Col was born in the NSW town of Walcha and he studied architecture at the then Sydney Technical College, which was later absorbed by the University of New South Wales. He was strongly influenced by a number of European architects, including Van Eych and Bakema of the Netherlands who were challenging prominent architects who focussed their skills serving the rich, rather than those who desperately needed housing. “Turn on the lights and regard the anonymous clients,” said Van Eych. Inspired by their example, Col won a scholarship to Harvard University in the USA and worked in Bakema’s studio.
When he came back to Sydney, Col initiated a collaborative named “Archanon” which was focussed on clients requiring special help. He worked with many community leaders in the Redfern area, including Ted Kennedy, Mum Shirl and Bob and Kaye Bellear and with various local community services. His tireless efforts for the Pemulwuy Project on The Block were possibly the most significant of these efforts. In fact, the first new building there, and possibly the oldest remaining in any development on The Block, is the gymnasium, which was designed by Col James.
He had significant connections with the radical communities around Nimbin. After the National Union of Students organised the Aquarius Festival, Col was involved in the planning of a variety of camping and housing facilities for the eventually ongoing community that moved into that area.
One of Col’s most significant contributions was his focus on transforming old factories and other commercial buildings into homes for people, rather than having them pulled down for other developments. Often these places were occupied by squatters – homeless people. One of his first efforts in this direction was his conversion of an air compressor factory in Shepherd Street, Darlington. He himself shared this residence with nine other people. There was also the Stucco in Wilson Street, Newtown, which lives on as affordable housing for young people.
His work with various bodies like the Builders Labourer’s Federation during the green ban period and his appointment by then government minister, Tom Uren, as resident advocate for the development of Woolloomooloo, also added much to the life of many people.
Col had a great influence in academia and student life in both the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. He also spent some time in London studying the use of vacant buildings by the homeless in Britain and Europe.
As a very humble man, the last thing he would ever do would be to give publicity to his various awards. However, we would like to honour them. He was a member of the Order of Australia, a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, a Life Member of Shelter, he received the University of Sydney Alumni Award for Community Service, the Australian Housing Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as many others.
We grieve his going, mourn our loss, remember Karine and Zoe and other members of his family who love him, and celebrate a man whose life sets an example for us all – one lived with true humility, grace, justice and a strong commitment to community. Valé dear Col.
Tributes
We are very sad to announce the death of Col James. Col was one of Shelter NSW’s longest-term members, our first life member. For as long as any of us can remember, Col worked “to make housing a verb” – he was a doer, an innovator who contributed his considerable skills and knowledge to create new forms of housing that take account of individual and community needs. Col will by hugely missed by many.
– Mary Perkins
Executive Officer, Shelter NSW
And so we mourn the passing of our comrade, Col James.
Col was a remarkable man in ways too numerous to adequately account for here. His efforts to have sustainable, affordable and appropriate housing universally recognised for what it represents – the foundation upon which all positive life outcomes are built – were both ceaseless and highly regarded, as was his work with Sydney’s Indigenous communities.
Many people, most far more articulate than this scribe, will no doubt list Col’s activities and achievements in great detail. I certainly hope that’s the case, because they are many and noteworthy. But what they may not mention, perhaps because they have a far greater sense of decorum than I, is that Col was a bit of an old bugger too!
Many’s the time I watched that huge smile erupt across his face, and a certain glint developed in his eyes, as if to foreshadow that some poor naïve and misinformed politician or public servant was about to have her/his world well and truly rocked with a few housing and social justice realities. I will miss those moments!
Col James was the essence of intellect, integrity, tolerance and sincerity, carried with a quiet dignity that sometimes had a sting in its tail. He was also living proof that sometimes the good guys wear the black hats.
The terms “elder statesman”, “tireless campaigner” and even “warrior” are often used to describe people like Col, and justifiably so. The fruits of their selfless labours are often unquantifiable until decades after their passing. But as I reflect on my old pal and his contributions to the cause we all feel so strongly about, the epithet that comes most readily to mind is “gentleman”, and I find myself hoping that Australia has not lost the art of producing gentlemen of Col’s calibre.
Our hearts go out to Col’s wife Karine, their family and friends at this sad time.
– Garry Mallard OAM
Coordinator, The National Tenant Support Network and The Coorabin
It is with sadness that I rise to speak on the motion of condolence for the late Col James. My thoughts are with Col’s family and friends in this moment of grief.
Col was a kind-hearted, spirited, and compassionate human, and dedicated much of his life to the improvement of others through his profession as an architect.
He was the archetypal activist-academic, bringing to bear his intellectual creativity and professional training to improve the lives of those in his community.
His work with the former South Sydney Council on affordable and social housing was pioneering; a clear example of the responsibility thrust upon those more fortunate to rise to the challenges of modern society and, by working together with government and the community, create a more just and fair society for all.
An honorary member of the Builders Labourers Federation, Col supported the green bans of the 1970s in Darlington and Redfern, helping to preserve our City’s heritage and fight the good fight, despite threats against his life.
Whilst the world will be the poorer because of his departure, the lives of the people that he helped to transform – the poor, the homeless, the dispossessed, the voiceless, and the outcast – are richer. And our community is richer for it too.
– Councillor Linda Scott
City of Sydney Council
