Avril QuaiII, now resident in Queensland, has already agreed to assist
with reinstating the Edward Street
institution.

“I would be happy to be involved whenever they repaint
the mural and in whatever way I can at the time,’ she said.

Gentrification of the area has brought in new neighbours who
argue that the mural is not in keeping with the area’s Victorian architecture.

But new management committee member Lyn Turnbull said
putting back the 30-year-old mural, painted by artists from the Boomalli
cooperative in the 1980s, was a historic occasion. “A number of those
people used to come down and work with the kids,” she said.

“It’s the centenary this year so maybe we could have
everyone come back?’

Resident Liz Crosby, who hopes to raise “a couple of
million dollars” for a full renovation of the centre, said artists Hetty
Perkins and Bronwyn Bancroft were keen to be involved, and New York-based
Tracey Moffatt had been outraged at the destruction of the original work three
years ago.

Mrs Turnbull said it was possible the original mural could
be uncovered, but that it was “not within our budget – it’s an extremely
expensive undertaking” to have it fully restored. Surviving artists would
be consulted about plans for its reinstatement.

“There are copyright issues for the artists.

They need to be consulted [although] they certainly weren’t
consulted in its painting over,” she said.

Mrs Turnbull said involving the area’s youth would reduce
the likelihood of a new mural being vandalised.

Picture: Phil Rogers – Indigenous youth will help repaint
the 30-year-old mural

Source: Central of 12 March 2008

The Settlement mural also got linked to the Opera House in the
Central’s Editorial of 12 March 2008:

Care for Our Landmarks

TOURISTS were over the moon to see architect Jan Utzon
giving Central a tour of the Opera House last week, and just as happy to snap
shots of the architect as the building itself.

“Wow, he looks just like his father, what a treat to
see him here,” one excited tourist said.

Jan spoke candidly about his father’s famed work and the
World Heritage structure that had engulfed some 50 years of his life.

Utzon cracked jokes and spoke passionately about his love
for Sydney and
its harbour, saying he often received compliments for his father’s work – and
as the middle man, happily took 10 per cent of them for himself.

Though in good hands, one thing the Opera House needs is
$600 million in building works to get it up to scratch as a world-class opera
facility.

Maybe with the recent change of government, the project will
be made a priority in coming years.

But today is a sad day for Coffee Philosophy, Australia’s
oldest coffee shop, which has been in the Strand Arcade since 1892. The
business will close its doors after its lease was not renewed. The store’s
antique trademark clock will also be pulled down in what some are calling the
end of an era.

As parts of Sydney
history fade away, it is important we remember our roots – which is why it
would be great to see Redfern’s 30-year-old mural restored by local indigenous
youths.

Getting youth involved gives them ownership over the work
and involves the community in beautifying our streets and maintaining our
heritage.

Discover what else is happening in your local area in this
week’s Central.

Source: Central of 12 March 2008