City of Canada Bay Cultural Plan
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 1 Prepared by Stephanie Kelly October 2014 Drawn from the work of Marla Guppy & Amanda Buckland completed in 2007 for the City of Canada Bay
Image: Chinese Dragon Dancer at Rhodes Moon Festival.
City of Canada Bay Cultural Plan Contents
Background 1 Our Place & 2 Directions for 2.4 Place Making in Page 04 Our People the Culture Town Centres & Page 10 Development The Urban Cultural Development 1.2 of The City of Environment Definition Snapshot of Canada Bay Page 25 Page 05 The City Of Page 17 Canada Bay 2.5 Local Environments Demand for Cultural Page 11 2.1 Partnerships, & The Foreshore Development Page 28 1.3 Policy & Protocols Page 06 Place Page 18 Page 13 2.6 Cultural Heritage Benefits of Cultural 2.2 Page 31 1.4 Cultural Infrastructure Development People Page 20 Page 07 Page 15 2.7 Community Cultures 2.3 Creative Industries Page 34 Policy Context Page 23 Page 08
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 3 Background
The City of Canada Bay is one of the The purpose is to create stronger and The City of Canada Bay is a vibrant fastest growing local government areas more strategic relationships with people in NSW with our population is expected around identifiable activity hubs whether and interesting City in the heart of the to rise to 96,510 by 2031. The City they are suburbs like Rhodes, centres is adjacent to Wentworth Point, and like Five Dock, parks like Cabarita Park inner west of Sydney. The 38 kilometres Sydney Olympic Park which are also or facilities like the Concord Library. expanding rapidly with an additional The focus on place management for of Parramatta River defines the City 40,000 residents connected to our key cultural development addresses the centres. These new communities around ‘history and heritage, stories, people, and with much of it accessible it is a our core create new cultural experiences landscape, streetscape, and culture of for our community. The capacity of the the place. It is about discovering what place of increasing significance in the City to establish productive partnerships makes a place distinctive, authentic, and links to the variety of cultural and memorable. It is about the Sydney conurbation. Eat streets such facilities and attractions is important to experience they have as individuals and as Major’s Bay Road, heritage sites create ongoing and sustainable cultural communities. Cultural markers, public experiences. art and interpretive features can inform residents, visitors and future generations such as Yaralla, traditional centres The City of Canada Bay has developed about the significance and meaning of a focus on place management which special places, people and stories. like Five Dock and the emerging defines our approach to cultural development. The aim is to turn spaces The City of Canada Bay Cultural Plan centre at Rhodes are defining the into places, giving people reason to stop enables Council to develop a robust and become involved. These places approach to cultural development City as an attractive urban destination. reflect an appreciation of cultural and through the development of appropriate environmental diversity and a sense of infrastructure, support of creative A new generation of workers in creative belonging. industries and ensuring that the links and knowledge-based industries are between cultural identity and community wellbeing are energetic. relocating in the City and creating new demand, services and attractions.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 4 Cultural Development Definition
Culture is the expression of the values, actions, social behaviours and environments that give people a common identity. It is a way of life – the way a community lives, works and enjoys leisure and recreation. It is the sum of all the customs, food, sport, shopping, fashions and architecture that are recognisable symbols of cultural identity. Connected to this are the elements of their experience – how people respond to their places, the way they use the natural and built environment, their expectations of the town centres and public spaces, their relationship to nature along the foreshore and in parks and the value they place on heritage and modernity.
Image: The Brays Bay Reserve Ship Building Memorial by Nola Farman.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 5 Demand for Cultural Development
Increased prosperity, leisure time and The notion of cultural sustainability is higher levels of education are driving also becoming more important in local the demand for cultural participation. government, meaning that the economic, Arts Council research (2010) shows social and environmental outcomes of the arts are strongly supported by the a strong local culture are ‘renewable’. community. It reveals that nine out of ten For example investment in beautifying people participate in the arts and one in streets and widening footpaths has three internet searches are for the arts. contributed to a strong local economy In this context it is important for Council that is attracting new, market driven to plan ahead for cultural facilities and creative industries or place making activities to meet increasing demand initiatives to welcome new residents has and to capitalise on this growing evolved into a range of community led economy. social and cultural activities.
