News in brief
Image: Paul Keating during his landmark speech in 1992
Redfern Address anniversary
It is 20 years since former Prime Minister Paul Keating delivered his landmark Redfern Address, also known as the Redfern Park Speech. The December 10, 1992 address marked the first time an Australian Prime Minister publicly acknowledged that European settlers committed atrocities against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“We committed the murders. We took the children from their mothers. We practiced discrimination and exclusion. It was our ignorance and our prejudice,” said Mr Keating.
City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott introduced a notice of motion at Monday night’s Council meeting to recognise the address in the City’s Eora Journey public art project.
“People need a place to read this speech,” she said.
The motion was approved but with amendments by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore which will prevent the full wording from appearing on any artwork.
Leichhardt Indigenous reconciliation plan
The Municipality of Leichhardt has announced a new plan to promote reconciliation between local Aboriginal people and the wider community.
Council has adopted Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne’s proposal for “practical reconciliation” under the Reconciliation Action Plan, with work to begin immediately on a community education campaign promoting constitutional recognition of Indigenous people, and greater representation at Council.
Mr Byrne said it was high time Council recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“A community as lucky as ours has a responsibility to reach out to the traditional owners of this land to show them the respect they deserve,” he said. “Our plan will set practical goals for how to empower Aboriginal people including being in decision-making roles at Council.”
Bikeway usage increasing
Independent counts conducted for the City of Sydney Council show an 89 per cent increase in the number of people riding bikes over the past two-and-a-half years, says Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“Once again, we’re seeing a growth in the overall number of people riding bikes. There’s been a 93 per cent increase in the morning peak (6am-9am) and an 85 per cent jump in the afternoon (4pm-7pm) since 2010,” said the Lord Mayor. “Our next task is to work with the NSW Government to connect and expand our network of safe, separated cycleways.”
Ms Moore said the count showed that on an average weekday up to 2,000 people were riding into the CBD.
