welcome
  

The 'stone shed' once an ammunition store

The Land and it's First People

The site of the Addison Road Centre (ARC) in the suburb of Marrickville was once natural wetlands known as the Gumbramorra Swamp which was drained in 1890. The original residents of this area were the Cadigal Wangal People who lived in the area for more than 40,000 years. The Cadigal were a clan of the Darug people and spoke the coastal Eora language. Clans of the area included the Wangal, the Kameygal and the Bediagal. More information can be found here and especially the Cadigal Wangal website here also.

Incredibly, despite massive disruption to the First Australians through colonisation, we believe there are still descendants of the Cadigal alive today living in this area.

  

Local farmland for market gardens

There is evidence of a stables and hayloft on the site (which is now the main office, gallery and studios) possibly related to farming or army barracks

The Addsion Road Centre started life as a farm which became an army barracks in 1913 and remained in use by the military until after the Vietnam War. The car park today was in fact the parade ground. There are other indications of the past

  • The main office building was in fact a converted stables (notice the doors and loft remnants of that time;
  • Brick lock up for an old armoury
  • The large boom gates generally not in use today;
  • The 'stone shed' which actually was the ammunition store;
  • The large warehouse style buildings made of galvanised iron sheeting.
  

Main office building, a converted stables

Community use

After the decommissioning of the barracks in the early 1970's, the space was given over to community uses including as an immigration centre and then general community centre in 1976.

Recent history of the Addison Road Community Centre (ARC)

  • During the 1990's the ARC recognised its major role was to improve the management of the site and its facilities for the benefit of members and the wider community, and to ensure that the centre remained with the community. The ARC took a number of important steps during this period:
  • In 1998 it reformed its governance structure, replacing a management committee comprising a representative of each member organisation with a smaller Board that includes 4 Directors elected from members, 2 Directors elected by members who are honorary members (community representatives) and Marrickville Council [This structure itself has also been amended and refined in 2005].
  • Over 2000 and 2001 the ARC prepared a corporate plan that focussed on securing the future of the site, and connecting it with the wider community and developed a plan of management to provide a framework for improving the quality of the site;
  • In 2001 it changes its name to reflect the evolving character of the centre; and
  • The ARC was granted a 50 year lease in 2003 by the NSW State Government ensuring its ongoing role in the life of the Inner West, Sydney and Australia generally. The ARC is a major contributor to social capital in the inner west of Sydney but also makes a significant contribution to the economy with over 100 people employed by member organisations at the centre.
  • Today ARC, in consultation with current members, associate members and friends have envisioned a new 5 year plan based on the unique cultural diversity at the Centre. Issues of governance and process, infrastructure and events, ideas and designs have been incorporated into our vision that reflects the people and organisations. [This section covers the centre story over the last 30 years up until today and has many gaps especially 1970-1995. If you have interesting history to contribute to this section please contact the ARC here]