Images: Reclamation Canada Bay by Popperbox. Photo by Symple Creative.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 6 Benefits of Cultural Development
The effective and integrated management Economic Social of the Cultural Plan has • Developing creative industries • Identifying partnerships to build community capacity long-term benefits for the • Increasing local employment and creative skills development • Stimulating vibrant and distinctive community cultures City in achieving quadruple • Creating specialised and multipurpose cultural • Increasing community bottom line outputs. infrastructure participation and engagement • Growing tourism and marketing opportunities
Governance Environmental
• Increasing community • Promoting best practice place participation and engagement making and public art • Forming partnerships to help • Identifying cultural heritage manage and maintain public and special places places and shared resourcing of • Improving lifestyle and local activities and places environments • Fundraising and sponsorship of activities
Image: Author Fred Watson sharing insight on the Universe at 2014 Sustainability Awards.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 7 Policy Context
The Federal Cultural Policy exists to Local Government has a lead role in All levels of government in Australia celebrate Australia’s strong, diverse local cultural planning and development, and inclusive culture. It describes the because; essential role arts and culture play in the have policies and programs that • it already has skills, experience life of every Australian and how creativity and knowledge of local communities; acknowledge the importance of is central to Australia’s economic and social success. • delivers a range of cultural the arts and culture in developing services - libraries, museums and The State Government is creating the projects alongside regulatory, and engaged and vibrant communities, NSW Arts and Cultural Policy, as a key NSW Government commitment under – holds development powers to improving the urban environment Goal 27 of NSW 2021: A Plan to Make implement its policies and plans. NSW Number One. The Policy will set and enhancing quality of life. a vision and 10-year strategy for NSW Government engagement with the arts and cultural sector in NSW, to maintain and enhance the important social and economic contribution this sector makes to our State.
Images left to right:
By the Water score composition by local composer Katia Beaugeais.
Cabarita Park tree lighting at the Reclamation festival.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 8 Policy Context
Developing this Plan • FuturesPlan20
This plan draws upon a number of • Community Facilities Resourcing Strategy targeted consultations around arts and cultural practise in the City. Key work • Child and Family Needs Study was completed through the following consultation, policies and strategies: • The Library Strategic Plan – Bringing People and Knowledge Together • Drummoyne Village Action Plan • Our Place North Strathfield Place Plan • Rhodes Peninsula Place Plan • Riverside Cultural Scoping Study • Rhodes Public Art Plan • Five Dock Town Centre Strategy and Urban Design Study
Images: Concord Carnival 2014.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 9 Image: Uncle Max performing a Smoking Our Place & Our People Ceremony at Rhodes.
1City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 10 1.1 Snapshot of the City of Canada Bay
• City Area 19.8 km² • 17 Suburbs • Population 79,905 (2011 Census) • Population projection 3% p.a. increase to 2031 • Community in NSW • Local Workforce 27,375 • Local Workforce projection for 2021 is 35,546 • Number of Businesses 8,446 Image: The Serpent at Iron Cove Drummoyne, • Gross Regional Product (GRP) $4,154.7m in 2011 – by Jason Wing. 4th highest in Sydney Central Region •Average GRP per capita (local workers) $151,779 • 124 cultural facilities in the LGA • 38 kilometres of foreshore • 47,000 library members • Over 65,000 participants in local cultural events
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 11 1.1 Snapshot of the City of Canada Bay continued
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 12 1.2 Place
The indigenous inhabitants of the area Since the 1790’s the area was settled Access to transport links and river were the Wangal clan who lived in an as a halfway point between Sydney and frontage facilitated the development of area called Wanne stretching from Parramatta. It was defined by transport rural industries such as tanneries, timber Birchgrove almost to Parramatta. The links - the Parramatta River to the north, and grain mills along the foreshores. river was a rich food source and fishing a bush track cut by convicts in 1791 to Population of the area increased as was an important communal activity. the south, which became Parramatta workers moved close to large industry There are 7 midden sites In Canada Road and the east/west boundaries of sites such as the Australian Gas Light Bay, rock engravings can still be seen at Victoria Road and Great North Road. Company works (1886), Arnott’s Biscuits Ryde and Gladesville and hand stencils Early industries developed around (1907), Phoenix Ironworks (1915), Berger at Birchgrove, Chiswick and Abbotsford. overnight accommodation for convicts paints (1917), B.A.L.M later Dulux paint The first recorded contact was with the at the Longbottom stockade and private factory (1921), Timbrol/Union Carbide First Fleet in 1788 at Breakfast Point inns servicing the coaching industry (1928), Bushells (1950) and Nestles. and subsequent contact and conflict between the settlements. In the early Now, twenty years later, most of the resulted in the loss of traditional territory 1840’s 58 French speaking Canadian large manufacturing industries have and food sources. exiles were jailed here, hence the names moved out of the area and have been of France Bay, Exile Bay and Canada replaced by retail, commercial and Bay. residential development.
