A national centre for Indigenous youth will be built in Sydney
following the sale of the former Redfern Public School to the
Indigenous Land Corporation.
Plans for the National Indigenous Development Centre (NIDC)
were unveiled in Redfern today by NSW Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Frank
Sartor, and Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Chairperson Shirley McPherson.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, said
the Australian Government, through the ILC, had made $14.8 million available to
purchase the site from the NSW Department of Education.
“We want people from all walks of life to get the
chance to excel in their chosen field and the positive experiences that the
centre will offer will help young Indigenous Australians become leaders and
role models in their own community,” Mr Brough said.
“Along with plans to gain private sector involvement in
the redevelopment, the total commitment is expected to exceed $34
million.”
Mr Sartor said the Redfern Waterloo Authority had helped
negotiate the deal to establish a new youth precinct and showcase for
Indigenous culture.
“The best way to improve the circumstances of
Indigenous families in Redfern and Waterloo
is by supporting a range of opportunities in education and employment,” Mr
Sartor said.
“This new Centre will help young people from this area
and other communities achieve their full potential through mentoring, training
and learning initiatives.
“It is expected to help up to 5,000 kids a year, when
fully operational.”
Ms McPherson said redevelopment of the former Redfern Public School site was expected to
commence early next year and is due for completion in 2009.
“The ILC is proud to be taking a leading role in
redeveloping the former Redfern
Public School site for
the benefit of current and future generations,” Ms McPherson said.
Plans for the NIDC include a new 25-metre heated swimming
pool and sports training field.
The redevelopment includes construction of new multi-use
classrooms and accommodation and dining facilities for up to 100 people.
The existing Murawina Child Care Centre and four school
buildings (including two heritage-listed buildings) will be refurbished.
The Centre will accommodate a number of established
programs, including:
- The
Exodus Foundation, which will establish a tutorial centre for children
aged 10-14; - The
National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia, which runs a number of
sporting and life development programs for Indigenous people encouraging
health lifestyles through sport and education; - The
Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, which provides opportunity for
Indigenous youth to become involved in rugby union, netball and golf.
NSW for Aboriginal Affairs Milton Orkopoulos welcomed the
new use for the site.
“It is great to see Redfern’s
importance to the Aboriginal community across Australia acknowledged through the
announcement of the NIDC on this site,” said Mr Orkopoulos.
“This centre is another important practical step on the
road to addressing Aboriginal disadvantage.”
ILC
Minister Brough
Minister Sartor