Decision details

Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the Sydney University Settlement Neighbourhood Centre, known locally as the Settlement, has been a part of the fabric of the Redfern/Waterloo community for more than 130 years;

(ii)        the Settlement serves as a safe and welcoming place for local community to ‘drop-in’ to connect and access a range of services and programs;

(iii)      the Settlement has a multi-generation connection with the local Aboriginal community. Ninety per cent of the community that access the Settlement are Aboriginal. A majority of the Settlement’s team are Aboriginal and many have grown up in the local area;

(iv)      the Settlement’s programs for children and families are particularly significant. The Settlement provides after school and holiday care with a school pick up and home drop off service. The program incorporates learning and play with activities including cooking, swimming, tennis, basketball, homework help, art, music and dancing;

(v)       many local parents working full-time rely on the Settlement to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children; and

(vi)      the Settlement’s valued after school care and holiday programs are no longer fully funded, and the continuation of these programs is uncertain;

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to relevant NSW Government Ministers, highlighting the significance of the Settlement’s programs for the local community and requesting funding to ensure the continuation of their after school and holiday programs; and

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate opportunities for the City of Sydney to provide interim support to ensure the continuation of the Settlement’s after school and holiday programs.

Carried unanimously.

X086653