It was an immense pleasure speaking to Shane about growing
up in Redfern – what has inspired him with regards to his work now, and
recalling, when he was young, the key events and people who have made him the
leader he is today.
Shane (a Bundjalung, Wonnarua and Eora man) was born in
Redfern, and grew up surrounded by role models such as Mum Shirl, Charlie
Perkins, Joyce Clague, and other Aboriginal men and women who have contributed
to the fight for equal opportunity, the right to be counted as part of the
wider community and to help support Aboriginal people. Shane talked about the
environment of Redfern in the ’70s and ’80s, which were “good times”.
Much has changed since then. Shane looks forward to new life
for “working families” on The Block, better relationships with the police and
among all people of good will in the community.
What inspires Shane is supporting his family and being true
to them as well as doing the best he can for his community.
He believes that you need good work ethics and to follow
through by doing the best job you can.
Shane started work at the age of 14, after being told by his
Dad he had to work. The work experience for Shane was “tough but fair”, and he
learnt a lot from the people he worked with and for. He learned there was value
and pride in contributing to the greater good.
Shane recalls, when he was 14 years old, assisting another
lad to break into a car. The other lad ran away but Shane was caught by police.
He recalls that the police officer “kicked me up the bum” and “told me he
didn’t want me being involved in any stealing again”. This event shaped Shane
to realise that he did not want to do anything to get himself into trouble. “I
respected that he gave me that chance – that he showed me that respect,” Shane
said.
Being there for his family, maintaining humility and
integrity, and developing programs that support young people in the community
to achieve their goals are very important to Shane – more important than any
accolades or awards.
Source: South
Sydney Herald February 2012 www.southsydneyherald.com.au