Up to 80 people came to the 67, Raglan Street Waterloo
two-storey terrace to mark the birthday on August 31. They also came to catch
up with old friends and to remember the early days and the important role The
Factory played in their lives.
The Factory earned its name because it was once reputed to
be an R.M. Williams hat factory. It is now owned by the NSW Department of
Housing. For the past 30 years a range of community-based programs have been
run from the house
It was on August 31, 19’77 that The Factory was officially
recognised as a local organisation by the Municipality of South
Sydney. Since then people living nearby have come
to The Factory for support, advice, friendship and entertainment.
Current coordinator Patrick
Russell said that today The Factory is like a local community
hall.
That is certainly what it was for the anniversary party. The
Factory was brightly decorated with mementos of past years. Photographs,
posters illustrating projects old and new, cheerful streamers and the smell of
good food welcomed guests, some of whom had been coming to the space since the
early days.
A poster titled Were
you here when The Factory turned 30? invited guests to write their names
and a small message to mark the celebration.
Past and present local residents, employees and volunteers
turned up for the party. Among them was Reverend Geoff Huard who managed The
Factory for 14 years. He officially launched the celebrations by reminding
those present of the importance places like The Factory play in people’s lives.
“Human beings are made for relationships with others.
Not just in families but also communities. This sense of belonging needs
sometimes to be encouraged and facilitated and our community centre was a great
way of doing that, ” he said.
He also showed his gratitude to those who had believed in
what The Factory could achieve.
“We were blessed with outstanding coordinators who
contributed so much to creating the right atmosphere, having energy and ideas,
getting various programs and driving the place along,” said Rev Huard.
Today, The Factory prides itself on identifying with the
local community and effectively providing support for people of social and economic
disadvantage. It is an established local welfare organisation, running various
family support programs while also offering local residents a range of crucial
advocacy services relating to employment, housing, financial and legal support.
No-one can deny that over the 30 years The Factory has
become an icon in the Redfern-Waterloo area and has offered support to many
member of the community.
“The community without The Factory? It would like be
growing up without a mother,” said Mr Christopher Hobart who is involved
in The Factory’s creative projects.
Mr Mike Allen, who spoke on behalf of the Department of
Housing, agreed that The Factory plays an important role
“These sorts of community-based organisations are the
lifeblood of communities,” he said.
The Factory has always been a safe-haven, and many locals
often drop in to ask questions relating to everyday survival such finance and
housing.
“There’s always a friendly face ready to help if you
have any questions. It’s a place of fellowship,” said Claire Wildish.
Ms Wildish and Mr Hobart co-ordinated a project called Let the Dogs Out. It explored bullying
in primary schools.
Mr Nigel Thomas, current chairman of the management
committee, attributes The Factory’s longevity to its central role in the
community. “It’s run by local people for local people, and I think it will
keep doing what it does well,” he said.
The 30th anniversary lunch was a resounding success, with a
lively crowd filling the hall almost to capacity. Speeches and stories were
followed by a collective singing of ‘happy birthday’ along to a vibrant chorus
of kazoos, and ended with cake and other treats.
“Thanks for the memories and here’s to the next 30
years,” said Rev Huard.
Photo: Friends of the Factory shared laughs, memories and
birthday cake.
Photo: Up to 80 people gathered at The Factory to celebrate
30 years of community service, support and advocacy.
Source: University
of Technology Precinct
South Sydney Edition Issue 4/2007 page 2.
Publications from the UTS School of Journalism can be
found online at www.journalism.uts.edu.au/future_students/student_publications.html
and at www.reportage.uts.edu.au/