Redfern Archives - Page 5 of 11

Redfern Child Protection Workers Protested Amidst Crisis

Photo Credit: Public Service Association of NSW

Child protection caseworkers in Redfern staged a protest outside the Community Services Centre, highlighting what they described as an unacceptable risk to child safety in NSW.

Child Protection Workers in Redfern — *Photo Credit:* *Public Service Association of NSW*

The protest, which happened on Wednesday, 3 July, drew attention to the escalating crisis within the child protection system, with caseworkers reporting chronic understaffing and burnout.

The alarming discovery that only one in four children reported to child protection services as being at risk of serious harm was at the centre of the crisis. The Department’s data revealed a staggering number of 113,668 children and young people reported at risk in NSW in the previous year, with only 25,899 receiving attention. The situation was even more dire in some parts of the state, where only 15 per cent of children at risk were seen.

The Public Service Association (PSA) General Secretary Stewart Little emphasised the situation’s urgency, stating that Premier Chris Minns needed to intervene immediately. “The most vulnerable kids in this state are at risk of serious harm, or worse because child protection caseworkers are chronically understaffed and exhausted,” said Mr Little. He further highlighted the concern of caseworkers that exposing vulnerable children to a broken system may lead to further harm.

The PSA called for the Minns government to take immediate action, demanding the deprivatization of foster care, hiring 500 caseworkers, and a significant pay increase for current employees. While acknowledging that the current government did not create the crisis, Mr Little stressed their responsibility to fix it.

The protest came as child protection caseworkers grappled with the additional workload of colleagues who had left due to the challenging conditions. Data indicated that one in two caseworkers left within their first two years of employment, while the vacancy rate for positions on any given day could be as high as one in five.

Despite the protest, the PSA assured the people of Redfern that urgent child protection responses would not be impacted, with skeleton staffing maintained throughout the event. Mr Little explained that the protest was a last resort, as management was not receptive to their concerns.

Published Date 02-August-2024

New 40km/h Speed Limit Coming to Redfern

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Residents and visitors to Redfern will soon experience safer streets as the City of Sydney implements a new 40km/h speed limit in the area. This change is part of a broader initiative to reduce speed limits across Sydney, aimed at improving road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The new speed restrictions in Redfern will affect sections of roads that currently have a 50km/h speed limit. This adjustment aligns Redfern with other Sydney suburbs receiving similar speed limit reductions, including parts of Glebe, Forest Lodge, Beaconsfield, Waterloo, Annandale, Alexandria, Zetland, and Woolloomooloo.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, highlighted the significance of this change for Redfern and other affected areas: “When people drive at safer speeds it reduces the number of crashes and their severity, improves safety for people walking and riding and helps to support better place-making.”

For Redfern, a suburb known for its vibrant community and pedestrian activity, the speed limit reduction is expected to enhance street safety and contribute to a more livable urban environment. The change may be particularly impactful given Redfern’s mix of residential areas, community facilities, and proximity to the city centre.

The City of Sydney plans to install new speed limit signs in the coming weeks. To ensure drivers are aware of the changes, temporary electronic signs will be positioned at key locations in Redfern for a minimum of two weeks.

This initiative is part of a long-term strategy by the City of Sydney to improve road safety. Since 2004, the proportion of local and regional roads in Sydney with a 40km/h speed limit or lower has increased from 5% to 75%. The inclusion of Redfern in this latest round of changes brings the suburb in line with this broader safety trend.

While the new speed limit will apply to roads managed by the City of Sydney within Redfern, it’s important to note that some major roads passing through or near the suburb that are under NSW Government control may retain higher speed limits. However, the City is working with Transport for NSW to prioritise speed reduction on these roads as well.

Redfern residents and those who frequently travel through the area are encouraged to stay alert to the new speed limit changes and to always observe posted speed limit signs. The City of Sydney emphasises that these changes will not only make Redfern’s streets safer but also contribute to a quieter neighbourhood with reduced exhaust emissions.

Published 9-July-2024

New Housing Development Announced for Carriageworks Precinct in Redfern

A new housing development featuring 250 affordable homes will be constructed at the Carriageworks precinct near Redfern Station.

In an ambitious move to alleviate the housing crisis in Sydney, a significant housing development is set to transform the Carriageworks precinct. This initiative will introduce approximately 500 new dwellings, half of which are earmarked as affordable housing options.

Following a comprehensive audit, this development forms part of a broader strategy to utilise well-located public land for housing. The focus on Redfern, a suburb known for its vibrant community and cultural significance, highlights the strategic choice of locations that balance accessibility with the need for increased housing capacity.

The project at North Eveleigh, within the larger Carriageworks area, is named after the historic Clothing Store building it encompasses. This sub-precinct will see the construction of new homes designed to cater to a mix of residents, ensuring diverse community benefits.

In addition to the North Eveleigh site, other locations across New South Wales have also been designated for similar developments:

301 Samantha Riley Drive, Kellyville: Adjacent to Rouse Hill Metro station, this site is expected to house between 75-83 new homes, with half available as social and affordable housing.

72, 82, and 86 Menangle Road, Camden: This location will focus exclusively on social and affordable housing, with around 10 homes planned.

WestConnex Dive site, Parramatta Road, Camperdown: This site will see the development of over 100 homes in a mixed-use setting, in partnership with the private sector.

As part of this expansive housing initiative, stakeholders from various sectors are collaborating to ensure the successful implementation of these projects. The efforts aim to provide housing and foster communities where families can thrive in well-supported environments.

The announcement marks a substantial step forward in the NSW Government’s efforts to alleviate housing shortages and improve affordability. With further sites to be announced in the coming months, the initiative is poised to transform underused land into thriving communities, significantly impacting the lives of many in New South Wales by providing better access to quality, affordable homes.

