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New Aged Care Facility Set to Transform Redfern Community

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.

49 Cope St Redfern — *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.

Shedding Light on Safety: Petition Launched for Erskineville Road Rail Bridge Upgrades

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.

Read: Developer Buys Erskineville Site for $315 Million, Aims to Deliver Over 1,000 Apartments

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.

Erskineville Road rail — 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.

“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.

Read: Community Groups Mobilise Campaign to Build Carriageworks to South Eveleigh Bridge

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.

Published 11-October-2024

‘Murder Mall’ in Redfern Transforms into New $500-Million Surry Hills Village

The notorious “murder mall” in Redfern has undergone a $500-million transformation, turning the once troubled shopping centre into the new Surry Hills Village.

After four years of redevelopment, the new Surry Hills Village is nearing completion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Published 8-Oct-2024

PM Meets Greek Orthodox Head in Historic Redfern Event

Photo Credit: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the worldwide head of the Greek Orthodox Church, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

The event, described by Albanese as “historic,” was part of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s tour of Australia, marking 100 years since the founding of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country. Albanese and Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a procession at the Redfern cathedral and met with parishioners.

This visit to Redfern is significant as it’s only the second time Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has toured Australia, with his first visit occurring in 1996. As the leader of 300 million Greek Orthodox Christians worldwide, including over 400,000 in Australia, his presence drew many members of the Greek Orthodox community to Redfern.

Albanese, who represents the nearby electorate of Grayndler, highlighted the importance of the Greek community in Sydney’s inner west. He stated, “As someone who has had the honour of representing Marrickville for nearly 30 years and called the inner west my home for even longer, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable contribution that generations of Greek Australians have made to our nation.”

The event attracted numerous community members, with crowds gathering outside the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Redfern.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s tour of Australia is set to continue over the next week, further commemorating the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country.

Published 5-October-2024

Historic Eveleigh Building Transforms into Coffee Lovers’ Paradise

A massive coffee roastery and café called The Grounds Coffee Factory has opened in a historic Eveleigh building, bringing a new level of coffee culture to Sydney.

The venue, which opened on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, is the latest project from the team behind The Grounds of Alexandria. Located at 2 Locomotive Street, the factory occupies a former railway workers’ cafeteria, blending industrial elements with old-world charm.

The Coffee Experience

At the heart of the factory is a complex coffee transportation system that moves beans across the space, reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Visitors can watch Nick Ferguson, the head roaster at work, while enjoying their brew.

“Our goal is to make the art and science of coffee clear and approachable,” The Grounds’ founder and director Ramzey Choker said. “Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply seeking a great spot for a casual meal, there’s something here for you.”

The factory offers 12 different beans and roasts daily, as well as coffee cuppings, brewing workshops, and latte art classes for those keen to expand their coffee knowledge.

Food and Atmosphere

While coffee takes centre stage, the food menu is equally impressive. Former Otto Ristorante and Cafe Sydney chef James Kidman heads the kitchen, offering a range of breakfast and lunch options.

*Photo Credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory/Facebook*

The breakfast menu, available until 11:30 a.m., includes dishes like eggs soldiers with smoked salmon and dill, and traditional hotcakes with maple syrup. Lunch offerings feature items such as a fresh fish sandwich, vodka pasta, and veal parmy.

Kidman has added an “Australian fleck” to the menu, including lamingtons with Davidson plum jam. He’s also put a twist on classic dishes, like serving steak with deliberately undercooked onions to evoke memories of sporting club barbecues.

Design and Development

The Grounds Coffee Factory, designed by ACME & Co, pays homage to the site’s railway heritage. The project, six years in the making, faced several delays, including COVID-19 and technical issues with the coffee transportation system.

*Photo Credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory*

“Fortunately, we’d locked in a lot of things pre-COVID. With the way costs have gone up, there’s no way we’d have been able to do this today,” Choker explained the long development process.

The new venue will become a hub for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. It will serve as a café and roastery and an educational space where visitors can learn about coffee production and brewing techniques.

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area, making it a truly community-friendly space in the heart of South Eveleigh.

Menu and Reservations

Published 23-Sept-2024

Car Crashes into Power Pole in Redfern

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A car crashed and caused significant damage to a power pole in Redfern just this evening, September 20, 2024, prompting an emergency response.

