A proposed Aboriginal Knowledge and Culture Centre in Redfern is now up for community feedback and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are invited to weigh in on how the building should be used by the community.
The centre will be located at the former Redfern Post Office, a two-storey building at 119 Redfern Street.
Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The site is located in the heart of Redfern, which is synonymous with Indigenous activism for civil rights and self-determination.
Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The acquisition is to provide the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with a culturally safe space where they could practice and share cultures; a need identified by the City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel.
Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre Ground-floor plan Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Plans for the premises include two levels of multipurpose community and commercial space. The ground floor will have a new accessible entry and lift, a reception area and two shopfront displays/spaces.
There will also be two rooms – an 87.5-sqm room with floorboards, storage, a service bar with sink and dishwasher; and a 19.5-sqm room with floorboards, a kitchenette and an adjoining verandah.
First-floor plan
Photo Credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Meanwhile, the first floor will include a new accessible lift and landing, two new toilets (including an accessible toilet), a 77.4-sqm room with floorboards and an adjoining verandah, a 21-sqm room with floorboard, and a storeroom. The accessibility upgrades are now being undertaken with completion expected by August 2022.
Interest in leasing opportunities has been growing for Tech Central, the country’s most exciting development for startups, innovative institutions, and commercial or retail businesses. Here are four ways this massive revitalisation project could soon outstrip other precincts in Sydney’s CBD.
Even at this early stage, industry insiders have seen some movement in companies, businesses, or establishments seeking opportunities to move into Tech Central. Because the precinct covers six neighbourhoods — Redfern, Surry Hills, Haymarket, Ultimo, Eveleigh, and Chippendale — areas that were once under-utilised for such a long period could become stronger markets for many types of businesses.
These neighbourhoods have three major universities and more than a hundred research institutes, filled with millennials who prefer riding e-bikes, that are within walking distance of each other.
2. Atlassian is building its headquarters in Tech Central.
Atlassian is set to build its 40-storey headquarters, with retail amenities and new YHA accommodation space at its base, adjacent to Central Place. Dexus is working with Atlassian to develop the site as the “benchmark in sustainability and smart workplace.”
The development is projected to cost $1.4 billion and will start construction in mid-2022. It is expected to welcome thousands of workers as well as new tenants by 2026.
Photo Credit: Dexus
According to property developers, companies have been asking about space availabilities and what their investments could potentially yield. The completion of the Atlassian will drive new retailers in the precinct.
3. Night-time economy will boom.
Tech Central will expand Sydney’s night-time economy to these six neighbourhoods as there will be opportunities for 24-hour trading with the arrival of the new workforce and residents. In fact, Fortius has already announced its plans to build a gaming centre, which will open as late as 2:00 a.m., at the Central Park Mall in Chippendale.
4. Business opportunities will impact demand for public transport, more recreational spaces.
Local councils of the six neighbourhoods are already finding ways to improve active transport, connectivity, outdoor and recreational spaces. Investors are looking into plans to build mini-golf sites, escape rooms, karting facilities, as well as heaps of food and beverage outlets that will allow the workforce and its residents hours of relaxation and enjoyment.
Carriageworks, a multi-arts precinct located in a Redfern heritage building, is currently closed for repair, maintenance, and upgrades and will reopen after the 29th of April 2022.
The Carriageworks building is located at the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops. Works will improve technology and sustainability of lighting systems, provisions for events, the replacement of theatre floors and general upgrade work to the fabric of the building to improve the Carriageworks experience for artists and audiences alike.
Carriageworks presents a multi-arts program that encompasses music, dance, visual arts, and theatre, with emphasis on female-led and First Nations programming.
“We’re looking forward to a bright 2022 and have curated a program to match, with a lineup focused on some of Australia’s best artists as we remain committed to supporting our local arts community in the creation of new work,” said Carriageworks CEO Blair French in a media statement.
Photo credit: Carriageworks/Facebook
“Important refurbishment works to our building will also enhance the experience of the Carriageworks precinct in 2022 for artists, performers, event partners and visitors as well as protect the unique heritage of the site into the future,” he added.
“We thank the NSW Government for their generous investment into Carriageworks to refresh the heritage building and reinvigorate the space for artists and visitors moving forward,” said Mr French.
