Minister for
Planning and Redfern-Waterloo Frank Sartor
said the new multi-purpose National Indigenous Development Centre (NIDC) would
provide local families with a range of learning, recreation and employment
opportunities.
“This centre
has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the Redfern-Waterloo community,”
Mr Sartor said.
“The Indigenous
Land Corporation’s proposal represents a commitment to positive change for
urban Indigenous communities, and the NSW Government is pleased to support it.
“Through the
centre local families will be able to access services like affordable child care,
as well as programs aimed at fostering sporting talent.”
The centre will
be located on the former Redfern
Public School site and
will include:
- A three-storey multi-purpose sport and
recreational facility – including a heated - 25 metre swimming pool and gymnasium.
- A one and two storey child care centre.
- A multi-code football field.
- Refurbishment of four existing heritage listed
school buildings. - Extensive landscaping, including the planting of
100 trees.
“A number of
organisations will be based at the centre, including the National Aboriginal
Sports Corporation Australia
and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team,” Mr Sartor said.
“The facility
will include a new Murawina Child Care
Centre, which will provide long-day care and pre-school programs for Indigenous
children.
“The Exodus
Foundation will also run intensive literacy and numeracy training from the centre
for students between the ages of 10 and 14 who are struggling in the mainstream
school system.”
The Minister
has attached a number of conditions to the approval, including:
- An experienced conservation architect must be
engaged in the design, development and construction of existing heritage
buildings on site. - Alterations, demolition and new penetrations to
existing heritage listed buildings are to be kept at a minimum. - A test excavation must be undertaken on the site
by a qualified archaeologist prior to construction with respect to
Aboriginal and European heritage.
“I am confident
that these conditions will ensure that this development will not have any adverse
impacts upon the amenity currently enjoyed by local residents,” Mr Sartor said.
The project
will deliver 20 construction jobs for Aboriginal workers as part of the Redfern-Waterloo
Authority’s Indigenous Employment Model.
- State Plan
Priority P4: More people participating in education and training throughout
their life - State Plan
Priority E8: More people using sporting and recreational facilities - State Plan
Priority F1: Improved health and education for Aboriginal people
From RWA – NSW Government Supports Facelift for Redfern site Click here (pdf~37kb)