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.
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
