New Safe Space On Oxford Street

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 31st October, 2007

City of Sydney and ACON today announced a new drop-in safe space will be opened at 60 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst – across the road from the Midnight Shift – to address increasing incidents of homophobic violence and abuse in the area.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the City had agreed to lease a recently vacated shop front in a Council-owned building to ACON for use as a night-time Safe Space for the gay community.

““Following discussions with ACON, the City has agreed to provide the premises free of charge for ACON to use on a nightly basis,”” Ms Moore said. ““The Safe Space will act as a refuge for people who feel threatened or abused.”

““Residents continue to report assaults, robberies and anti-social behaviour associated with large late night licensed premises. There are ongoing reports of serious problems and people tell me that they fear for their safety.”
“
“This Safe Space is a positive step and complements the City’s Oxford Street Safety Strategy which has provided seven CCTV cameras, better cleansing, upgraded lighting and increased patrols by City Rangers.”

““’I’’m pleased that Surry Hills Local Area Police Commander, Superintendent Darryl Donnelly has agreed to meet with ACON representatives and City Staff to discuss the operation of the Safe Space, and to work with us to help keep volunteers safe and ensure the success of the project.””

ACON CEO, Stevie Clayton thanked the Lord Mayor for the Council’’s support for the project and clear commitment to reducing violence in the area.

“”ACON through its Lesbian & Gay Anti-Violence Project has been working closely with Council for some time to tackle violence in and around Oxford St and the opening of the new community shop front marks a major new step in that process,”” Ms Clayton said.

““The space will operate initially on Friday and Saturday nights between 11pm and 5am, the peak time for homophobic violence and expand as more volunteers sign up and more community groups come on board,”” she added.

The space will be a safe place for people to report violence and to wait for a response from the Police and ambulance services. The space will be staffed by volunteers who will be fully trained on responding to victims of homophobic violence.

Anyone interested in volunteering in the space can contact ACON on (02) 9206 2066 or email charris@acon.org.au.

Your Thoughts

Brad

said ages ago

what a great idea!

genkij

said ages ago

free make up ?? some of those street horrors need it !!

Harley

said ages ago

You left off the second page of the media release: "Under the agreement, ACON will lease the premises free of charge from the City of Sydney on a trial basis until after Mardi Gras. The City s currently investigating possible day time uses for the space including exhibition of local, community information."

Christian Taylor

said ages ago

whoops. thanks for that harley.

FlipX[disabled]

said ages ago

Why not extend it into a permanent drop-in spot staffed by a skeleton crew of police from the Surry Hills station?

AussieG

said ages ago

This city has gone to shit.

Stevie Boy

said ages ago

I actually had a bizarre dream about something similar to this the other night, before this was announced. I was walking up Oxford Street and there was this entire new strip of quaint little independently owned shops. It was a new development funded by Sydney City Council and was designed to promote gay businesses. There was a gay specialty travel agent, gift shop and a bunch of other gay friendly businesses. Their leases were apparantley being heavily subsidised. It was a very happy arrangement and it gave Oxford Street a new lease on life with a real community feel. And then I woke up

AussieG

said ages ago

Yes, definately a dream.

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