Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Message from Redwatch - Meeting tonight Thursday 5th May screening the new film “Saving Erko Estate” at Factory 6pm Sharp

Dear REDWatch Members and Supporters
We have been trying to get someone from the new NSW Government to attend this next meeting to talk about the wide range of issues that are up in the air in Redfern and Waterloo after the change of government. A couple of weeks back we emailed the Premier and copied in key ministers with relevance to Redfern and Waterloo. We followed this up this week and the only response we have received was from the new Planning Minister (who acts as Minister for Redfern and Waterloo until the legislation is rescinded) Brad Hazzard who has put in an apology.
REDWatch supplied a list of question with our invitation relating to decisions facing the new government regarding Redfern and Waterloo – on the REDWatch website you can see these Questions for New NSW Government.
In the absence of someone attending from the new Government REDWatch will screen the new film “Saving Erko Estate” which is a recent film about the successful 2002 campaign to save Erskineville Housing Estate from a similar re-development to that now planned for Redfern and Waterloo. The cover says “With footage filmed at the time and afterwards, the video shows how and why the fight was won, and why it is important to keep organised. This is a celebration of the victory, and an inspiration to others facing the same issues. It is better to die on your feet than live on bended knees – La Pasionaria”. We are looking at the possibility of community showings of the films “Saving Erko Estate” and “Waterloo” maybe as part of Groundswell. Copies of the 55 minute DVD are available for $15 from Russ Hermann - russherm@tpg.com.au.

Last weekend the SMH ran a good article about the changes proposed in Redfern and Waterloo Transforming the great southern land. The article included some information from the City of Sydney Council submission on the Draft Redfern-Waterloo Built Environment Plan Stage 2. This submission is on the REDWatch and RWA website and you can download it here – City of Sydney (file size 7.51 Mb). (Please note there have been a few versions of this document on line so if you have already downloaded it might be worthwhile checking it is the one currently on the RWA and REDWatch website). This is an important submission because the Council is the body that has all the in house expertise to assess BEP2. It also indicates what Council would allow if it was the Consent Authority which it may yet be. We have talked to Council about doing a presentation regarding their submission and they are interested so we will try and set this up either through REDWatch or Groundswell and let people know when this will happen.
One of the great things about Redfern and Waterloo is the active community and there is no better place to get a glimpse of it that than at the annual Volunteers Awards, now in its 5th year. They will be held on Thursday 12th May at 11am at the South Sydney Community Aid Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre, The  Alexandria Town Hall,  73 Garden St,  Alexandria NSW. There will be finger food and refreshments and a presentation of Appreciation Certificates.    There will be provision of light buffet lunch and entertainment. Please RSVP by the 9th May to Edith Olivares eolivares@the-factory.org.au at The Factory Community Centre. If you have anyone you know who you think should be nominated for their volunteer work please also let Edith know in case they have been missed!
Finally for those with an interest in surrounding suburbs:
·         Green Square there is a Council Green Square Community Update tonight Wednesday 4 May 6.30pm to 8pm at Green Square Community Hall, 3 Joynton Avenue Zetland.
·         The recently formed Alexandria Residents Action Group (ARAG) next meets on Wednesday 11th May 2011 at 7pm at Alexandria Town Hall, 73 Garden Street, Alexandria, 2015 you can subscribe to the ARAG yahoo group by emailing AlexandriaResidentsActionGroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Regards,

Geoff
Geoffrey Turnbull
Spokesperson
REDWatch
Ph Wk: (02) 8004 1490  Mob: 0418 457 392

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