Whilst the Carriageworks building is closed, the Carriageworks Farmers Markets will continue to operate every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Upcoming Programs
Photo credit: Carriageworks/Facebook
Aside from significant upgrades to its building, Carriageworks’ 2022 lineup will focus on some of Australia’s best artists, including the off-site exhibition tour, Suspended Moment, which will have its eight-venue run at Wollongong Art Gallery From 26 February 2022.
In addition to the off-site exhibit tour, here are some of the events to look forward to at Carriageworks this year:
Event
Date
Venue
Cut N Polish: Artist Car Boot Sale
1 May 2022
Carriageworks’ Blacksmith’s Workshop
Keir Choreographic Award (KCA)
23 June – 3 July 2022
Carriageworks and Dancehouse (Melbourne)
All is Life visual arts exhibit
24 June – 21 August 2022
Carriageworks
Time as Revelator
16 July 2022
Carriageworks
Sleeplessness (drama & docu)
4 – 13 August 2022
Carriageworks
Other major events and festivals will return to Carriageworks throughout the year, including Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (9 – 13 May), Semi Permanent (25 – 27 May), Sydney Contemporary (8 – 11 September), Liveworks Festival (October) and SOUTHEAST Aboriginal Arts Market (November) with more event and festival partners to be announced in the new year.
Redfern e-bike store Fonz Moto successfully shifted gears to overcome lockdown challenges and ended 2021 with a milestone achievement — selling out the entire NKD e-Bike inventory at its Redfern micro-factory despite the challenging business climate!
Fonz Moto, which launched its first models in 2014, originally planned to move its e-bike production to South Australia in early 2020. However, COVID-19 forced its owner, Michelle Nazzari, to reassess her business plan. With pandemic restrictions in place, supply chain challenges and distribution issues were sure to greatly impact the business.
So, Michelle decided to turn its Redfern headquarters into an “urban micro-factory,” ramping up their partnership with local suppliers to lessen any problems with sourcing the lithium-ion cells and chips used for their motorbike battery packs.
As a result, Fonz Moto was able to improve its production, completed 100 NKD e-bikes from its small warehouse/store in Redfern. By December 2021, every NKD from the lot was sold!
At the same time, Fonz Moto is also patting its back as its business can still reinforce an all-Australian philosophy. NKD e-bikes, its flagship product, has already received its ‘Proudly Australian-Made’ certification.
The Redfern facility can complete about 20 e-bikes in a month but Michelle said they are looking for a bigger venue closer to their headquarters as part of their expansion plans.
“We are privileged to be headquartered within Redfern, a culturally rich and diverse place with strong community ties. The Gadigal People of the Eora Nation are the traditional custodians of the land on which we are now located. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders, past, present and emerging and dream of a shared future together.”
Learn more about Fonz Moto by checking its online shop or following updates on its Facebook page.
Esteemed street artist Sharon Billinge will create a mural of Maggie Moloney, the country’s first female rugby league player, a former resident of Redfern.
Maggie used to live at the corner of James and Morehead streets and worked in the tailoring department of David Jones on Marlborough Street.
Her mural, which will be 4 metres x 3.5 metres in size, will decorate the back of the St Vincent de Paul site along Cleveland Street. It will join the mural of Taleena Simon of the Sydney Roosters.
According to the City of Sydney, this latest creative project is for the “increased visibility and understanding of the history, stories, and character of the city.” It’s also a recognition of the contribution of the First Nations community in Redfern as the pioneers of women’s rugby.
Photo Credit: Katherine Heines/Facebook
Who is Maggie Moloney?
In September 1921, a 15-year-old girl led the Metropolitan 21 to victory at the first women’s match that took place during a shortened NSWRL men’s season. She was none other than the younger sister of Souths player Mick Moloney, Maggie.
Photo Credit: Katherine Heines/Facebook
Maggie wowed a crowd of over 20,000 spectators at the Agricultural Ground, with the press describing her blistering performance “like a radiant racehorse.” She also impressed the people when she clinched a win during a splint race, the pre-game entertainment.
Her win came at a time when rugby was deemed too “rough for girls” but about 50 female rugby players fought for a chance to show that they could also play the game. The men’s rugby league in Australia was nearing two decades by then and the decision to have the girls play became a public debate.
