At least 20 Indigenous jobs and training opportunities will
be created as part of the construction contract.
The National Indigenous
Development Centre (NIDC), designed by award-winning architects Tonkin Zulaikha
Greer, will be built by St Hillier’s Construction with building work estimated
to be completed in August 2009.
Plans for the NIDC include a 25-metre heated
swimming pool, a community sports and recreation centre and a sports training
field to be operated by the YMCA.
The redevelopment includes new multi-use
classrooms and accommodation and dining facilities for up to 100 people. Four
school buildings (including two heritage-listed buildings) will be refurbished.
The Centre will accommodate a number of existing programs including:
- the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance
Association, which runs a number of sporting and life development programs
for Indigenous people encouraging healthy lifestyles through sport and
education - the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development
Team, which provides opportunities for Indigenous youth to become
involved in rugby union, netball and golf - the Exodus Foundation, which will
establish a tutorial centre for children aged 10-14
It is expected that up to 5,000 young Indigenous people from
all over Australia
will come to the NIDC to take part in sporting, educational, arts and
leadership development programs.
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the awarding of the
construction contract was an important milestone.
“The NIDC will be a fantastic
community resource and will provide new education and employment pathways for
young Indigenous people in Redfern and Sydney.
“Sport, arts, leadership and specialised education programs
can all have a powerful role in expanding the life chances for young Indigenous
people.”
Indigenous Land Corporation Chairperson Shirley McPherson said the
NIDC would play an important role in assisting young Indigenous people to excel
in their chosen field as well as providing positive role models and developing
future leaders.
“This is what the NIDC is about – making a long-term,
sustainable investment in developing our most precious resource, our young
people,” she said.
NSW Minister for Planning, and Redfern Waterloo, Frank
Sartor, said that NIDC would provide a minimum of 20 new jobs and training
opportunities for Indigenous people.
“This is a great example of how local
Indigenous projects can provide jobs and training for Indigenous young people.”
“Ensuring a range of local training and employment opportunities has been a key
priority for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA).
“The highly successful
Indigenous Employment Program Model has been developed by the RWA and provides
job-ready employees and ongoing mentoring and support throughout their terms of
employment.”
The Australian Government, through the Indigenous Land
Corporation, bought the former school site from the NSW Education Department in
late 2006 for $14.8 million. The project was approved by the NSW Department of
Planning in October 2007.
The Australian Government is committed to working
with the NSW Government to foster local partnerships for closing the gap
between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Source:
www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/media_release/index.html