Published 5-July-2024

Big Name Indigenous Artists Champion Redfern in Prestigious Art Auction

Prominent indigenous artists have united to stage a luxurious art auction that aims to transform Redfern into a venue for indigenous art and empowerment.

Scheduled for 30 June 2024, at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, the auction is not just an event but a statement. The auction will feature works by renowned artists such as Richard Bell and Tracey Moffatt, whose pieces carry significant expectations, ranging from $4,000 to $15,000.

This event is orchestrated to support the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence’s programs that assist at-risk youth. By redirecting the narrative from disadvantage to dignity through art, the auction promises to contribute substantially to the community. All proceeds will be used to foster local talents and keep young people engaged and off the streets.

*Photo Credit: Australian Centre for Contemporary Art*

A Showcase of Iconic Artworks

The auction is set to feature an array of significant artworks including Mr Bell’s “You Don’t Own Me,” a vibrant painting echoing the voice of the Stolen Generations. Ms Moffatt’s photographic print from her “Up in the Sky” series, which explores complex themes of race and conflict, will also be featured. Other noted artists like Tony Albert and Brenda L. Croft will contribute pieces that delve into Indigenous identity and history, with estimates up to $35,000.

The involvement of these artists not only highlights their commitment to cultural advocacy but also brings Redfern to the forefront of the Australian art scene, showcasing the suburb as a pivotal space for Aboriginal-controlled art initiatives. This shift redefines Redfern’s image and reinforces the importance of accessibility and pride in Indigenous artistry.

A Future Built on Artistic Foundations

With high-profile figures in the art world waiving fees and contributing their expertise, the auction is anticipated to raise between $135,000 and $185,000. These funds will directly support innovative community programs like Young Fit & Deadly, providing safe and creative youth spaces every Friday night.

The strategic placement of this high-calibre auction in Redfern marks a significant step towards reshaping the community’s narrative, offering hope and tangible support through the power of art. It celebrates Indigenous excellence and resilience, promising to leave a lasting impact on Redfern and its residents.

Published 20-June-2024

Fire Truck Adorned in Indigenous Artwork for Reconciliation Week

Photo Credit: Fire and Rescue NSW

A Redfern Station fire truck has been transformed into a vibrant canvas honouring Indigenous culture during Reconciliation Week. The distinctive artwork is a collaboration between First Nations FRNSW firefighters Muliyan Waters, Shawn Orcher, and Brodee Mate.

The reimagined fire engine will make its public debut tomorrow, June 1st, at the Sydney Swans Fan Day in Moore Park. Firefighters aim to use the truck’s eye-catching design to engage with the community and share important winter fire safety messages about smoke alarms and kitchen hazards.

“Gadigal is the country on which Redfern Fire Station responds and the community with which the crew engages, and each component of this piece reflects an aspect of our service,” explained Senior Firefighter Orcher.

He highlighted how the central circle represents the station as a meeting place, while the outer circles signify the four different staff shifts. The red and orange hues symbolise fire and FRNSW’s passionate commitment to the community.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell joined Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib to inspect the newly decorated truck as it reentered active duty.

“The terrific, colourful artwork can’t help but start positive conversations as the crews go about their work,” Commissioner Fewtrell stated.

Minister Dib praised the artwork’s intricate details carrying cultural significance, like the emu and kangaroo footprints representing the journeys of female and male firefighters, respectively.

“The variation of colours used for the crew represents Redfern being an eclectic melting pot of culture of all different races, Indigenous and non-Indigenous,” he explained.

As it rolls through the streets in the coming days, the vibrant fire truck artwork will undoubtedly turn heads and spark important discussions about Indigenous reconciliation.

Published 31-May-2024

Redfern Unveils New Knowledge and Cultural Centre

Photo Credit: City of Sydney

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

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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A post shared by The Sunshine Inn (@the.sunshineinn)

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

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

Gel Blaster Gun Sparks Chaos at Redfern Station During Rush Hour

Photo Credit: Pixabay

An ordinary morning on a city-bound train was thrown into disarray when a passenger inadvertently left behind an item that would cause widespread alarm at Redfern station. This object, which bore a striking resemblance to a deadly Glock pistol, turned out to be a gel blaster gun, igniting a wave of panic among the passengers.

This incident disrupted the morning commute and raised serious questions about the legality and recognition of gel blasters in New South Wales.

As the train arrived at Sydenham station at approximately 8:00 a.m., a man exited the train and left a black object, resembling a gun, on the seat across from a female passenger. The sight of the object caused immediate concern and confusion among the passengers on board. The woman quickly alerted her fellow passengers about the potential threat, leading to the authorities being informed as soon as the train reached Redfern station.

After the train arrived at Redfern station, the Sydney Trains staff acted quickly to resolve the situation. They removed the item causing the issue, which allowed the train to continue its journey towards the city centre with minimal delay. Given the seriousness of the incident, the police were called to the scene at around 9 a.m. to investigate the matter thoroughly.

The police quickly clarified that the item was not a conventional firearm but a gel blaster, a replica gun that shoots gel pellets. Despite its harmless function, the gel blaster’s resemblance to a real gun caused a significant scare.

In NSW, gel blasters are considered illegal without the appropriate permits, and classified under the same category as unregistered firearms. This incident highlighted the legal implications and public safety concerns associated with gel-blaster guns in the state

The NSW Police have reiterated that there is “no genuine reason” for possessing or using a gel blaster within the state, emphasizing the strict stance against such items.

Authorities are now seeking the individual who inadvertently caused the morning’s chaos, aiming to understand the circumstances behind the gel blaster’s presence on the train.

Published 23-March-2024