Image: Spirit of Adventure by Alan Blue at Five Dock Skate Park Mosaic.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 13 1.2 Place continued
Amalgamations of large private The City continues to change rapidly estates at Yaralla, Rivendell, Rhodes as new developments on large tracts and Abbotsford helped ensured of previously industrial land attract that large tracts of open space were new residents into affluent private preserved during periods of industrial communities. The divide between older and residential growth. In the 1880’s and new communities is a cultural Correy’s Gardens beside Cabarita issue. The separation of existing and Park became a popular recreational recently arrived residents is often site for ferry passengers who played, marked, adding to the lack of collective walked, picnicked and danced in the identity that has been a challenge landscaped pleasure gardens. The of amalgamation to form the City of City of Canada Bay now has over 130 Canada Bay in 2001. parks and reserves, which total 15.3% of the area, and many kilometres of accessible public foreshore. The area has magnificent parklands, extensive sports fields, three golf courses and foreshore areas which are a significant asset to the community. The recent relocation of large industries from the area has resulted in a clean foreshore environment and increased public amenity. The ferry wharves are important recreational and functional links to the Greater Sydney Region.
Image: I remember by Joanne Saad in Fred Kelly Place, Five Dock.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 14 1.3 People
Local employment is trending Only 286 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Our population is approaching 85,000 upwards and the City boasts a diverse Islanders still live in the City (0.4% of the and vibrant economy with a strong population, which is less than the 1.2% and growing at a rate of 3% a year economic outlook. The City of Canada NSW percentage). Migrant communities Bay community has the highest were also attracted to employment and is one of the fastest local percentile rank within Sydney’s inner opportunities in the area, with 35% of west region for access to economic the current population speaking another government areas in NSW and it is resources. This index considers language in addition to English. Italian, home ownership, household income Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek, Arabic, forecasted to reach 96,510 by 2031. and expenditure and unemployment and Korean are the six major languages levels. Over 27,000 people work in the spoken. There is a significant Italian LGA and local employment diversity population and a steady increase in and opportunity is expected to grow residents who have relocated from significantly over the next 10 and 20 South East Asia. 35% of the total years. population were born overseas with 28% of the population from non-English speaking countries. This is an area that attracts young families with this group forming the fastest growing section of the population. The number of families with children increased by 16.9% in the census period 2011. Young adults are also attracted to the area with increases in the young workforce and those in tertiary education.
Image: Rhodes Multicultural Association at Chinese New Year 2014.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 15 1.3 People continued
In 2013 Rhodes Peninsula’s population is around 8,000, double the number in 2006, and it is predicted to rise to 15,000 when complete. The community is characterised by a large well educated working population with a relatively high incomes. The emerging population is young, mobile and ethnically diverse with 63% of residents born overseas. The most commonly spoken languages other than English are Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindi. Part of a new wave of global migration with progressive aspirations and ideas, their mobility and intercultural connectivity is possible through technology and travel.
Image: Concord Carnival 2014. “the silos, mills, gasholders, factories, warehouses, smoke stacks and chemical plants continue to dominate much of Concord’s land and river scape” (the Concord Heritage Study ,1986).
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 16 Image: Chinese traditional dancers at the Rhodes Directions for the Moon Festival 2014. Culture Development of the City of Canada Bay
2City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 17 2.1 Partnerships, Policy & Protocols
Definition: Cultural Planning
Cultural planning is a strategic planning process which recognises that our culture is an integral part of the social and economic life of our communities. Cultural planning undertakes an analysis of social and cultural activities and resources, identifies issues and opportunities and makes links to economic and employment activity to develop strategies for implementation.
Image: Children’s ride at the Bay Day event in Rhodes.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 18 2.1 Partnerships, Policy & Protocols continued
Current Scenario Directions Opportunities
The City of Canada Bay practises Integrating cultural development, There are a number of significant 5 Regional opportunities will emerge integrated planning and cultural sharing cultural resources and opportunities for improved partnerships through the proposed urban renewal of development part of this holistic developing models for collaborative emerging. the Parramatta Road Corridor by NSW approach. It is about developing a practise, can attract significant Urban Growth 1 Implementation of place programs in places sustainability, identity and investment and partnerships. Five Dock, Chiswick, Concord West and 6 Partnerships with universities such vibrancy of place. Partnerships between In particular the following areas Cabarita will deliver cultural partnerships, as UTS and place activation and Sydney communities and public and private need consideration: plans and projects University and Future Cities Program sectors are vital to bringing cultural A Establish creative partnerships are also opportunities for further initiatives to the City. Coordination and 2 Utalise the Principles of with government and regional development of process resourcing from partners develops more Co-operation with the Metropolitan institutions to enable innovative sustainable outcomes benefiting the Aboriginal Land Council to improve 7 Develop a partnership with the regional cultural projects community. The place management celebration of our Aboriginal culture Department of Education’s Sydney approach in local cultural development B Develop appropriate structures and heritage Region to enable joint school and is aimed at co-ordinating and integrating within Council to implement the cultural activities including festivals, 3 Continued partnerships with approaches to deliver better targeted Cultural Plan and Public Art Strategy public art and community arts projects developers around the Rhodes services, increased efficiency and C Integrate cultural planning into community will deliver opportunities 8 Develop a partnership with the reduced costs. the broader planning framework in for public art, cultural practise and Sydney Writers Centre and regional relation to major urban projects and events. Links with other development library networks to enable and develop place initiatives areas around Homebush Bay have literary projects commenced and deliver a diverse D Develop partnerships of cultural 9 Develop a partnership with program projects as part of place initiatives NSW Department of Health Local Area 4 The new Concord West community Health Service to enable joint culture, E Establish creative partnerships precinct and work with the Department health and lifestyle projects and to with government and regional of Education is a trailblazer in delivering explore the opportunities on the Dame institutions to enable innovative shared facilities that offer opportunities Eadith Walker Estates – Yaralla and regional cultural projects for cultural development based on Rivendell sites strong partnership planning 10 Include a ‘percentage for art’ allocation within Council’s major capital infrastructure projects
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 19 2.2 Cultural Infrastructure
Definition: Cultural Infrastructure
Culture infrastructure refers to the venues, sites and mechanisms that enable cultural activity to take place. These include cultural facilities such as art galleries, performance spaces, libraries, community cultural centres, outdoor event venues and studios. Infrastructure also includes cultural staffing and servicing capability both within and external to Council.
