Outdoor area becomes reality for Namatjira

3 September 2008 | Minister for Fair Trading, Youth and Volunteering, Linda Burney

Volunteering Minister Linda Burney today visited Namatjira Housing Estate in Chifley with Member for Maroubra Michael Daley and Cr Bruce Notley-Smith, Mayor of Randwick City Council, to join residents, volunteers and supporters in opening the new landscaped barbecue area.

Ms Burney and Mr Daley unveiled a plaque dedicating the garden to Albert Namatjira, after whom the estate is named.

Ms Burney said the development of an outdoor area for residents was the first opportunity for the Volunteering Unit of the Department of Premier and Cabinet to work with Housing NSW and the Botanic Gardens Trust on their Community Greening Project, a partnership that targets selected Housing NSW estates.

"Namatjira was our first choice for this joint project. We hope the Community Greening Project will encourage volunteering and community participation within the estate, in line with the objectives of our NSW State Plan," Ms Burney said.

"Today is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, bringing together the Government, local community groups and corporations, Randwick City Council, the University of New South Wales, St George Community Housing and most importantly, the tenants of Namatjira Estate.

"The project would not have been possible without extensive tenant consultation and liaison with La Perouse Land Council.

"What is most exciting about this project is the number of groups involved: local businesses have been extremely generous in providing and laying the concrete slab, the barbecue area and shelter. Plants have been provided by Randwick City Council and Botanic Garden staff have assisted with advice and planting. The University of NSW drew up landscape plans, and other volunteers will be working with residents to maintain the garden as it develops."

Mr Daley welcomed the Namatjira project because it sought to strengthen social cohesion in the area.

"This is a fantastic example of how we can create connection between the tenants and the surrounding communities through volunteering and participation in the care of a native garden," Mr Daley said.

"The landscaping around the barbecue and shelter will, I am sure, encourage tenants, their families and guests to use and maintain the garden and grounds."

Indigenous Rabbitohs players Shannon Hegarty and Germaine Paulson came along to sign autographs and talk about their lives and the game of rugby league.

"Namatjira Estate is in Rabbitoh heartland so the event would be incomplete without their involvement," Ms Burney said.

The Rabbitohs' community initiative 'Souths Cares' and the NRL's community initiative 'One Community' ran activities for children from several local schools attending on the day.

The Soldier Settlement Primary School's Aboriginal Dance Group performed on the day and prints of Albert Namatjira's works were presented to the local schools and to the Namatjira Tenant Group to be displayed around the estate. The local NSW Fire Brigade, Ambulance and Police services were also there.

The Volunteering Unit and Housing NSW also received financial and in-kind support from:

• Boral
• Department of Aboriginal Affairs
• Department of Disability, Ageing and Home Care
• Dranoel Constructions
• Landcom
• Spotless Services
• University of New South Wales faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Built Environment.

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