Davies was one of the founders of the South Sydney Herald, an
independent paper covering local issues in Redfern and its surrounding suburbs.
Currently the Herald’s co-editor, Davies says his involvement with the paper
has given him a deeper understanding of the area, a concern for the downtrodden
as well as a real sense of pride.
“The great thing about working-class people is that you can’t piss on
them from up high,” quips Davies.
He sees planning and development as the key local issues, along with fixing
public housing (he is himself a public housing tenant) and solving Aboriginal
disadvantage, particularly at the Block. He is a strong supporter of the
Pemulwuy Project, led by the independent Aboriginal Housing Company. The
project encompasses a business college, spiritual centre, art gallery and
gymnasium.
But most importantly, Davies believes the area needs an effective voice that
will fight for the community’s interests.
“Our friends at Macquarie
Street, it’s been a long time since they stood for
anything,” he says.