Image: Chinese Dragon Dancers at the opening event of Dainty Dumplings.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 20 2.2 Cultural Infrastructure continued
Current Scenario
Council owns 35 community facilities, It is in the later stages of planning the many of them single purpose. There Rhodes Community Precinct ‘The are a further 89 community facilities Connection’ and the Conservatory at located in the Local Government Area Cabarita. that are owned and managed by a The increase in informal cultural activity; number of private, Government and the informal galleries, markets, café non-Government agencies. Cultural culture, wireless services around activities also occur in commercial the centres as a result of improved cultural infrastructure including service street-life in areas like Rhodes and clubs, which are able to offer meeting Five Dock provide a template for future and performance space and in major development of activity hubs that primary cultural facilities that are support community interaction. less than 25 minutes’ drive away in Sydney or Parramatta. These facilities The community often express an interest accommodate a range of cultural in the facilities available for cultural activities. Older facilities include those activities. The Cultural Infrastructure with a broader community function report and the Community Facilities and offer meeting places for amateur Resourcing Strategy are important music groups, yoga and dance classes, strategies in defining directions for these through a casual and weekly fee for activities. The development of new hire program. In addition, an increasing purpose built space for arts and culture number of creative professionals are was also seen as a future direction establishing their businesses in the area. and will be realised in 2016 through the development of ‘The Connection’ In the last decade Council has at Rhodes and the Conservatory at developed a number of cultural facilities Cabarita Park. Good marketing and including Five Dock and Concord promotion of cultural venues along Libraries, Drummoyne Oval Community with information about and access to Facility, Kokoda Education Centre and Image: Kokoda Track Memorial. community spaces are critical. the Lapidary Centre. It has also provided accommodation for City of Canada Bay Museum, Woodworkers Guild, and Harry’s Shed at Concord (men’s shed).
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 21 2.2 Cultural Infrastructure continued
Directions Opportunities
A Recognise and respond to the 1 Provide purpose built infrastructure 8 Develop digital display areas for 10 Develop outdoor performance space diverse needs for cultural space in the in key sites: Rhodes Community visual arts, with Rhodes Community as part of Rhodes Community Precinct City of Canada Bay taking into account Precinct and Cabarita Park Precinct as a priority 11 Develop outdoor space surrounding local and regional existing provision and Conservatory 9 Continue to support for the Five Dock library and Concord Library needs 2 Develop community activity hubs to community galleries in libraries for for literary events and readings B Improve the capacity of local libraries centralise cultural interaction in Rhodes, exhibitions to respond to emerging technologies Concord, Five Dock and Drummoyne and offer a wider range of program and 3 Maintain Section 94 Development services Contribution Plan allocate funds C Recognise the central role that to identified cultural infrastructure staffing plays in effective cultural outcomes infrastructure development and 4 Strategic partnerships for the management include cultural facilities development of private and not for development as part of place planning profit cultural facilities across the City process (Embroiders Guild, Club Five Dock etc) D Partner a range of providers to 5 Develop capacity of libraries as ensure the community has access to community cultural hubs appropriate affordable cultural facilities 6 Invest in new technology and staff E Provide cultural programs in existing training in libraries i.e. tablets, 3d facilities printing, collaborative creative space. F Seek strategic partnerships for 7 Ensure all new community facilities cultural facilities have wet/dry workshop space appropriate for visual arts and craft workshops and classes, with Rhodes Community Precinct a priority
Image: The NSW Embroiderers Guild Exhibition at Concord Library.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 22 2.3 Creative Industries
Definition: Creative industries
Creative industries include that part of the economy that is involved in the design, production or servicing of creative or knowledge based products. Definitions of creative industries tend to be inclusive and refer to the arts, design, architecture, fashion, publishing, advertising, events management, tourism, education and other linked areas.
