm of the café and support from a City of Sydney food support grant. It continues to operate weekly, with the café open to the public on weekends.

*Photo Credit: Parliament on King/Facebook*

Refugee-Cooked Meals and Community Involvement

Meals are prepared in the café’s commercial kitchen by chefs who are asylum seekers and refugees. These meals are based on traditional family recipes from their countries of origin and are provided in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. During warmer months, the menu shifts from soups to noodle or rice-based meals.

The meals made for the café’s social enterprise catering service are also distributed to individuals and families in need at no cost.

Volunteer Roles and Public Engagement

Each Saturday evening, volunteers gather to portion and pack meals, organise donated items, and deliver food and essentials to locations including Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Roles include drivers, packers, and food servers, and participants come from various backgrounds and professions across Sydney.

In addition to meals, volunteers sort and distribute donated items such as clothing, toiletries, books, and other essentials. Donations can be dropped off at 632 King Street, Erskineville, on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Items donated on Saturdays are distributed that same evening.

Soup of Human Kindness — *Photo Credit: Parliament on King/Facebook*

support parliament on king

Community Sentiment and Contribution

Volunteers, both new and long-term, report a strong personal connection to the project. Some participants originally sought help from the program and now return as volunteers. These interactions help build community connection while also identifying specific needs such as bedding, hygiene products, and warm clothing.

The initiative provides a space where people from different walks of life contribute equally, regardless of their current circumstances.

Funding Support and Ongoing Aid

The Soup of Human Kindness receives financial support from the City of Sydney’s food support grant. Applications for this grant are currently open and will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 12 August 2025. Funded projects will run from 1 January to 31 December 2026.

Funding priorities include improving access to affordable, safe, and culturally-appropriate food, as well as strengthening community capacity for food distribution and storage. Organisations and individuals are encouraged to apply, particularly those working with diverse and Aboriginal communities.

Published 21-July-2025

Streetscape Transformation Makes Redfern Safer and Greener

Photo Credit: City of Sydney/LinkedIn

A once-overlooked corner of Redfern has been transformed into a safer, more welcoming space for thousands of commuters, with a major streetscape upgrade now complete at the western entrance to Redfern Station.

A Better Way to Move Through Redfern

Once a dull and overlooked entry point, the western side of Redfern Station now connects smoothly to Little Eveleigh Street and the Wilson Street cycleway. The upgrade makes it easier, and much safer, for people to walk or cycle through the area, especially during the rush.

Led by the City of Sydney with support from Transport for NSW, the project focuses on linking Redfern’s neighbourhoods with one of Sydney’s busiest train stations. With around 46,000 commuters passing through daily, it’s a change locals have long been waiting for. Construction wrapped up in mid-2025.

Safety and Comfort for Locals

Wilson Plaza has been given a major refresh, with new paving, lush greenery and ten fresh trees softening the once-harsh landscape. Around 320 square metres of plantings now help cool the area, making it more pleasant year-round.

Safety was a big focus too, improved lighting and added seating have made the space feel more open and welcoming, even after dark. Ten new benches invite people to pause, meet friends or simply enjoy the surroundings. For the many locals, students and workers who pass through each day, Redfern now feels like more than just a station stop.

A Boost for Active Transport

The City of Sydney says the project supports a broader plan to make walking and cycling easier across the area. A new shared zone now connects directly to the Wilson Street cycleway, encouraging more people to swap cars for sustainable travel.

The design removes physical barriers, making the space more accessible for everyone, including those with mobility needs. It also helps ease foot and bike traffic through one of the city’s busiest hubs. The upgrade complements Redfern Station’s recent improvements under the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.

Making Redfern More Inviting

The western side of Redfern Station was once seen as dull and uninviting. With input from the community, the new design brings life to the space while keeping its local character. It’s part of the City of Sydney’s wider push to create more connected, people-friendly neighbourhoods.

