The first Green Bans Art Walk notes and pictures
Lionel Bawden, one of the directors of First Draft Gallery/Depot came along to the first day of the Green Bans Art Walk, and took the following pictures.
The captions are also compiled by him. Thanks so much Lionel, for the photos and for all your hard work helping out with the project!
Michael Davies, discusses his ‘Map Of Fitzroy Ward’ 1971, and the social implications of & the genesis of the map project. Pre digital endless hours of hand drawn map and Letraset text. Great work with powerful impact on local knowledge of developer land purchases!
Local resident Phillip Boulton (right) drawing our attention to some often overlooked details and stories of Woolloomooloo talking with Lucas Ihlein of Big Fag Press (left).
architect of the community housing at Nellie Stewart Square-Michael Dysart, Nellie Stewart Square is affectionately referred to as ‘The Posh’ by the locals, due to it’s gorgeous environment and safe haven for kids to play, totally away from the streets in the heart of The Loo. The gorgeous stone in the walls was reclaimed from the area itself. Despite interest from Harry M miller to buy two of the houses for premium dollar upon completion- all went to people on the list for community housing and some re-settlement of previously dislocated ex locals.
Key Project member and local Woolloomooloo resident- Stacey Miers (in the green bans t-shirt) discusses some of the history of the housing around Sir Dennis Winston Place.
Artist Christopher Dean discusses the sculpture ‘Aphrodite’ by Margel Hinder, in the park at Sir Dennis Winston Place.
Big Fag Press artist- Mickie Quick discusses the local history of resident/ artist actions in the hood.
Artist Ian Milliss (active community member and artist around the time of the demolition rebuilding of Victoria St), discusses the great local character Mick Fowler (last resident to stay in Victoria St among considerable ongoing violence from developers)near his memorial plaque at the Butler stairs.
Artist Ian Milliss shows an old image of the house where Mick Fowler lived as we stand in front of it at 115 Victoria St, Kings Cross
The walking group arrives at The Cross Arts Projects
Project initiator and curator Jo Holder- director of The Cross Arts Projects discusses the awesome history of Green Bans and the genesis of the project to celebrate 40 years of Green bans. artwork on wall behind, original watercolours by Fiona MacDonald referencing historical material.
Living legend Jack Mundey (BLF secretary who oversaw 50 Green Bans during his time as secretary including Victoria St and Woolloomooloo.) “ecology has to become part of all planning…and all political thinking”
Peter McClelland President of the CFMEU (current incarnation of the BLF) still taking action to save urban areas for the people.
City of Sydney Councillor Marcelle Hoff and resident Stacey Miers at The Cross Arts Projects launch
Weekend at Firstdraft. Cat and Fran dish out snags at the Launch of Green Bans Art Walk at Firstdraft Depot Project Space
Welcome to Firstdraft Depot!
Opening Speaker- Edmund campion- longtime local priest and secretary of Woolloomooloo Resident Action Group Secretary at time of Green Bans is introduced by Big Fag Artist Lucas Ihlein.
Project artist Marian Hardman (nee Marrison) discusses the photographs she took to document Green Bans back in the mid 70’s- on show at Firstdraft Depot project space and some of the inspiring locals she documented. also mentioned how some things gain significance over time and how powerful it was to be given the opportunity to revisit the project.
Opening Speaker- Edmund campion- longtime local priest and secretary of Woolloomooloo Resident Action Group Secretary at time of Green Bans, shares great stories of the formation of the Woolloomooloo Resident Action Group and the building of momentum, struggle and support for Green Bans.
Great man- Jim Owens of the BLF gave a heart rending speech listing all the men and women who gave so much of themselves in harsh dangerous circumstances to make Green Bans happen, he recalled strong figures and quiet powerful committed men and women who worked tirelessly to protect their local environment for future generations- the rich legacy left for us who can enjoy these spaces now, many of whom have sadly died over the years. Cheers to everyone involved. The impacts of all the hard work makes this a much more liveable city!