Image: Story Time at Livvi’s Cafe in Timbrell Park, Five Dock.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 23 2.3 Creative Industries continued
Current Scenario Directions Opportunities
In the City of Canada Bay the Rhodes The considerable lifestyle benefits of A Recognising the locational needs 1 Consider creative industry Business Precinct is the key locality living in the City appear to be making of creative industries in local town opportunities as part of place planning for global creative industries with the area attractive to ‘footloose’ creative centres, regional and global business and making in Five Dock, Rhodes, multinational firms like Unisys, Hewlett workers. At a local level creative environments and working to meet Chiswick, Concord and Drummoyne Packard etc. The City’s close proximity industries include artists and designers, these needs as part of place programs. 2 Work with developers to ensure to both the centre of Sydney, Sydney craftspeople, music teachers, local (For example addressing building size, better provision of work/live housing in Olympic Park and the Inner West creative retail such as independent affordability, clustering and accessibility) new developments along with its ‘main road exposure’ are bookshops, photography stores, video B Recognising residential areas as new an attractor to a range of nationally retailers and other creative ventures. 3 Provide online support for creative work environments for home-based significant companies which design and Smaller studio clusters and workshops and home-based business creative workers and aim to increase market product manufactured elsewhere are included here, as are locally connectivity and resources in existing 4 Participate in the regional foreshore ( Nestle, Frucor, Light Matters etc). In based tourism ventures. Support for town centres for local workers and and Parramatta River tourism a similar way the extensive waterfront local artists, musicians, painters and working with developers to ensure better promotions co-ordinated by Destination is associated with a multidimensional craftspeople are desirable. Communities provision of work/live housing in new NSW and any similar programs ‘Harbour experience’ tourist industry continue to seek local opportunities developments including water tours such as Functions to enjoy cultural experiences and 5 Support libraries to provide a Afloat, waterfront clubs and restaurants, performances in small galleries and bars C Expanding both studio/workshop valuable local avenue to market for artist film locations for ‘the Wiggles’ to in tour town centres such as Five Dock. space and exhibition space for local (author talks, exhibitions and fairs) ‘Packed to the Rafters’ as well as more artists and designers Two metro level educational service 6 Develop an annual Civic Arts Prize/ traditional boating industries. providers, McDonald College and D Develop the capacity of City commission in partnership with the A growth area in the City has been Wesley College focus on the arts while a of Canada Bay to become a key Drummoyne Art Society provide a new in media and new technology number of private dance schools have a metropolitan stakeholder in water- art opportunity workers working from home. Here regional focus including Dorathy Cowie based/river edge tourism 7 Influence the outcomes of the the proliferation of niche markets and and Judy McCabe School of Dance. Parramatta Road Renewal program work specialisations enabled by new The growth of creative industries in the to deliver opportunities for creative technology is resulting in the capacity of area will be enabled Council’s ability to industries creative industry workers to work within continue to enhance the attractiveness the global or metro market from a small of the area as a place to live and work or home based office. coupled with the capacity to meet the locational needs of different industries.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 24 2.4 Place Making in Town Centres & The Urban Environment
Definition: Place Making
Place as a concept can be described as hubs/nodes where people live, work, shop, and play. Places are characterised by a range of users, economic and social activity which offer a range of services which meet the needs of both the residents and visitors. Places have a sense of identity, their boundaries are characterised by the point at which people’s sense of that identity is weakest. The urban environment is the most immediate cultural environment we experience. The neighbourhood and the town centre have a critical role in supporting everyday cultural identity as well as accommodating work and retail experiences. As our housing densities increase the quality of the urban environment is becoming more important to our sense of ourselves, our interactions with others and our cultural well-being. The belief that a ‘good neighbourhood’ is able to meet the needs of locals, workers and visitors is becoming more prevalent.
Image: Neighbourhood Voices Mural at North Strathfield by Olev Muska.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 25 2.4 Place Making in Town Centres & The Urban Environment continued
Current Scenario
The City of Canada Bay has become The Place program seeks to enhance an important residential growth area civic pride and community identity in inner Sydney with 14 distinctive through practical improvements to the centres. The residential growth has environment, community engagement, rejuvenated areas along the foreshore public art and cultural programs. and around key town centres such as Cultural interventions play an ongoing Drummoyne, North Strathfield, Mortlake role in both urban development and and the Rhodes Peninsula. Outcomes town centre renewal. In addition to include new retail, local employment, meeting basic needs centres should revived town centres, creative industries, offer attractive streetscape, accessibility, improved foreshore access and new integrated public art, celebrate local facilities as well an improved housing heritage and provide quality ‘people choice. spaces’. The role of the town centre in providing a distinctive cultural identity to suburbs is increasingly important. Desirable elements identified by our community include good local shopping, walkability, access to fresh food, opportunities to connect with people and places to relax and enjoy urban living. New work patterns mean the ability to shop for meals or enjoy entertaining after work is valued. The local centre is an important destination for everyone from families to people working from home, for seniors and young people alike.