Meanwhile, Moloney’s mural unveiling was supposed to coincide with the 100th year of the women’s rugby league in 2021 but plans were pushed back due to the pandemic crisis.
The University of New South Wales is running a study on the health needs of residents to help plan and deliver vital health services for selected sectors of the Waterloo or Redfern community.
In line with this study, the experts, led by Dr Christopher Standen, are taking a survey to gather data on what the residents may need.
Information provided will be stored in UNSW’s platform for at least 25 years.
“We will keep your information private. We will not tell anybody your name or where you live. No one will know it was you who took part. We will write about what we find out. If you want, we will send you a summary,” Dr Standen and his team said.
The survey is open to Waterloo or Redfern social housing dwellers who are aged over 18 and are proficient in the English language.
Dr Standen is an expert on urban development, health equity, and health impact assessment.In 2020, he also conducted a study on the Waterloo housing estate redevelopment for the Healthy Urban Environments (HUE) Collaboratory, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and older adult residents, whom have been identified as potentially more at risk.
Meanwhile, survey participants $25 EFTPOS or Visa gift card if they complete the task, which will likely take 20 minutes. Participants, however, are under no obligation to commit to completing the survey and may opt out if they want to.
Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Centre is capping off its 16 Days of Activism campaign with a festival celebrating the beautiful stories of survival and triumph of Aboriginal women. The inaugural event will take place at the Redfern Community Centre.
The non-ticketed event, which will also be live-streamed on Facebook, will take place on 15 December 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm. Top female Indigenous artists like Marlene Cummins, Zippora Anu-Corser, and Christine Anu will be performing at the event whilst Larissa Behrendt, a renowned Indigenous academic, lawyer, filmmaker, and author will share her inspiring message centering on the richness of Indigenous culture and the incredible women behind this movement.
“The festival is open to anyone who wants to acknowledge our culture, and join in the celebrations of Indigenous families and community. The festival is about empowering Indigenous women and inspire self-belief,” Ashlee Donohue, the CEO of Mudgin-Gal said.
The healing ceremony begins. In this picture, we have Kerry Johnson, Bronwyn Penrith and Calita Murry | Photo Credit: Supplied
“It is important to acknowledge that domestic violence is not a traditional aspect of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultures, and that violence against our women cannot be understood without recognising the impacts of colonisation and racism and the continuation of that impact today,” Donohue added.
The circle of healing – remembering our women in silence | Photo Credit: Supplied
Mudgin-Gal, which means “women’s place,” ran the 16 Days of Activism campaign to raise awareness on gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes such as misidentification of Aboriginal women as predominant aggressors, and advocate for improved legal system and services to end domestic violence deaths in Aboriginal communities.
Photo Credit: Mudgin-Gal/Facebook
Unknown to a lot of people, Aboriginal women, especially in the rural or remote areas, are 45 times more likely to experience domestic violence compared to other Australians. An Aboriginal woman is 35 times likely to be hospitalised due to family violence compared to a white woman. An Aboriginal woman is also five percent more likely to suffer through violence with her current partner.
Yet open discussions on domestic violence in Aboriginal communities are considered taboo even if it could help a lot of women.
With Mudgin-gal, women have a safe haven where they can connect with other Aboriginal women, seek a referral to accommodation, legal or court support services, or discuss issues that may be affecting them or someone they love.
“You don’t have to be in crisis to contact us — we are here, even just for a yarn,” the group said.
“Mudgin-gal is the only women’s centre in metropolitan Sydney that is 100% run by and for Aboriginal women for the past 29 years. We do not have criteria, we do our very best to advocate, refer and be there for any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman who walks through our door, providing a culturally safe space and service,” said Donohue.
Bronwyn Penrith Chairperson places possum skin around Ashlee Donohue CEO – as part of the healing ceremony | Photo Credit: Supplied
“We help the women who come to us with referral to accommodation, legal or court support services, or to discuss issues that may be affecting them or someone they love.”
The center provides services like women’s access, family support, day support workers, and domestic violence support workers.
Follow Mudgin-gal on Facebook for more information and updates.
A proposal for a housing project on Elizabeth St in Redfern has been submitted, but this time, locals can expect more affordable homes instead of the build-to-rent houses originally intended for the site.
