Glebe’s reconciliation with troubled youth

BY DHEEPTHI NAMASIVAYAM
Glebe photographer North Sullivan welcomed Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s support for his project to assist troubled Glebe youth.
At a ‘Meet the Candidates’ rendezvous hosted by the Glebe Chamber of Commerce on August 29, Lord Mayor Moore agreed to workshop Mr Sullivan’s project with council members.
‘I really welcome that there was support from all of the mayoral candidates for the project,’ Mr Sullivan told The City News.
‘They all recognised that law and order issues are big in Glebe and they [also] recognise that this initiative is a very positive move towards trying to find an alternative approach.’
Mr Sullivan’s project aims to capture a series of photographic portraits of young people in Glebe and hang them against a wall outside his Franklyn Street studio.
‘This would give them notoriety in a positive way and a sense of pride, a place in community,’ Mr Sullivan said.
But Mr Sullivan said he had been ‘frustrated’ with the lack of enthusiasm shown by council and local police, and that while council support was not necessary, he did not want the project to become confrontational.
“It is a difficult situation and we respect the problems of police and other agencies in resolving the issues of youth in Glebe,” he said.
‘But it’s such a public space and I want the project to lead to a better relationship with the kids so it’s not just about the art ‘ the outcome is to create a bridge between the kids and the wider community,’ he added.
Prior to the meeting, independent councillor Robyn Kemmis told The City News that as a local resident, she supported the project.
‘My personal view is that this is a terrific idea that reflects the values of our community,’ Cr Kamis said.
Curiously, she refused to comment on behalf of the council’s, saying that for the city of Sydney to be on board, there had to be total ‘community support’ for the project.