Policy & planning changes

Your say on a local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre in Redfern

Redfern

Project Status: Closed

Find out more about the consultation results and read the full report.

The centre opened in May 2024.

Public consultation period to

What we’re doing

We purchased 119 Redfern Street to establish a local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre in Redfern.

The building has 2 levels with a range of different spaces. It’s highly visible and in a culturally significant location near community and cultural services in Redfern.

Why we’re doing this

We’re committed to respond to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community’s need for a culturally safe space to practice and share cultures.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel has regularly highlighted the need for space to gather, share and practice the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in and connected to Sydney.

This is the final pillar under the 4 interlinked projects of the Eora Journey.

How this space will be used is a question for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

We’d love to hear Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s thoughts on this important community space and encourage you to share your vision for its future by completing a short survey or attending a workshop or drop-in session.

The artist impression shows a photo of 119 Redfern Street, looking southwest. The image has an Aboriginal flag flying above the building. The building itself is the heritage-listed former Redfern Post Office. It has maintained much of its heritage character, including a four-story clock tower at the corner of Redfern and George streets. The image shows the future accessible entrance that is accessed via the laneway on Redfern Street.

Get to know the building

The building is in the heart of Redfern, an area synonymous with Indigenous activism for civil rights and self-determination.

Tenants vacated the property in 2019 and we are currently working to make the building accessible. The accessibility upgrade includes a new entry and installing a lift. We expect this work will be complete in August 2022.

The building has 2 levels with rooms that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Tour the building

Come on a walking tour of the current space. See floor plans of each level.

 

A heritage building with clock tower on the corner of a city street.
Image shows an aerial view of the ground floor plan, including the proposed new work to make the building more accessible. The building sits on the corner of Redfern and George streets and the legend shows a new accessible entrance from the laneway off Redfern Street. As you enter the building, there will be a new accessible lift to your left. At the southern end of the building, there is a reception area, toilet and a 19.5 square metre room with floorboards and a kitchenette. There is an 11.6 square metre varandah that overlooks George Street and adjoins this room. At the north of the building, there is an 87.5 square metre room with floorboards, storage space, service bar with sink and dishwasher. At the northeast and northwest corners of this room, there are two display or ‘shopfront’ spaces. There is a central hallway with stairs leading to the first floor.
Image shows an aerial view of the first-floor plan, including the proposed new work to make the building more accessible. The first floor shows the new lift and landing in the southeast corner of the building. At the southern end of the building there are two toilets (including an accessible toilet). The southwest corner of the first floor shows a 21 square metre room with floorboards and windows to the west and south. The northern end of the building shows a 77.4 square metre room with floorboards and windows to the north and west. There is a central hallway with a 4.3 square metre storeroom and stairs leading to the ground floor.
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Artist impression and floor plansPDF · 4.76 MB · Last modified

How you can give feedback

We want to hear from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about how this place should be used by community. There are a number of ways you can provide your feedback.

  1. Complete our survey

    Survey

  2. Visit a pop-up stall


    Come along to a pop-up stall to find out more about the project and share your ideas.
  • Monday 21 March 11am to 1pm outside 119 Redfern Street
  • Thursday 24 March 12pm to 4pm outside 119 Redfern Street
  • Saturday 2 April 10am to 2pm in Redfern Park (near corner of Redfern and Chalmers street) - CANCELLED due to wet weather.

  1. Comment on or add to a map of the local area

    Go to map

  2. Attend a workshop

    We are running workshops for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. We invite you to share your thoughts and aspirations by registering for one of these workshops. 

    Register

  3. Email your feedback

    Email [email protected]

  4. Talk to us

    If you would like to be part of a workshop or speak to us about the project, please get in touch.

Feedback may be published in publicly available reports at the end of the consultation period. Your name or organisation's name may appear in these reports with your feedback attributed. If you would like your feedback to be kept confidential, please let us know when making your contribution.

Next steps

  • Consultation on future use of the building (now)
  • Minor works complete by August 2022
  • Community use and access to the building will be guided by feedback from the consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We will keep the community informed as we progress.
A woman points to a consultation board while others watch. Sydney Your Say
DecorativeGovernance & decision-makingCommunity engagement
Community engagement strategy and community participation plan 2024 update book cover.Strategies & action plansCommunity engagement strategy and community participation planPublished 31 July 2024