The new EOI proposes a delivery model which incorporates housing for sale and allows for more homes for people in need.
LAHC has shifted to a ‘Build to Sell’ model from the previous ‘build to rent’ proposal.
Changes were made in October 2021 after the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) released a new Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking a development partner to deliver the renewed project. The previous procurement process has been terminated, and all tenderers have been informed.
Updated Proposal
Indicative aerial view of Redfern redevelopment from the south (Photo credit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au)
The subject site, located opposite Redfern oval measures 1.1-ha and in close proximity to the new Waterloo Metro Station.
Based on the new plans released by LAHC, there will be a total of 310 homes which will be a mix of social, affordable and private rental housing. There will be provision for new garden rooftops and outdoor space for residents.
The number of homes were apparently scaled back as the 2018 proposal involved building up to 500 build-to-rent homes.
The proposal also allows for a community facility, new shops, cafes and communal spaces as well as a potential for an improved and expanded public plaza on Kettle Street.
“This new development will inject more vitality into Redfern and will provide safe and modern housing in close walking distance to public transport, shops and other important services,” said LAHC CEO Mick Cassel.
“Around a third of these homes will be for social housing, creating over 700 jobs in Sydney. Our aim is to invigorate and enhance one of Sydney’s central districts with a variety and mix of homes to meet local needs,” Mr Cassel said.
Subject to approvals, construction on the Redfern project is expected to begin in 2024, with works completed by 2026 or 2027.
‘Build to Sell’ Model
Aerial view showing proposed redevelopment site (Photo credit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au)
This development model is called Build to Sell and it achieves LAHC’s key objective of maximising social housing on the site. It’s a more traditional model, whereas LAHC makes its land available for redevelopment and the private or not-for-profit sector funds and manages construction.
The previous proposal was designed to cater for Sydney’s demand for rental housing under a Build to Rent model (BTR).
However, LAHC said proposed planning controls have reduced the yield to a level where a BTR model is not viable and no longer meets the objective of delivering the project at no cost to the government.
Though living circumstances might have changed during the pandemic, with more people avoiding inner-city areas in favour of a sea-change or tree-change, Redfern posted double-digit property market growth from October 2020 to September 2021 and remains one of the suburbs to watch in the Sydney property market.
Highlights
Property prices in Redfern grew by 24.14 per cent despite Covid lockdown uncertainty and upheaval.
The median house price is now at $1,800,000 for the period of October 2020 to September 2021.
The unit market also increased to 4.71 per cent despite a lull in apartment buying activities across Sydney due to border closures.
House Price Growth
From October 2020 to September 2021, Redfern’s property market grew by 24.14 per cent, per data from Property Market Updates. Despite the lockdown gloom, market confidence remains high and resilient in this suburb, as 107 properties sold during this period within an average of 35 days on market.
House sales were mostly swift, coming in under a month for three-bedroom homes in Redfern, where the median house price now sits at $1,800,000. Without a doubt, the diversity of this suburb — with dwelling options ranging from public housing, to trendy studios, stunning warehouse conversions, and charming Victorian-era terraces — continues to have a wider appeal to buyers looking for places their buck.
The transformation of Redfern from a formerly industrial, uninviting inner city area into an inner city urban haven has been attracting more families who prefer the conveniences and amenities of city living. With pocket parks next to pre-schools or primary schools and several unique shops close to everything, Redfern has drawn a number of inquiries from young professionals with kids.
In September 2021, a gorgeous, fully transformed four-bedroom terrace house on Great Buckingham Street, one of Redfern’s highly-coveted locations, sold at $4.65 million, the highest price for the period. This elegantly updated house, with its own garden and parking space, is only 50 metres next to the heritage-listed Redfern Park and a short walk to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, the Sydney Boys High School, and the Inner Sydney High School.
Unit Price Growth
The unit market in Redfern remained strong and in high demand compared to the rest of Sydney, despite the lack of student renters during the border lockdowns, with buyers sensing numerous opportunities to invest. In fact, Redfern’s apartment sales grew by 4.17 per cent for the period of October 2020 to September 2021, with 181 units sold within an average of 33 days on market.
