The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre, an 81-year-old institution on Edward Street, has
submitted a development application to the City of Sydney for permission to undertake
alterations and extensions, and to reinstate a 30-year-old mural removed in
2005.
The mural, by the indigenous artists Tracey Moffatt, Jeffrey Samuels, Fiona
Foley and Avril Quaill, was protected by a council order but removed three
years ago after a group of residents took control of the centre’s management
committee.
One resident, Bill Sheridan, said he objected to the mural.
“It’s out of character with the local area,” he said. “It was
painted over because it never should have been there in the first place. A
mural will take away from the Victorian landscape.”
Mr Sheridan said he joined the centre’s board because he wanted to make the
centre more efficient and less Aboriginal-focused. “It was taken over in
the ’70s by basically left-leaning people who don’t put money into maintaining
it. They moved out the bingo ladies and made it a purely Aboriginal
thing.”
Lyn Turnbull, a long-time Redfern resident who has been involved with the
centre for more than 20 years, said: “We were appalled when we heard it
had been painted over.”
After regaining control of the board, a coalition that includes Mrs Turnbull
has invited Moffatt and Quaill to repaint the mural.
The plan has been criticised by some residents who fear it will encourage
graffiti.
Mrs Turnbull said animosity between the centre – which primarily provides
services to indigenous people – and newcomers to the area had lessened.
“However, I don’t think the desire from some people to get rid of the
Settlement from the street has dissipated altogether,” she said.
The council received 21 objections to the plans to renovate the centre and
repaint the mural but its planning committee voted unanimously to approve the
application last night. It goes to a full meeting of council on Monday.
Photo: Janie Barrett – Tracey Moffatt … asked to
help repaint the mural.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/murals-resurrection-opens-scars/2008/03/03/1204402365367.html