Alongside better transport links, the area now offers shade, seating and a more welcoming feel. Redfern Station is no longer just a stop, it’s become part of the everyday rhythm of local life.

Published 11-July-2025

Haymarket Restaurant Sees Surge in Popularity After Netflix Feature

Photo Credit: Pork Fat Sydney / Instagram

A small, critically acclaimed Haymarket Thai restaurant is now managing newfound global attention after being prominently featured on the latest season of a popular international food show on Netflix.

From Local Gem to Global Stage

Haymarket restaurant — *Photo Credit:* *Pork Fat Sydney / Instagram*

The 30-seat restaurant, Porkfat, was showcased in an episode of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, where host Phil Rosenthal travelled to Sydney and praised the establishment as one of the best Thai venues he had ever visited. Since the episode aired last week, the restaurant has experienced a significant increase in interest from both locals and tourists.

The feature on the show came as a surprise to chef and co-founder Narin “Jack” Kulasai, who first noticed Rosenthal’s name in the booking system during a visit in 2023. The show’s production team later contacted him to arrange filming for the series. Kulasai stated that seeing his small restaurant featured alongside his culinary idols, the chefs of Firedoor and Saint Peter, felt like a dream.

A Taste of Tradition

Porkfat, which opened in 2022, is known for its authentic, family-style Thai cooking. A key element that sets it apart is its use of pork fat instead of commercial cooking oil, a traditional method that inspired the restaurant’s name. This commitment to authentic flavour has earned the restaurant significant praise, including a “One Hat” award from the SMH Good Food Guide.

Chef Kulasai brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen, having previously worked at the renowned Nahm in Bangkok and Long Chim in Sydney. He explained that his goal has always been to recreate the meals his and his partner Tanya Boonprakong’s families grew up eating, focusing on culture and memory as much as food.

Community Impact

The international exposure has brought many new faces to the tiny restaurant, including customers from other Australian cities and overseas. This has made securing a table more challenging, and the team works hard to accommodate as many diners as possible in their limited space.

The restaurant was already a favourite of high-profile food lovers, with celebrity chef Nigella Lawson being a regular visitor. Lawson, who books online like any other customer, has become a friend to the owners and reportedly returns each year for her favourite dish, the pork larb. Kulasai noted that after three years of refining their service and food, the restaurant is running well and he hopes every dish continues to impress customers.

Published Date 07-July-2025

From Redfern to the Knicks: Bayles Pursues NBA Dream

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Redfern’s own Biwali Bayles is set to suit up for the New York Knicks at the NBA Summer League, chasing his dream from Sydney’s inner-city streets to America’s biggest basketball stage, going from The Block to the Big Apple!

From Rugby League Roots to Global Courts

Biwali Bayles was born in Brisbane but moved to Redfern as a toddler. He grew up in The Block, an area deeply rooted in rugby league culture. As a child, he followed NRL icons. He initially set his sights on a future in rugby league. However, his mother encouraged him to consider basketball.

Despite his passion for footy, Mr Bayles eventually shifted focus. At around 11 years old, he made the early decision to commit to basketball. He was influenced by his mother’s background in the sport and her belief in his potential.

NBA Summer League — *Photo Credit: Biwali Bayles/Instagram*

Early Development and College Experience

Mr Bayles attended Alexandria Park Community School and later committed to the University of Hawaii in 2020. During his time with the Rainbow Warriors, he led the team in assists and averaged 6.2 points per game. His performance included a decisive three-pointer against Cal State Northridge.

After one season, Mr Bayles left college basketball in 2021 to begin his professional career in Australia.

Professional Career Across Leagues

Mr Bayles signed with the Sydney Kings in April 2021, contributing to the team’s NBL championships in both 2022 and 2023. During the 2022–23 season, he took paid leave from the Kings and later joined the Illawarra Hawks as a development player.

