Dr Burgmann asserted her own commitment to Redfern, suggesting
that the current Council had other priorities. “I see Redfern, Alexandria and Waterloo as crucial. This area isn’t getting
the money put into it that it should have. Because Redfern’s no longer in
Clover’s electorate, she doesn’t really care.”
She said her own priorities would include housing, public
safety, lighting, better use of public space, and more recreational facilities.
“There isn’t a swimming pool south of Cleveland
Street while there’s five north of it. They
promised the Southern Sydney
Aquatic Centre four years ago, and they haven’t even decided on a site yet.”
She also called for a good quality, multi-purpose
neighbourhood centre that could be a focus for the community.
She is a strong supporter of the stalled Pemulwuy Project
for the redevelopment of the Block. “If it gets off the ground there would be a
huge amount of Aboriginal employment in the area. We need the Pemulwuy Project
to start, so that there is diverse Aboriginal residency; so that you’ve got
public housing, key worker housing, and some private housing all in the one
area.” She was optimistic about the project moving forward despite current
difficulties.
The issue of carbon trading was raised, and local leader
Shane Phillips stressed the importance of involving the Aboriginal community in
the process. “It would be great if our people had an opportunity to help try
and save the environment through ways that our people have been doing for
thousands of years.”
Mr Phillips spoke for many at the meeting when he affirmed
the importance of education: “Let the kids learn about their own identity, and
their family’s identity, and the big picture, so that they can see the value of
education and gain a sense of belonging, and a sense of worth.”
Source:
South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au