Image: Street performer.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 26 2.4 Place Making in Town Centres & The Urban Environment continued
Directions Opportunities
A Recognise the role that town centres 1 Feature the entry to centres with play in fostering community cultural signage, banners and gateway art works identity and planning to maximise this celebrating identity function in the City of Canada Bay 2 Link the cultural plan in all place- B Support the link between economic, based and master planning work and social and cultural well being in place in particular include cultural objectives management outcomes and clear directions for public art and cultural facilities C Support the emerging role of creative industries in town centre renewal 3 Maintain support for place based cultural events the development of D Ensure early opportunities for cultural pop up programs in town considering and planning for desirable centres cultural outcomes in new development and urban renewal projects 4 Establish a thematic framework for art and design in each town centre to E Ensuring that public art and provide a portfolio of images, text and design are integrated into both photos for use in urban design and new development and town centre public art projects improvement work 5 Expand the cultural heritage walks in F Support the role of community centres programs, events, festival and gathering as part of town centre animation 6 Deliver the City of Canada Bay Public Art Plan and the Rhodes G Ensure that town centre heritage is Peninsula Public Art Plan articulated in the built environment and community spaces
Image: Italian cultural dancers.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 27 2.5 Local Environments & The Foreshore
Definition: Foreshore
Open spaces become distinctive because their purpose is specific and, the landscape is attractive or there are cultural destinations and this distinctiveness supports identity and interaction, which in turn strengthens the cultural fabric of the community. Parks, sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails tracks, foreshores and wharves are places where people gather in formal and
casual settings to exercise, eat, Image: The Observatory at Cabarita Park developed by Heidi Axelsen and celebrate and simply relax. Hugo Moline.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 28 2.5 Local Environments & The Foreshore continued
Current Scenario
The City of Canada Bay has a It redresses the gap within the The City also relies upon related spectacular 38kms of winding river storylines of the shoreline, recording plans, the Recreation Study and the frontage, inlets, bays and headlands its importance in Indigenous and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study and 130 parks. The waterfront has new settler history, the development and Management Plan, to assist in an increasingly cultural focus with of greater Sydney and the future the future planning, conservation and riverside parks, businesses, walk/bike sustainability of the many communities development of the City’s natural tracks, wharves and jetties providing an who live and engage with the river’s environment. important recreational focus for both edge. It provides opportunities, new and older communities. On the locations and suggestions for cultural water the River cat, water tours, boat, exploration along the foreshore. rowing, regattas, marinas, fishing and The foreshores have long been the water sports are a lively part of the life locations for large-scale public of city. Public and private access to the events such as inter school regattas, waterways includes Sydney Olympic corporate picnics and festivals. Park, Cabarita, Abbotsford, Chiswick Improving facilities in parks and the and Drummoyne wharves. Yaralla and foreshore will encourage more cultural Rivendell are significant recreational and connections. Engaging with local heritage sites, attracting visitors through schools, environment groups, church open days, picnics and Opera in the Park. and cultural organisations can develop In 2012 Council developed the Riverside active participation, community capacity Scoping study to set the direction and local ownership in the community. for re-interpreting the river foreshore Restoration projects with Bush Care as it stretches from Iron Cove to groups and local schools should Homebush Bay. The scoping study also be widely promoted to extend broadly identifies sites and stories environmental education throughout the associated with the southern foreshores community. of Parramatta River that have social, cultural, economic and environmental heritage significance to the area.
