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