Redfern projects boost Aboriginal aged care and affordable housing

A landmark partnership between Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care and Uniting will see a council car park transformed into a 50-person residential aged care home.

The City of Sydney has facilitated the project by handing over the $20 million Redfern site for a nominal fee of $1, enabling the two providers to commence planning for the facility.

The move reflects the city’s dedication to fostering diverse, culturally appropriate housing that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to remain within their local area.

“This is a project firmly centred on self-determination and cultural safety with long-term benefits for the local First Nations community,” Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said.

“We’re doing all we can to create different types of homes for people in our local area at all stages of life and I’m really excited to see this innovative project come to fruition in the years ahead.”

The Cope Street development follows an open call for design, construction, and operation, receiving approval from the City of Sydney Council in August.

A key aspect of the agreement is Uniting’s long-term commitment to officially handing over ownership and operation of the facility to Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care, ensuring it is fully owned and run by the First Nations community.

Wyanga chief Jarin Baigent said the project will have a lasting, positive impact for Redfern.

“Our Elders deserve to age with dignity, surrounded by the community, culture, and families they helped build,” Ms Baigent said.

“We are glad the City of Sydney identified this critical need in our community, such an important decision that will positively impact our people for generations.”

The 55 space car park will remain for public use, but will be moved underground during development.

Complementing the residential aged care facility, the City of Sydney also last week announced a $3 million grant program to drive affordable housing in Redfern specifically for Aboriginal Elders.

This initiative, proposed by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC), involves demolishing an existing commercial building on George Street to construct between six to ten new homes and will prioritise Aboriginal Elders aged 55 and over who are able to live independently.

Wiradjuri Elder and MLALC founding member Aunty Ann Weldon said the investment addresses a critical demand from Aboriginal community members for affordable housing in the inner city, delivered by an Aboriginal-controlled organisation.

“We need this kind of accommodation for our mob,” she said.

“It means we can now stay close to family, country, and community as we grow older.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City of Sydney is committed to doing its part in addressing the housing crisis.

“Providing affordable and diverse housing is a key focus for us. It is vital we increase the supply of affordable housing to ensure we continue to have an adaptable, diverse and inclusive city,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Too often, elders are forced to leave their communities in search of affordable housing. We are proud to back an Aboriginal-led housing solution that will allow Aboriginal people to age with dignity and independence in the heart of Redfern, keeps families and communities together.”