Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service denied building after more than 25-year plea
The Archdiocese of Sydney rejected the Aboriginal Medical Service's 25-year plea to lease the Turner Street building.
The Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) Redfern has worked from a Turner Street building for 55 years. The Archdiocese of Sydney has refused to give or lease it, despite decades of requests.
The Archdiocese rejected a detailed 13,200-word proposal. It gave a brief 300-word email response from one of its officials.
Ownership would give the AMS operational certainty. It would create a healthier balance sheet.
It would improve chances of getting capital funding for urgent renovations and mental health service expansion. Some floor sections risk caving in under weight.
The refusal contrasts sharply with the Sisters of Mercy. They donated a Redfern school and convent to the AMS in 1978 as a reconciliation gesture.
The church owns property worth billions across Sydney. This includes a $97 million office building recently bought.
A Liverpool Street property was sold for $275 million.
- 55
- Years AMS in building
- 25+
- Years of requests
- $97 million
- Elizabeth Street purchase
- $275 million
- Liverpool Street sale
Why it mattersThe church makes public statements about reconciliation with Indigenous Australians. Its refusal to support this iconic health service tests those statements.
AustraliaAn internationally recognised Indigenous health pioneer in Sydney faces operational uncertainty while serving some of the city's most vulnerable people.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
