Clean Slate and National Centre of Indigenous Excellence Redfern

23rd September, 2017

On Friday 22 September 2017 I was honoured to be hosted by the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, Sydney NSW.

If you're not aware, in 2004 Redfurn erupted in violence with the Redfern Riots, and as a result changed the lives and outlook of many in its community, not least families and children.

A program called "Clean Slate" was introduced and is supported by the NSW Police Redfern Local Area Commander Detective Superintendent Luke Frudenstein, Patrick Aboud the Governor of NSW Long Bay Prison and Colonel Stephen Fomiatti of the Australian Army.

Clean Slate is a program that helps the local children as three days a week, Redfern's youth and children attend the program, exercise and learn boxing, followed by breakfast, aboriginal language classes and finally get ready for, and are transported to school.

The program has been a huge success, and with the support of the local residents Redfurn is now a thriving community. No more evident was this when the Australian Army hosted the Redfurn community and program, so we all went to Victoria Barracks and the army's Physical Training officers put everyone through their paces.

Philip thoroughly appreciated being involved in the Clean Slate Program and at how, with the support of the NSW Police, NSW Prisons, the Australian Army, Tribul Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and the National Centre of indigenous Excellence has made a real difference to the community of Redfurn. There's lessons to be learnt here, and thank you to everyone involved in the program, and for welcoming and hosting me.

Philip Couper