Image: Performers in the Park.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 29 2.5 Local Environments & The Foreshore continued
Directions Opportunities
A Develop a staged cultural program to E Expand the capacity of outdoor 1 Continue to develop the series of 6 Continue to create specific character enhance key natural environments and venues to accommodate a range of artworks at key sites along the foreshore in local parks i.e. identify parks best the foreshore areas cultural events suited for off leash areas, environmental 2 Work with Sydney Harbour education programs, tree lighting, small B Use the Parramatta River to create F Work with the Aboriginal community Foreshore Authority, Arts NSW, Sydney arts markets strong cultural linkages between key on interpreting and managing key sites Olympic Park Authority, Bay Run sites between the City and Parramatta Partners (Leichhardt and Ashfield 7 Develop pop ups, food vans, kiosks G Develop cultural projects to interpret Councils who we have a joint working and cafes in parks to encourage people C Ensure cultural input in the early environmental issues and educate the relationship established with an MOU) to gather and expanded social networks stages of planning and design of public community alongside Parramatta and other ‘River’ places to promote distinctiveness and 8 Commission indigenous arts and H Support Council’s goals for Councils to develop a regional focus to authenticity cultural interpretation at key sites as environmental sustainability through the river identified in the Aboriginal Cultural D Involve local communities in public arts and cultural initiative by fostering 3 Package and promote cultural Heritage Study art, place making and urban design appreciation, knowledge and experiences in collaboration with river projects to create more vibrant and responsibility for our environment 9 Engage local schools and tour boats and transport providers and meaningful environments through the use of artistic and cultural communities in regeneration projects, visitors to the City practices. community gardens and landscape 4 Catalogue, preserve and highlight projects trees through lighting, and interpretive 10 Liaise with libraries, schools, and public art environment projects officers to develop 5 Integrate recommendations and integrated environmental education features from the Riverside Scoping projects focussed on specific local Study into developing master plans for places such as the mangrove swamps parks and reserves and engage cultural planners and /or artists in the early stages of planning and design of public places to enable integrated artwork and cultural interpretation through the place program
Image: Tribal Warrior performing for NAIDOC Week.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 30 2.6 Cultural Heritage
Define: Cultural Heritage
Understanding and preserving the past provides a context to a community and helps to shape its future. The distinctive identity of a place is expressed through its buildings, streetscapes and natural environments, experienced through authentic community activities and remembered through local images and stories.
Image: Korean Drumming Group at the Rhodes Moon Festival 2014.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 31 2.6 Cultural Heritage continued
Context
The City has significant Aboriginal The local studies centre at Five Dock, cultural heritage which has been Friends of Yaralla and the City of identified in the Aboriginal Cultural Canada Bay Heritage societies hold Heritage Study 2006. Council seeks to significant historical information and protect and enhance these culturally assets, which continue to be catalogued, significant sites, and is deepening valued, interpreted, preserved and relationships with the Metropolitan promoted to both established and Aboriginal Land Council. It is also emerging communities. The digitisation working with Aboriginal artists and the of the records, memories, images and community to commission interpretive artefacts is increasingly important and a artworks, environmental and cultural growing body of accessible information initiatives. through which the community accesses the local and personal heritage. The City of Canada Bay’s location halfway between Parramatta and Yaralla and Rivendell are significant sites, Sydney has driven its continued growth. already attracting visitors through open The transport industry both by road days, picnics, Opera in the Park and the and river, Longbottom Stockade prison Rivendell Recitals series. These historic complex and related accommodation Estates are a rare feature in the urban industries contributed to the rapid landscape and offer a rich resource for development of the area. The river historical research, cultural activities and frontage sustained many industries creative interpretation. which in turn attracted workers homes and villages. This complex and layered cultural heritage can be a catalyst for meaningful interpretation and unique creative solutions for the area. As residential development occurs on old industrial sites, Council can encourage interpretive artworks, landscape features and negotiate agreements for public art Image: Live mural painting inclusions with developers. by Irene Feleo.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 32 2.6 Cultural Heritage continued
Directions Opportunities
In general, a more strategic approach D Identify and address gaps in oral Seek opportunities and partners to Develop heritage markers in the to promote heritage sites, facilities, histories and gathering information from implement Riverside Scoping Study natural and urban environment with services and programs would invigorate older residents before this knowledge programs interpretive features, walking trails, the cultural identity of the City of is lost public art and cultural identifiers that Coordinate a series of cultural events Canada Bay. reflect the past E Manage and interpreting cultural along the foreshores including chalk A Work with the Aboriginal community material from historical estates and key drawings, air painters, music stops and Develop contemporary expressions on sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage industrial sites to provide a rich resource spoken word soapboxes of past stories, people and places such as Rodd Point, Sisters Bay and for contemporary arts projects and through place programs at Five Dock, Work with Sydney Harbour Rocky Point in relation to management public art features. Rhodes and Chiswick Foreshore Authority, Arts NSW, Sydney and creation of interpretive artworks F Protect and enhance sites such as Olympic Park Authority, Leichhardt Consider waterfront sites such exploring Aboriginal culture and Yaralla through interpretive artworks, Council, Ashfield Council, Parramatta as ferry wharves, foreshore walks developing understanding and cultural events and creative projects to Council and other ‘River’ Councils and marinas to enhance historical community awareness generate greater community awareness, to develop a regional focus to the and functional links to the city for B Celebrate the City of Canada Bay as increase public activity and secure its foreshore cultural projects commuters, day trippers and tourists a place with a diverse industrial, social future as a community asset alike Partnering with the NSW Department and cultural history which needs to be G Develop contemporary expressions of Health and Community Advisory Participate in history and heritage recorded and reflected in the physical of past stories, people and places and Committee Yaralla, opportunities for week to improve community environment public sites for the collection and display healthy lifestyles through creative understanding and awareness of our C Build an awareness of the past of local heritage material programs, cultural events, artists’ past through creative heritage projects to residencies and educational tours develop community awareness and Package and promote cultural public activity regarding local heritage experiences in collaboration with river tour boats and transport providers
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 33 2.7 Community Cultures
Definition: Community Cultures
Community cultures express who we are, how we live and what is unique about our way of life. Building cultural capacity improves the quality of life and sense of belonging for individuals and wider community. Strong communities have sustainable connections, trust, cooperation and common purposes, which can be nurtured through opportunities to tell stories, to build creative skills, and to be active participants in the development of local culture.
