In pictures: the stories behind significant Aboriginal organisations

Go behind-the-scenes to learn about important services that began in Redfern.

The Aboriginal Legal Service

The Aboriginal Legal Service was set up in December 1970 to provide free legal assistance to Aboriginal peoples living in Sydney. It grew out of the need to represent Aboriginal peoples targeted by police coming out of the pubs on the band circuit. This photo shows employees and volunteers outside the Aboriginal Legal Service, Redfern, in 1974.

Credit: National Archives of Australia. NAA: A8739, A2/8/74/15
The Aboriginal Medical Service

The Aboriginal Medical Service was set up in July 1971 to provide free medical support to Aboriginal peoples. It was the first Aboriginal community-run medical service in Australia and took a holistic approach to health care.

Credit: National Archives of Australia. NAA: A6180, 22/4/80/19
Murawina

Murawina began in 1972 as a breakfast program in Hollis Park for local Aboriginal children living in Redfern and Newtown, but soon expanded to become a childcare service. By the late 1970s, Murawina occupied purpose-built accommodation on The Block in Redfern.

Credit: National Archives of Australia. NAA: A6180, 22/4/80/16
The Aboriginal Housing Company

The Aboriginal Housing Company was formed in 1973. It bought the first 6 houses on The Block with a grant from the Whitlam Labor Government, and acquired the last house there in 1994. These children are playing on The Block in 1974 as the housing project got underway.

Credit: National Archives of Australia. NAA: A8739, Item A2/8/74/76
Radio Redfern

Radio Redfern – the voice of the Aboriginal community in Sydney – played a vital role in coordinating political protests against Australia’s bicentennial celebrations in 1988 and Aboriginal deaths in custody in the early 1990s. Koori Radio has since taken over the mantle.

Credit: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and courtesy Tribune / SEARCH Foundation, ON 160/Item 1060
Redfern Black Theatre

Black Theatre was an Aboriginal-run theatre company established in 1972 in response to the emerging land rights movement. It offered workshops in dancing, writing and acting, and it performed plays authored by Aboriginal playwrights. Although it wound up in 1977, Black Theatre laid the foundation for a wellspring of creative expression within Sydney’s Aboriginal community.

Credit: National Archives of Australia. NAA: A8739, A2/8/74/37