These photographs were made between 2004 and 2014 in and around high density housing in Redfern and Waterloo, Sydney. The area contains one of the largest public housing developments in Australia, situated near the centre of one of the world's most expensive cites. There is very little affordable housing in a town where the percentage of public housing is also relatively low. The location is of special historical significance to the Aboriginal community of Sydney and beyond.
The State Government has announced plans to demolish the high density towers and other dwellings to make way for a train station and other new developments (including, the government says, replacement public housing). Many in the community, including the large number of elderly residents, however, are concerned about their future.
Photographs, texts and audio recordings made with participants of the ‘neighbourhood’ project have been exhibited at the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Sydney Theatre Company, Cross Projections and the Reportage Festival. The aim of this project has been to document a significant place and its community with the participation of its people; and to co-create a platform for voices and stories within the community to be seen and heard.
Cyndelle at her Aunty Erma’s house in Redfern. She was staying there while she tried to find a place to live for herself and her young son.
Tony in his apartment in the Turanga tower. He had been in the military in the Vietnam War and later worked as a security guard before being diagnosed with PTSD. His balcony provided a beautiful view toward Sydney’s north.
George Tino in his apartment, 2009.
Kristal and Derek posing for a portrait, 2008.
Victoria with nephew Charles at her uncle Frank’s apartment, December 2008. The block on Walker Street was about to be demolished and the family didn’t know yet where they would relocate.
Phoenix with his baby son. The family moved soon afterward when a fire destroyed most of the floor they lived on. Maria, the baby’s maternal grandmother, was happy to leave this section of Waterloo, which she said was too dangerous for the kids.
Melissa, Victoria and Sandra at Melissa’s father Frank’s apartment, December 2008. The block on Walker Street was about to be demolished and the family didn’t know yet where they would relocate.
Cyndelle outside Uncle Frank’s apartment, December 2008. The block was about to be demolished and she was helping her friend Melissa to get ready to move.
Waterloo residents, mainly of Eastern European descent, carrying an icon of Jesus and Mary through the streets to celebrate an orthodox Christian holiday, 7 January 2008
Cynthia Hickey, left, marches along Elizabeth Street, Sydney, with other family members, friends, and supporters towards NSW Parliament House to hand over a petition demanding a fresh inquest into TJ’s death, 14 February 2013.
Cynthia Hickey taking photos of the march commemorating the ninth anniversary of the death of her brother Thomas (TJ) Hickey, Redfern, 14 February 2013. The participants marched to NSW Parliament to hand over a petition demanding a new inquest into his death.
Rob ('The Birdman') passes one of the family's cockatiels to his wife, who is holding their new baby. Rob is starting his second family. They live in the Gilmore block near Poet's Corner, Redfern. September 2007.
