Thursday, May 8, 2025
HomeOpinionEditorialThe strength of our villages

The strength of our villages

Local community is everything.

In South Sydney, our villages – Redfern, Waterloo, Erskineville, Alexandria, Surry Hills and beyond – are built on deep relationships, shared struggles and collective hope. We acknowledge the fundamental goodness of Gadigal country. Alongside Aboriginal Elders, we are reminded to keep showing up, supporting inclusive programs and strengthening our connections.

Advocating for Aboriginal self-determination means listening, learning and standing together for justice. Housing is a right, not a privilege. Green spaces must remain places of rest and renewal, not lost to overdevelopment. Access to trustworthy news keeps us informed and strong communities defend this right. Health and wellbeing – physical, mental and spiritual – flourish in supportive environments where everyone belongs.

The forces of greed and division want us disconnected, but we resist by working together, celebrating culture and lifting each other up. When we enjoy the work, it becomes a joy, not a burden. The power of community is in the small, everyday acts – joining a resident action group, volunteering with others on an art project, checking in on a neighbour, showing up for a protest, sharing a meal or planting a tree.

Stay strong, stay engaged and keep building the world we want to live in. Together, our villages will thrive.

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