In August 2024, Mr Bayles signed with BBC Nyon in the Swiss Basketball League. Domestically, he has played in the NBL1 for teams including the Mackay Meteors, North Gold Coast Seahawks, and Sydney Comets. He rejoined the Comets for the 2025 season and also played in an exhibition match representing the Indigenous Basketball Australia All-Stars.

Commitment to Growth and Wellbeing

Mr Bayles previously requested a release from the Sydney Kings. He cited concerns about his personal happiness and development. Despite the club’s prominence, he felt that continuing in an unsatisfying environment would hinder both his wellbeing and performance.

He maintains that his dedication to basketball remains strong. His focus is on consistent improvement, regardless of location or public perception.

Looking Ahead to NBA Opportunity

Mr Bayles will now join the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Summer League. While not selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, this opportunity marks a significant step in his ongoing professional development. He acknowledged the emotional weight of being associated with the Knicks.

Mr Bayles is aware that the journey continues and is determined to stay focused as he builds towards greater achievements in the sport.

Published 8-July-2025

Beloved Redfern Small Bar Closes, Citing Financial and Community Shifts

Photo Credit: The Dock

A cherished community-focused small bar in Redfern has permanently closed its doors, a closure the owner attributes to a perfect storm of post-pandemic economic pressures, bureaucratic delays, and significant demographic shifts in the inner-city suburb.

The Dock, a popular dive-inspired venue on the corner of Redfern and Regent Streets, officially shut down on May 26 after more than a decade of operation. Owner Tom Whittle, who ran the establishment for the last five years, stated that the closure was a last resort and that every possible measure was taken to keep the community-spirited venue operating.

Mr Whittle explained that the business faced severe challenges following the second COVID-19 lockdown. Plans to open a new upstairs venue, initially expected to gain approvals within six months, were bogged down in red tape for two years. He said these delays and tightening criteria resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in losses.

By the time the project was finally approved, the economic climate had worsened, forcing the expansion to be shelved while the business was left in debt. Mr Whittle confirmed that a subsequent dispute with the landlord was the final blow that made continuing operations impossible.

The Dock bar — *Photo Credit:* *The Dock*

The owner pointed to broader economic factors that have impacted local businesses, noting that Redfern has lost three bars in just six months. He observed that since the pandemic, a surge in rental and house prices has forced many young professionals and creative people—the bar’s core patrons—to move out of the area.

He suggested that the high cost of living is affecting the suburb’s social life, with newer residents staying home more as they struggle with high rent and mortgage payments. This shift has fundamentally altered the customer base for local venues like The Dock.

For over a decade, The Dock was known as Redfern’s first small bar, celebrated for its high-energy but cosy atmosphere. With its weathered brick walls and graffiti art, it cultivated a unique, ramshackle charm that made it a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. It was a place where emerging artists were given the chance to perform their first gigs and where patrons could enjoy unique events like the popular “sea shanty Monday singalongs.”

The venue was praised for its creative cocktails and was even dog-friendly, adding to its reputation as a relaxed community hub. Devastated locals took to social media to mourn the loss, with patrons describing it as an “extended family” and one long-term regular calling the bar the centre of his social world for nearly 15 years.

While Mr Whittle is still dealing with the fallout from the closure, he expressed a desire to run another bar in the future, though he acknowledged this would be some time away. For now, he plans to find work as a licensee at another venue.

Published Date 01-July-2025

Eveleigh Rail Yards Poised for Screen Hub and New Homes

Photo Credit: Locations Hub

The long-silent Eveleigh Railway Yards could soon swap steam for studio lights under a proposal to convert part of the heritage site into a modern film-production complex alongside hundreds of new homes.

Draft plans for the 10-hectare North Eveleigh precinct show the 135-year-old Paint Shop building reimagined as sound stages, while nearby towers of up to 28 storeys would add between 320 and 450 dwellings, with at least 30 per cent reserved for affordable and diverse housing.

