It's been 12 months since this long-vacant much-loved creative space received the tick of approval to put First Nations first, right in the heart of Redfern.
Aboriginal-led and community-controlled organisations and cultural practitioners have been encouraged to apply for tenancies in the six available spaces at 107 Redfern Street.
In March last year, the decision to prioritise Aboriginal creative and cultural use of the site was carried by City of Sydney Council following prolonged discussion about the address' future.
A month earlier, proposals for broader community use not priorisiting the local Indigenous community and use of the space was addressed by a successful motion from independent councillor and Wiradjuri woman Yvonne Weldon.
The outcome still maintained broader community use.
At the time Councillor Weldon told National Indigenous Times 107 Redfern Street presents organisations, particularly performance groups, with an opportunity they are often priced out of, unable to access or can be uncomfortable using.
"I'm glad that we've got the resolution that we have. An Aboriginal community-led approach, which I think is important, particularly here in Sydney and indeed in Redfern," she said.
"I think it's a real bonus that it's our people coming together in a contemporary setting, in a contemporary way, but with our culture that we continue to practice and live and share (with everyone)."
107 Redfern Street has six spaces available for leases of up to 12 months at $100 per week, under Council's short-term empty properties program.
Support through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collaboration funding can also be applied for.
Its long-term as a 'centre for Aboriginal creativity and culture' is still being considered.
Applications for spaces close Tuesday, May 19.
Now, with a refurbished space ready to use, the call is out for "First Nations creative and cultural practitioners to activate the space", Councillor Weldon told National Indigenous Times on Friday, as economical constraints remain a major factor.
"My hope is that this will become a real hub of First Nations expression!," she added.
"There's a critical shortage of affordable and accessible creative and cultural space in Sydney. That's why we're waiving costs.
"It's great to see this community vision coming to life."
City of Sydney online information about the site states: "Cultural and creative leaders, artists, knowledge holders and creative workers are invited to apply for a space, a combination of spaces, the full ground floor or first floor. All spaces will be unfurnished."
"We strongly encourage Aboriginal-led and community-controlled organisations and cultural practitioners to apply. This opportunity is designed to activate 107 Redfern Street while we consider its future as a centre for Aboriginal creativity and culture."
The two-storey site was previously managed by social enterprise '107 Projects' as an arts hub and regular exhibition space.
It houses office spaces, theatre, workshop, recording studio, rooftop garden and larger bare areas.
On Saturday May 2 and Friday May 8 the site is open to the public to see.
Information sessions and walkthroughs are being hosted on Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 13, with two having already taken place.
107 Redfern Street should have always gone down this kind of path, Councillor Weldon said last year.
"It was so clear to everyone that there is a need. You can have a lot of buildings and spaces and places that say they're doing things for Aboriginal people, but this is Aboriginal people stepping up and saying 'This is what we need to do for our people on the ground in the coalface,' she said.
She remembers, as a kid, Redfern Street was the strip which birthed important Aboriginal organisations - some still operating, and movements which have since "shown the way for the country".
"There's an opportunity to share what we do, what we have done for thousands and thousands of generations. We can do that in the heart of Redfern and put real self-determination in action," Councillor Weldon said.
As of the 2025 decision, the agreement for 107 Redfern Street's use was up for review after three years.