At approximately 6:00 PM, emergency services were called to the corner of Elizabeth and Redfern streets following reports of a car crashing into a power pole. The impact reportedly split the power pole in half.

The incident drew a substantial response, with eight police cars attending the scene. A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed that no live wires were exposed as a result of the crash.

A 33-year-old man, identified as the driver, was freed from the wreckage by responding police officers. He was subsequently transported to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Published 20-September-2024

Community Staple The Norfolk in Redfern Enters Receivership, Sale Imminent

Photo Credit: The Norfolk/Facebook

Receivers and managers have been appointed to take over The Norfolk, a popular pub in Redfern, due to the financial struggles facing Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group.

The decision came earlier in September 2024 when insolvency specialists from FTI Consulting stepped in to manage not only The Norfolk but also four other Sydney-based properties including Oxford House, The Strand Hotel, Camelia Grove Hotel, and The Exchange Hotel. All venues are to be put on the market promptly, aiming to find new ownership to secure their operational future.

In the heart of Redfern, The Norfolk is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the cult food favourite, Ricos Tacos. The community has shown concern over the potential changes in management, hoping the venue maintains its unique character and continues to serve as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

FTI Consulting’s Vaughan Strawbridge remarked on the situation, saying, “We will work closely with the management of the venues to ensure they continue uninterrupted by this process while we seek new owners for the venues to secure their future.”

He expressed confidence that the hotels would sell quickly due to substantial interest in these properties.

Meanwhile, other parts of the Public Hospitality Group’s portfolio, including venues in Melbourne and Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi, remain unaffected. This financial restructuring follows a series of setbacks for the group, which lost management of the hatted Alpha restaurant and parted ways with the team behind the award-winning Maybe Sammy cocktail bar earlier in the year.

The financial reshuffle extends to the creditors, including drinks producer Michael Clifford, who is anxious about the outstanding debts owed to his company. A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for October 21, where further details will be discussed and possibly clarified.

This transition period marks a critical juncture for the future of The Norfolk and its role within the Redfern community, with hopes high for minimal disruption and a continuation of the pub’s legacy under new stewardship.

Published 18-Sept-2024

Dog Days Returns to Redfern’s Revamped Bat and Ball Hotel

Photo Credit: Resident Advisor

In a celebration of the approaching spring season, the popular Dog Days event is making its anticipated return to Redfern’s newly renovated Bat and Ball Hotel.

Set for Saturday, September 21, 2024, this day-long party promises to deliver a diverse lineup of local DJs spinning house music from 1 PM until midnight.

Venue Spotlight

The Bat and Ball Hotel, located at 495 Cleveland St in Redfern, has undergone recent renovations, breathing new life into this historic establishment. Known for its intimate atmosphere, the venue’s small room provides the perfect setting for the relaxed vibe that Dog Days is famous for.

Event Details

The “Dog Days Bat & Ball Bonanza” will feature six acts, each bringing their unique flavour to the decks:

Ciara
Nausheen
Cycle Sisters
Discoloro
Fightclub
Hor.c

Additional information about the Dog Days Bat n Ball Bonanza at Bat and Ball Hotel can be found through this event page or through Dog Day’s instagram page.

Music lovers and those looking to welcome spring with rhythm and style are encouraged to mark their calendars for this vibrant celebration of house music in the heart of Redfern.

Published 15-September-2024

Redfern All Blacks Celebrate 80 Years of Rugby League and Community Leadership

The Redfern All Blacks, Australia’s oldest Indigenous rugby league club, marked its 80th anniversary at Redfern Oval, coinciding with the club’s appearance in the 2024 South Sydney District Rugby League A-Reserve grand final.

The Redfern All Blacks, founded in 1944, have a long and rich history in both rugby league and the Aboriginal community.

Over the decades, the club has been a hub of cultural pride and resistance, especially in the face of social and political challenges. From its early beginnings, when Aboriginal families moved to Redfern in the 1920s to find work, the club has offered many Indigenous Australians a sense of belonging and identity.

According to Nathan Moran, a former Redfern All Blacks player and now CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, rugby league was more than just a game.

“Footy and boxing were always our avenue out – literally off the mission and then later as a chance to get ahead,” Moran said, reflecting on how sports provided an escape for many in the community.

