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Conclusion of the RWA
As of 1 January 2012, the RWA will have concluded its operations with the transition of its functions to the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA)
and other agencies as appropriate.
Achievements
The RWA would like to acknowledge and thank all its stakeholders including government and non-government agencies, community organisations and local residents for their contribution to the significant developments that have occurred in the Redfern area over the last six years.
These include:
- The $53 million National Centre for Indigenous Excellence which opened in February 2010 including the direct support of $500,000 from the RWA;
- The concept planning and sale of the Rachel Forster Hospital for a 150 dwelling residential development valued at $70 million upon completion;
- The development of Australian Technology Park including $123 million for 8 Central Ave (Channel 7) and the $47 million NICTA Building;
- The establishment of Eveleigh Market;
- The redevelopment of the Redfern RSL ($25 million) and Gibbons St Carpark ($35 million) for residential and commercial use;
- The enhancement of heritage in the local area through the Redfern-Waterloo Heritage Taskforce, the Heritage Interpretation Plan and heritage-related projects at Australian Technology Park with more than $3 million being invested in heritage in the Redfern area;
- Improved perception of Redfern-Waterloo by the wider community;
- Assisting Redfern police in the reduction of serious crime;
- An improved range of targeted local health and community services;
- Improved training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people via the Aboriginal Employment Program including Koori Job Ready and Yaama Dhiyaan. Since its inception, over 850 employment opportunities have been created for the Aboriginal community;
- The implementation of Phase one and two of the Human Services Plan. Phase one focused on improving health services, services for Aboriginal people, youth services, alcohol and mental health issues, and services for children and young families. Phase two looks at improving human services delivery for older people, people with disabilities, migrant communities and homeless people; and
- The RWA has provided over $1 million in community grants over the past six years.
Future of RWA Services
Development Applications
All RWA Development Applications have now been determined. As part of the gazettal of the State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development), the consent authority for development applications upto $10 million for State significant sites is now the City of Sydney. This delegation is part of the broader reforms to implement the NSW Government's commitment to repeal Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and to return local planning matters to the local Council to determine. For more information and to review the Frequently Asked Questions click here.
Aboriginal Employment Program
The Aboriginal Employment Program mentors and trains Aboriginal people for the construction, hospitality, rail and aviation services industries. The program was originally an initiative of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority but is now being supported by Australian Technology Park Sydney Limited. More information on this program can be found at: www.atp.com.au/aboriginal-employment-program.
Youth Services Taskforce
The Youth Services Taskforce with existing stakeholders will continue to work together to deliver services and supports for young people in the Redfern-Waterloo area.
Community Drug Action Team (CDAT)
The secretiariat of the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) will be supported by the City of Sydney and the Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development. The CDAT will continue to be chaired by a community representative.
Business Advisory Service
Please be advised that the Aboriginal Business Advisory Service has now concluded with the last bookings completed in early December. This free service enabled 110 members of the community to access expert advice on how to start a new business, growing an existing business, business planning, understanding business regulations, business finance and business management skills, The service was one-on-one and confidential and was managed by an experienced and qualified business professional.
If you seeking business advice, the following services are available:
- Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Enterprises - visit the website here.
- Enterprise Facilitation Program, South Sydney Business Chamber - visit the website here.
- Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations - visit the website
here.
- Aboriginal Business Development Programs - NSW Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services - visit the website
here.
RWA Fact Sheet
The RWA Conclusion Fact Sheet is to provide an overview for the transition of the RWA’s functions including:
- The achievements of the RWA and its partner agencies ;
- The NSW Government’s commitment to Redfern-Waterloo ;
- What will happen to RWA’s functions ;
- The role of the SMDA ; and
- The next steps.
Read the RWA Conclusion Fact Sheet here.
More information
The offices of the RWA/SMDA will close at Level 11, 1 Lawson Street Redfern on Friday, 23 December 2011. However, we are staying in the Redfern-Waterloo area. On Monday, 9 January 2012, the offices of the SMDA will open at:
Suite 4D, Level 4
219-241 Cleveland Street
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
PO Box 1198
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Tel: 9202 9100
Fax: 9202 9111
Email: contactus smda.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.smda.nsw.gov.au
All other phone numbers will remain the same.
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