Inner South
Suburbs: Redfern and Waterloo
Localities: Eveleigh
Local Action Plan
Download the Local Action Plan here as a PDF document.
- Local Action Plan Inner South | PDF 233Kb
About Inner South
Redfern and Waterloo as the villages of the Inner South are home to one of Sydney’s most culturally, ethnically and economically diverse communities. As new apartments replace rundown industrial areas, Redfern and Waterloo are undergoing change with a growing number of new residents, many being professionals with young families.
Redfern
Redfern has an iconic status among Aboriginal people Australia wide. Many of the key Indigenous organisations are situated there - the Aboriginal Legal Service, Medical Service and the Aboriginal Housing Company, as well as cultural and social organisations that benefit the wider Sydney and rural Indigenous community.
These organisations have been used as models for similar organisations elsewhere in Australia. There is also significant Aboriginal cultural heritage and land ownership in the area.
The State has established the Redfern Waterloo Authority that has created an added challenge for Council and the community.
Since the 1940s, Redfern and The Block have been a base for Aboriginal people in Sydney, with many generations having grown up there with an extended family network. Redfern Oval is the traditional home of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League team and Redfern Station is a hub for the metropolitan rail network.
Residents living in the Waterloo and Redfern public housing estates add to the area’s character and vitality. More than 40 per cent of these residents have a non-English speaking background. Many are elderly Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Spanish or Greek speaking women. Redfern also has a significant gay and lesbian community.
Major grand parks such as Sydney Park, Prince Alfred Park and Redfern Park are all undergoing renewal as important gathering places for the local community.
The Redfern Park and Redfern Street improvements now underway are strongly supported by the local community.
Waterloo
Waterloo is the inner City suburb which has one of the highest concentrations of public housing in Sydney. In the 1960s, terrace housing in the area was replaced by one, two and three storey walk-up flats.
Later, high-rise flats predominated. Today 90 per cent of the dwellings in Waterloo are owned by the Department of Housing. The area has a significant industrial sector, which has been one of the traditional employers for Waterloo residents.
Long term landmarks include the Waterloo Town Hall, now a library, Waterloo Oval and Mt Carmel Catholic Church. New destinations include the arts, café and food hub of Danks Street. The new Danks Street Festival is recognised by the community as a successful event.
Shared Community Values
As a result of Council’s review of the material gathered during the consultation process, shared community values have been developed as a framework for the long-term action for the Inner South. Below is a snapshot of your values, aspirations and some suggested ideas reflecting them.
Diversity and open-mindedness
“Mixture of people – no one race or class predominates.”
- Redfern and Waterloo to become a model of diversity as an inner city urban village
- Improved urban environment
- Establish places and reasons for people to meet and engage in community life
Celebrating Indigenous heritage
“Aboriginal heritage. Redfern could be internationally recognised tourist destination as a suburb where Indigenous culture is celebrated and valued. ”
- Provide and promote historic information on Indigenous stories and also heritage interpretation
- Aboriginal arts and culture to be nurtured and celebrated in Redfern
- Community to have a say in local projects
People before cars
“Light rail to the CBD and Circular Quay. Light rail to Central Station from Waterloo.”
- Light rail network to CBD and Central Station
- Public transport improvement
- Integrated transport and traffic calming
- Local speed limits and streetscape upgrades
- Support and promote car share schemes
Safe and friendly parks and streets
“Redfern Park is a jewel. The area around the fountain is a place of beauty and peace.”
- Revitalising Redfern Park
- Improved alternate transport, better pedestrain links, access and bicycle paths
- Lighting and pavement improvements
- Encourage pet ownership and promote harmonious and equitable access to public parks for all
- Police on the beat
- A “good neighbour” strategy for major events
- Youth engagement programs and places for play
Community, creative, cultural and strategic partnerships
“Celebrate Indigenous history, cultural history, old buildings and
what about a volunteer renovation/odd jobs armyto help older/disabled and disadvantaged.”
- Community arts, story-telling and creative projects with an Indigenous focus
- Community health and service projects
- Community green space and infrastructure improvements
- Create a village website for the community to share experiences
- Planned program of local events
- Assist in establishing a volunteer program to help those in need.
Downloads
- Inner South Community Forum August 2009 | PDF 7.5Mb
- Indigenous Land Corporation | PDF 445Kb
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Last Updated: Wednesday 19 August, 2009