Image: Terra Kitchen Italian cooking demonstration at Terra Gusto in Five Dock.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 34 2.7 Community Cultures continued
Current Scenario
The large proportion of Culturally and The services they offer include outreach The City celebrates the diversity of The inner west is home to different Linguistically Diverse communities programs, children’s activities, creative local cultures through community Aboriginal language groups with already residing and continuing to move practises education, author talks, art festivals and events such as Ferragosto, contemporary cultural practices into the City of Canada Bay are an exhibitions, home lending, online Concord Carnival and Chinese New and many artists contributing to the invaluable source of cultural diversity services and CALD resources. Year Celebrations. The community have cultural life of the city. The signing of and global networks. recommended that these events remain the Principles of Co-operation with Library staff require ongoing training authentic and culturally distinctive, but the Local Metropolitan Aboriginal Our population has increased with and resourcing to continue to provide include more local arts and cultural Land Council, development of cultural more residents living in higher density responsive programs and latest products. Young people are a growing protocols, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage communities such as Breakfast Point technology services to the community. demographic in the City of Canada Bay Study and Management Plan are and Rhodes. The potential exists for The City’s commitment to increase with many engaged in the creative arts. important initiatives for the City in new communities to remain isolated and access through ‘The Connection’ at The 16 local schools offer numerous terms of maintenance, restoration and older areas may feel that new suburbs Rhodes Community Precinct and creative initiatives such as Eisteddfods, interpretation of key cultural sites. have no continuity with the existing the conservatory at Cabarita Park is hip hop, break dancing and debating culture. Participation in local activities a significant investment increasing clubs. contributes to a more engaged, skilled, opportunities for our Community. and vibrant community and this is a In our globally connected world, priority for the wider place program. people have fewer opportunities to Creative projects take place through celebrate local identity, to maintain small grants programs, youth arts support networks and establish diverse programs, and annual events such as relationships. Arts and cultural projects Seniors’ Week. can play a significant role in breaking The Library plays an important role in down social barriers, building new providing arts and cultural services, communities and assist in community facilities and activities for young and old cohesion. Engaging with early migrant alike. The recent focus on promotion communities from the Mediterranean and creating more flexible spaces for and more recent arrivals from South activities is increasing participation. East Asia encourages community awareness and celebrates cultural diversity.
Image: Folk singer performance at Terra Gusto in Five Dock.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 35 2.7 Community Cultures continued
Directions Opportunities
A Extend cultural programming to 1 Initiate a ‘neighbourhood stories’ 8 Coordinate and curate local arts facilitate community relationships and programs between old and new exhibitions at libraries and City of enhance the quality of life for residents residents, and migrant stories etc as Canada Bay Museum across and in both new and established part of place programs and local studies 9 Continue to involve community, areas programs cultural and educational groups into B Expand the capacity of libraries to 2 Plan an annual program of public Council events to showcase more deliver a range of cultural information talks and debates about topical and performers, artisans and cultural groups and programs cultural issues, talks, workshops at 10 Continue to translate community libraries C Build community awareness and information into main languages and participation for cultural activities 3 Offer an annual program and range promote Council’s interpreter services of resources for children and literacy throughout the community D Recognise opportunities to celebrate development programs multicultural activity and ensuring 11 Promote and expand sites and inclusion of culturally and linguistically 4 Increase staff and financial resources facilities for creative training diverse communities in initiatives for library outreach programs 12 Provide cultural awards as part of E Assist intercultural and 5 Market the libraries program to the Sustainability Awards program and intergenerational community led residents across media and audience Cultural Citizen of the Year recognition projects and address the specific needs types to recognise and reward significant for young people to develop new skills cultural contributions of residents 6 Publicise and promote Library
access programs and available 13 Participate in regional planning and Image: Street performers Culturally and Linguistically Diverse development networks for cultural in Five Dock. resources including books, journals, developm magazines and reading groups
7 Extend creative intergenerational programs with schools and the Men’s Shed etc.
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 36 City of Canada Bay Cultural Plan
City Of Canada Bay Cultural Plan 37