Creating a local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre in Redfern
Working with our communities to share First Nations cultures.
Project Status: Planned
Current status of the project:
- minor works in late 2021 to install a lift and ensure accessible entry to the building
- completed needs analysis research of facilities and services relevant to community and cultural spaces, both locally and abroad
- community consultation for the future use of the site is expected to begin in late 2021.
City of Sydney
- GPO Box 1591Sydney 2001
- 02 9265 9333
- [email protected]
What we’re doing
We purchased 119 Redfern Street (the former Redfern Post Office) to progress our commitment in providing a local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre in Redfern.
The premises will provide 2 levels of multipurpose community and commercial space within a highly visible and culturally significant location near existing community and cultural services in Redfern.
Why we’re doing this
We’re committed to respond to the community need for culturally safe community space to practice and share First Nations cultures.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel has regularly highlighted the need for space to gather, share and practice the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in and connected to Sydney.
This is the final pillar under the 4 interlinked projects of the Eora Journey.
119 Redfern Street, the former Redfern Post Office.
Background
A local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre is a major component of the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey – 4 long-term projects that celebrate the living cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Sydney.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel assisted us in deciding to purchase the building in 2018. The panel inspected the property and provided advice on its potential to support the needs of the community.
The building is in the heart of Redfern, an area synonymous with Indigenous activism for rights and self-determination.
We will work closely with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to determine the building’s future use. Community consultation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but is expected to begin in late 2021.
Tenants vacated the property in late 2019 and minor works will make the building accessible. This accessibility upgrade includes a new entry and installing a lift.
We’ve developed a conservation management plan that includes historical information from the community about the site’s significance and its social history. It also includes design research and development done in collaboration with an Indigenous design consultant.