Generations of Family and Community

The club’s legacy is reflected in its people. Long-time members like John Young, known as “Uncle Blackdog,” have witnessed generations of players come through the ranks. At almost 70 years old, Young has been involved with the club for 47 years, working as a coach and, today, as a team strapper. He proudly described one player, nicknamed “Bubba,” saying, “I coached Bubba in nappy grade and now I am strapping him in men’s footy.”

Keith “Kip” Munro, the club’s junior convenor, has also been integral to the club’s continued success. A few years ago, the All Blacks were down to five teams. The club has expanded to 20 teams through Munro’s dedication, providing role models at every age level.

A Symbol of Resistance

The Redfern All Blacks have been at the heart of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil rights movement. In the 1970s, the club established Aboriginal-controlled organisations in Redfern, including legal, housing, and medical services. In its early years, the club faced scrutiny for its links to the Black Power movement and activism, yet it remained a symbol of defiance against assimilation.

Even in today’s landscape, where gentrification is impacting Redfern and pushing some families to Western Sydney, the All Blacks remain a symbol of resilience. Members now commute back to Redfern to play, keeping the club’s spirit alive.

Growing Opportunities for Women

One of the club’s most significant developments in recent years has been the growth of its women’s program. Women and girls now make up 45% of the All Blacks’ players, with four of them representing Australia as Jillaroos.

Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, a community matriarch who has been part of the All Blacks since she was 16, is thrilled to see women taking such an active role. She remembers when women were primarily responsible for fundraising and jersey washing, and she notes the positive change in opportunities for young girls.

A Narrow Grand Final Defeat

Despite the celebrations, the Redfern All Blacks were narrowly defeated in the grand final last 8 September, losing 16-12 to Mascot. The loss didn’t dampen the spirits of the team or its loyal supporters, who gave the players a standing ovation.

For Moran, the defeat was just a temporary setback. “We’re resilient, still here and strong, and there’s always next year,” he said.

The Redfern All Blacks have spent the last 80 years keeping the ball in motion, both on and off the field, and their story continues as a powerful example of community, resilience, and cultural pride.

Published 15-Sept-2024

Sip in Style: Dry Martini Bar Opens Offering Unique Takes on the Classic in Chippendale

A new martini bar, Dry Martini Sydney by Grant Collins, recently opened in a charming Sydney laneway in Chippendale, offering a well-curated selection that ranges from vintage martinis of the 1920s and 1930s to innovative versions like the salted caramel espresso martini.

The overall fit-out is both inviting and upscale, making it a perfect backdrop for the sophisticated flavours being mixed at the bar. Whether it’s a casual after-work drink or a celebratory night out, the ambience at Dry Martini ensures a memorable experience for all guests.

Dry Martini Chippendale, Sydney — *Photo Credit: Dry Martini Sydney/Instagram*

Menu and Experience

At Dry Martini, patrons can enjoy their drinks made right at their table with roving martini trolleys equipped with a selection of vodkas, gins, vermouths, and a range of seasonal offerings. The bar also features a snack menu specifically designed to complement the martini flavours, including dishes such as freshly shucked oysters topped with shaved dirty martini ice, wagyu sliders with housemade pickles, and jamon croquettes with Spanish béchamel.

For those new to martinis, or even for seasoned connoisseurs, Dry Martini offers a unique experience with its espresso martini tree—a tower that holds all six versions of espresso martinis for tasting, as well as a selection of four classic martinis.

The bar also caters to budget-conscious visitors with its happy hours, providing $10 martinis and $15 cocktail specials on weekdays and early evenings during weekends.

Inspiration and Vision

Grant Collins, the mastermind behind both Dry Martini and its sister venue, Gin Lane, has crafted a space that reflects over two decades of expertise in mixology. His approach involves deep research into historical recipes and creative experimentation, resulting in a menu that respects martini tradition while also embracing contemporary tastes and techniques. This blend of old and new is poised to make Dry Martini a favourite local spot in Chippendale, inviting everyone to explore the art of martinis in a welcoming, sophisticated setting.

Dry Martini welcomes patrons to indulge in its martini offerings from 5:30 PM every Tuesday to Saturday. The bar extends its hospitality with varying closing times throughout the week to accommodate both early evening drinkers and late-night cocktail enthusiasts.

Additionally, Dry Martini offers enticing happy hour deals from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and a slightly earlier end at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it an ideal spot for after-work relaxation or a sophisticated start to the weekend.

BOOK A TABLE

Follow them on Instagram for updates.

Published 8-Sept-2024