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Redfern Unveils New Knowledge and Cultural Centre

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

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

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Moore Park Golf Club

Moore Park Golf Club, a cherished Sydney institution with a history of over a century, has found an unexpected champion in its battle against downsizing plans: Hollywood superstar Mark Wahlberg.

Whilst in Sydney filming the Amazon crime series “Play Dirty,” Mr Wahlberg, renowned for roles in films like “Shooter,” has voiced his opposition to the controversial plans to halve Moore Park Golf Club’s size from 18 holes to 9.

Mr Wahlberg, a non-Australian citizen, made a heartfelt plea to the people of Sydney in a video message released on the 30th of March 2024, urging them to join the fight to preserve Moore Park Golf Club. Standing on the picturesque green course, he spoke passionately about the club’s role as a source of joy and relaxation for generations.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Moore Park Golf Club

“It’s been here for more than 100 years, and it’s been giving people hundreds and hundreds of years of pleasure and joy. Just people being able to come out and get a nice healthy walk, spend quality time together with family and friends,” the actor said.

This decision, a component of a larger urban development strategy, has ignited a significant wave of community discontent, drawing the actor and a growing number of dissenters into the fight.

The State Government stated its plan in 2023 to turn some of the club’s land into a new central park to help the areas around Green Square, Zetland, and Waterloo that are becoming more crowded. Premier Chris Minns defended the choice by saying that cities are growing quickly and need more green areas.

Mr Wahlberg’s action adds a voice for the people against the plans to cut jobs. Critics agree that cities need to grow, but they say that giving up such a famous green area would be a loss for the community.

Premier Minns defended the choice by saying that Sydney has many golf courses, stressing the need to balance development and protecting green spaces. Since the area’s population is expected to grow by 2040, the government says adding more green spaces is necessary to keep the city liveable.

There are currently 13 golf courses in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. However, many people are upset about the potential downsizing due to its historical significance and convenient location.

Published Date 10-April-2024

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

In August 2023, the severity of the housing crisis in New South Wales was exposed when new developments in Erskineville, designed to ease the housing shortage, were left unoccupied due to several defects. This caused frustration within the community and highlighted the urgent need for action to address the crisis.

Over 43,000 inactive dwellings have been identified across New South Wales, with Erskineville emerging as a focal point, highlighting the significant number of unoccupied properties in the suburb amid the region’s severe housing shortage.

This scenario is mirrored in Greater Sydney, including Parramatta and Heffron, where 22,000 homes stand empty. This reflects a systemic issue beyond housing scarcity to encompass affordability and accessibility challenges.

Projects like the Honeycomb Terraces and developments on Gadigal Ave exacerbate the housing situation in Erskineville. These projects were proposed as solutions to the housing crisis but have now become symbols of it.

A Look Back at the Erskineville Development

The City of Sydney approved the construction of Sugarcube Apartments and Honeycomb Terraces in Erskineville in September 2015. However, the site was contaminated, leading to strict site remediation conditions. Despite these requirements, construction began without full compliance, leading to ongoing discussions and modifications to environmental management plans.

In December 2019, the EPA advised on managing the contamination, followed by a proposal for staged occupation by Golden Rain. The City offered support for this modification in March 2020, which was approved in September 2020. This modification allowed for staged occupation and addressed environmental concerns, with further remediation work completed by September 2022.

In 2023, additional remediation work was completed, paving the way for addressing the environmental concerns that had previously halted occupancy. As of March 2024, a development application (D/2023/740) for the strata subdivision of Honeycomb Terraces is under assessment, aiming to manage residual contamination effectively.

Academic and Demographic Perspective

Experts like Professor Nicole Gurran from the University of Sydney argue that the crisis is less about the number of homes and more about their distribution and affordability. The revelation that luxury housing abounds while affordable options are scarce indicates a market imbalance.

Erskineville — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Social demographer Mark McCrindle echoes these concerns, highlighting the surprising nature of these vacancies, especially in densely populated areas like Erskineville, rather than holiday destinations.

NSW Planning’s review of the short-term rental accommodation framework seeks to address the shortage. However, the efficacy of these measures remains to be seen, especially as developments in Erskineville await occupancy certifications, leaving potential residents in limbo.

Published 3-April-2024