Hope for sex workers’ centre

Hope Street, the sex worker support clinic on Bourke St, got an extension of life on Monday night as Council refused a recommendation to end its operations.
Council staff had recommended denying the support centre’s activities on 234 Bourke St on the grounds it didn’t fit in with the nearby schools and residential zoning.
After more than an hour of discussion Council decided to delay the vote in view of finding another nearby suitable location for the centre without disrupting its services.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: “It’s a balancing act. It’s the importance of having appropriate zoning… There are really serious issues.
“I would support the recommendation with a commitment with working with Hope Street to find them a suitable location which is near.”
President of East Sydney Neighbourhood Association Eliza James said she was shell shocked by the discussion.
She said the discussion amongst councillors didn’t concentrate on the real issue of the development contravening the area’s zoning.
“I’m puzzled about their lack of cognisance for what the real issues were… What I find concerning is the disregard of the councillors”
“At least Councillor Shayne Mallard and Clover Moore understood and appreciated what zoning is.”
Liberal Cr Mallard said although the centre does a great service it’s in an inappropriate residential location.
“This council is not afraid to make a strong decision in the face of residents’ oppositions… I just think this is the wrong location for this one,” he said.
“We need to work with these people to find a suitable location.”
Operations manager at Hope St Rod Ravenscroft said he was satisfied with the decision as long as the new centre ends up in a good position.
At the committee meeting a number of residents spoke about the increase of incidents relating to the Hope Street’s operation.
One resident who wanted to remain anonymous said she had been verbally assaulted a number of times outside her house and had found needles in and around her garbage bins.
Mr Ravenscroft said the evidence for the incidents needed to be verified as Hope Street hasn’t received any complaints.
“Other than one telephone call about garbage disposal, we have never been contacted by neighbours about any issue to do with our premises.”
Both Ms James and Cr Philip Black commented on their concern that Hope Street had failed to acknowledge its affect on the neighbourhood.
Ms James also noted there was a lack of discussion on why Hope Street was required to move from their original premises.
“What they failed to say is that Woolloomooloo was the right location with 15 years without complaint.”
A support worker at the centre, Kay Syonesa said the location is imperative because it’s close to the sex workers.
“These women are some of the most vulnerable in Sydney. They choose not to access other services in the area… because they know at women’s space we specifically work with them.”
“Without this service the women won’t be receiving the help that they want.
The final plans for the support centre at Bourke St will be decided at the next City of Sydney Council meeting.