Though Redfern’s median unit price is still not back to its pre-pandemic status, buyers’ interest has been largely sustained because this suburb’s unit market is still more affordable. There’s no question that Sydney has one of the most expensive property markets in the world, but smart and keen buyers could still snap up a lovely inner city unit for less than a million in Redfern.
About Redfern
Situated just three kilometres to the south of Sydney CBD, Redfern is a solid example of an affordable, gentrifying suburb with a strong community spirit. Home to Indigenous people and a vibrant art scene, Redfern has a rich cultural heritage that thrives in the midst of its modern transformation.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
After a series of work done on its landscaping, streets, and parks, Redfern has become a child-friendly, pet-friendly, and cycling-friendly city with access to heaps of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Though the conveniences of city life and commercial developments are there, the hustle and bustle in the streets are replaced by calming, well-kept green spaces everywhere.
Redfern has an eclectic mix of residents. Apart from the Indigenous communities, generations of Italian and Greek immigrants, Russian families, young Sydney families, and single professionals have called this place their home over the years, contributing to the fabric of the suburb’s cosmopolitan lifestyle.
“Redfern is becoming an inner city suburb on the watch! With recent developments, government changes, residential and commercial growth, it’s fast becoming the new Surry Hills.”
Brendan A
” I love this area sooooooooooooooooo much. I walk home from the city at 1.30am every weekend and I am never affraid. It is so well lit and so clean and nice that no one bothers you. To me, Redfern is THE place to be in Sydney for affordability, cleanliness, and lifestyle.”
Melissa
“I had lived in George Street in Redfern since 2006, and it is perfectly positioned in arguably one of Redfern’s finest streets. It is also a short walk to Prince Alfred Park, Central Station, and the CBD. Recently, Prince Alfred Park has been fully renovated and there are a lot of more new shops, fitness centre opening in this area. I can easily drive or walk to Broadway shopping centre, Chinatown, University of Sydney, UTS, and beaches.”
Kepos Street Kitchen, one of Redfern’s popular breakfast cafes specialising in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes with a twist, is preparing to re-open after more than 100 days in lockdown and the staff couldn’t be more excited to welcome the diners now that restrictions are easing down in Sydney.
If you miss having authentic spanakopita and shakshuka or dining in-store or al fresco on a beautiful Sydney day, it won’t be long before the cafe welcomes you back. Beginning Monday, 18 Oct 2021, Kepos Street Kitchen will serve dine-in customers for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Booking for a table isn’t required as the cafe will welcome walk-in guests.
In anticipation of the return of normal business trading, the restaurant is hiring enthusiastic waitstaff who are willing to be trained and can work weekend shifts. Trading hours at Kepos Street Kitchen will not include evenings so interested job applicants will have their nights free.
However, for customers planning to have Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes for dinner, the restaurant’s food packs will remain on the menu, which means they could pick up takeaway orders at the Redfern site themselves or order online for home deliveries every Wednesday to Saturday.
The standard dinner pack can feed two to four people who would enjoy a feast of coriander-crusted slow-roasted lamb shoulder, cauliflower salad (with mint, parsley, walnuts, pistachios, and cranberries), hummus, and pita pockets.
At-home customers may also order the Mezze Boxes or Bake at Home Boxes of their choice with a few extras (dips and desserts)
Kepos Street Kitchen is from Israeli-born chef and owner Michael Rantissi. Diners can’t get enough of his breakfast falafels (served with hummus, tomato, cucumber, labneh, pickled chile, and soft-boiled egg) or his egg dishes and pastries.
Delicious food and vibes! The Mediterranean cuisine is authentic and very nutritious! The staff are lovely and sweet and it’s great to see Michael’s great smile as he flits through. Also love that Michael set up the deli during covid, it’s perfect for hosting with delicious meals!
Priya Singh-Gregory
The cafe is gorgeous and well situated. Service was friendly and fantastic and the hot chocolate was delicious and not too sweet. But the food blows all that away!! The falafel for breakfast dish was amazing, the hummus was flavourful and i would just highly recommend going there if you are in Sydney at all.
Roase Baulch
We had a lovely breakfast at Kepos with friendly staff and a great non-standard offering of Mediterranean inspired dishes. The labneh was particularly notable and halloumi cooked to perfection. There’s Even a Fridge packed full ofgoodies to take home with you