For locals in Eveleigh, Redfern and Darlington, the scheme promises a new public square, 1.1 hectares of green space, and safer walking and cycling links to Redfern Station—replacing fenced-off industrial land that has been off-limits for more than a century.

Supporters say an inner-city studio would plug a long-standing gap in Sydney’s screen infrastructure, creating production jobs and feeding into the Tech Central innovation corridor that stretches from Central Station to Camperdown.

Heritage features—including the wrought-iron roof trusses and distinctive red-brick façade of the 6,000-square-metre Paint Shop—will be retained, with adaptive reuse guided by conservation plans for the Eveleigh Railway Workshops.

What’s Planned for the Site

Outside the community-facing aspects, a capital fund of $100 million has been earmarked to secure a new Sydney studio site, with North Eveleigh now under active consideration. The funding sits within a wider $380 million screen-sector package supporting local productions and jobs.

If the business case proceeds, construction could begin once formal development applications are approved. Transport for NSW, which owns the site, has confirmed that rezoning completed in late 2023 allows for:

Feature	Planned delivery
New homes	320 – 450 (minimum 30% affordable/diverse)
Employment space	Up to 6,200 jobs in tech, creative and commercial sectors
Public open space	1.12 ha including a town square and parkland
Community & cultural space	3,700 m², including dedicated space for local Aboriginal groups

Community Response

Redfern resident Maya Williams welcomed the prospect of new green space:
“Carriageworks already draws people in for the markets and arts; adding a park and proper paths will make the area feel less like a closed-off industrial pocket.”

Local historian Ken Leong added a note of caution: “Any studio build must respect the site’s rail heritage—it’s part of what gives Eveleigh its soul.”

Published Date 01-July-2025

The Bearded Tit To Close: Redfern’s Beloved Queer Bar To Shut In November

Redfern’s The Bearded Tit, a well-known queer venue and creative space, is closing later this year, ending over a decade of cultural and community contributions to Sydney’s inner south.

A Space That Grew Beyond a Bar

The closure was confirmed by owner Joy Ng, who shared the news via social media. She said the decision comes from a personal place and marks a turning point in her life. After 11 years, she’s ready to leave hospitality and explore new career directions. The venue will remain open until November 2025.

*Photo Credit: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras/Facebook*

Since opening in 2014, The Bearded Tit has stood out not just for its vibrant bar scene but for its role as a home to queer, POC, and underrepresented creatives. It became known for its weekly events, experimental art shows, and bold decor, often featuring emerging artists from Sydney and abroad.

Ng described the space as somewhere built with love and support, shaped by its performers, artists, and the broader community. She said every performance, gathering, and moment of connection was made special by the people who walked through the doors.

Decision Not Up for Debate

In her statement, Ng made it clear the business will not be sold and there will be no campaign to save it. She explained that it was important for the venue to end on her terms, and for its identity to remain intact.

She asked that any questions or comments about the closure be directed to her personally, not the staff, who she thanked for their hard work over the years. She also expressed gratitude to the many DJs, artists, and partygoers who gave their time, energy, and creativity to the space.

Six Months of Celebrations Ahead

The venue plans to keep its programming going until it shuts its doors in November. Regular events and parties will continue, giving the community time to share stories and celebrate what they’ve built together. Ng encouraged patrons to come in, reconnect, and be part of its final chapter.

After the closure, there will be a market day, where people can buy items from the venue’s fit-out and decor. It’s a way for visitors to hold on to a piece of the place that has meant so much to so many.

Looking Beyond the Ending

While the announcement has brought sadness for fans of The Bearded Tit, Ng remains hopeful. She said the spirit of the place will live on through the community and the belief in creating safe, inclusive spaces. She expressed a wish that others will be inspired to build new venues that carry the same energy and values.

Her final message was one of thanks, for 11 years of magic, laughter, and connection, and a reminder that the story doesn’t end here, but continues in new forms across Sydney’s creative and queer scenes.

Published 11-June-2025