Image: Members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, City of Sydney councillors and staff. City of Sydney
by LALROHLUI and GRACE JOHNSON
Over the weekend, the City of Sydney unveiled a new cultural centre in Redfern, providing a gathering place for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The centre, formerly a post office, is located at 119 Redfern Street and will serve as a community space for the local Aboriginal community in and around Redfern.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore emphasised the importance of the cultural centre in fulfilling the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey, a program promoting sustainability for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities highlighted the need for a culturally safe space to gather, access services and share knowledge and culture,” she said.
“We’re very proud to deliver on that need with a truly community-run space.”
“I do hold some reservations”
In a statement posted to Instagram, Independent councillor Yvonne Weldon said the council’s intention was “to create a space for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to gather, access services and share knowledge and culture.”
But speaking to ABC Radio on Friday, Cr Weldon said, “I do hold some reservations.”
“When the Council first purchased the property, they didn’t consult with the local Aboriginal community,” she said. And some have expressed concerns that the history and legacy of the colonial-era building, once a ‘whites-only’ post office, made it unsuitable to serve as a centre for Aboriginal knowledge and culture.”
But she reiterated that it is ultimately up to the community to determine and shape how the centre is used.
“Ultimately, the community will determine and shape how the centre is used,” she wrote on her social media. “And whether it’s for workshops, exhibitions, co-working or just a cup of tea, we hope that this will be a valuable space.”
“Living culture”
Project manager Tracey Duncan said, “When I think of a knowledge centre, I think of living culture. Not a place filled with materials and objects, but with people who have real life experiences and knowledge. A place where stories, traditions and knowledge can be passed down through generations and preserved, cherished and shared with all that seek to learn.
“It’s a testament to the resilience, strength and enduring spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whose connection to this land and waterways spans millennia.”
The centre features four rooms for weekday use, including a large versatile space for events and meetings, a performance space for exhibitions and presentations, a bright tea room for community gatherings, and a room dedicated to family research.
Improved accessibility is provided through a new entryway and lift, enabling everyone to enjoy the facilities.
Biyanga
Co-chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel, Dan Munro, also looks forward to hosting father-focused sessions at the centre.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities hold rich cultural heritage, but we also face unique challenges in modern society, including ensuring the wellbeing and positive development of our children,”
The program, called Biyanga (“father” in Gadigal language), aims to empower local fathers with knowledge and skills, strengthening family bonds and promoting cultural pride and traditional practices.
The centre is one component of the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey program, including public art projects, cultural events, and economic development initiatives.
Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and organisations can book spaces at affordable rates by emailing 119RedfernStreet@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about 119 Redfern Street, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community-centres/119-redfern-street.
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