News briefs
Auctioned art for Sydney youths
Sydney’s creative crowd gathered for an art auction in support of youths, led by aMBUSH Gallery, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and renowned urban artists.
The event raised $12,800 for the Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE), which aims to help marginalised youth in Western Sydney through creative arts programs.
The evening was hosted by Tom Tilley, presenter of Triple J’s national current affairs program Hack, while Future Classic DJs entertained the colourful supporters.
E.L.K. (Luke Cornish), recently selected as the Archibald’s first stencil and street art finalist, sparked a fierce bidding war, topping the auction with $6,400 for the 2.4 by 1.2 metre artwork, titled “Hate Actually.”
Pieces by Vexta, REKA and HAHA (Regan Tamanui) also attracted strong interest securing an impressive $3,500, $1,800 and $1,100 respectively.
The auction was part of the Project 5 initiative, which has so far raised an outstanding $53,000 for the cause.
Information and Cultural Exchange Executive Director Lisa Torrance said the funds will be used to support development of programs that engage communities using creative practices.
“We’re so excited about the outcome of the auction event. The funds raised so far have been so essential in supporting Switch Digital Arts Centre and extending the depth and breadth of ICE youth engagement programs,” Ms Torrance said.
Redfern station still limited
The ‘Lift Redfern’ campaign launched last week to put pressure on the state government to upgrade facilities at Redfern Station.
The station which is the city’s second busiest interchange desperately needs lifts installed to provide people with disabilities and mobility issues with easier access.
Redfern station also does not have any wheelchair accessible toilets or ramps to platforms.
A petition, which is supported by a wide range of organisations such as businesses, community groups, and local political parties, aims to collect 10,000 signatures in support of the cause.
The campaign is supported by the Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP and Greens councillors Irene Doutney and Chris Harris. Ms Doutney is a long-standing Redfern resident and has advocated on behalf of her community since before taking office.
Redfern and Waterloo houses one of the highest populations of social housing commission communities, many whom are elderly and frail.
Alexandria residents consulted over traffic
On Saturday, over 80 residents affected by traffic issues near the Australian Technology Park (ATP) met with the mayor to discuss a resolution. The noon gathering was organised by the City of Sydney and was attended by Lord Mayor Clover Moore, the City’s senior managers and traffic consultants.
Alexandria Residents Action Group spokesperson Desley Haas said she was impressed by the workshop. “Clover did an introduction then a couple from the panel spoke then she opened it up for questions from the floor.”
“The reason the workshop was so good was the substantial part of the meeting was for questions asked from the floor by the residents.”
“We had a roving mic so the questions were quite well thought out and it was like the questions were shaping the meeting,” Ms Haas said.
In an effort to address the major concern of residents’ parking, Ms Moore announced a trial period for restricted parking and visitors parking. This would limit cars to two-hours of parking during weekdays.
Local transport was also tackled at the meeting since many in the community have complained about inadequate service. Ms Moore encouraged people to attend the NSW Transport Master Plan meeting.
Residents can also get involved at the Local Transport Forum on April 11 which will be attended by Ms Moore, Eric Graham from Sydney Buses, railway engineer Wayne Rylance, transport consultant Chloe Mason, representatives from the ATP and local and state government staff.
MCA welcomes hordes of oglers
The highly anticipated reopening of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia attracted over 20,000 art lovers within its first four days since the completion of massive renovations. On Wednesday, March 28, the Museum opened its doors and welcomed 6,253 visitors, beating all previous records for one day’s attendance. The $53 million improvements include a new foyer, a glass cube, more exhibition spaces and a gallery terrace. Construction officially began in August 2010 but the museum was only closed to the public for 10 months. During its opening season, the MCA will be open every Thursday for 24 hours.
