Eviction threatened on Eveleigh Street

Eviction threatened on Eveleigh Street

By Chris Spindler

SYDNEY — The Redfern Aboriginal Housing Company is threatening to evict a family of eight from 54 Eveleigh Street, Redfern.

Robyn and Victor Hookey had stated they would pay rent owing (two months), and continue to pay on a regular basis. The Housing Company has refused to accept the Hookeys' guarantee, which was forwarded in a letter.

In the seven months that the Hookeys have lived in number 54, no original rent receipts have been forwarded for rent paid, and no repairs have been made on the house, which, among other problems, has huge holes in the walls and floorboards.

The Hookeys, and other residents of Eveleigh Street, are demanding that receipts be forwarded for rent paid and that repairs be started. For years, virtually no work has been done.

Victor Hookey likened the eviction to the Housing Company's plans to break up the Aboriginal community in Redfern by demolishing the houses in Eveleigh Street for commercial properties.

In response, the Redfern Aboriginal Housing Coalition is mounting a campaign against this and other proposed evictions and to demand that the company provide safe, clean housing.

From GLW issue 295