Event: SUNDAY
Join the celebration at Millers Point Spring Picnic
"Trodden but not down, battered but not beaten, shunned but not forgotten."
Millers Point history and its community began on 1788 where it was first occupied for thousands of years by the Cadigal Aboriginal tribe.
Initially white settlers were deterred by its muddy and rugged shores but the place proved to be ideal for windmills. Three wooden mills were run by an ex-convict named John Leighton. The area was originally called Jack the Millers Point then later Millers Point.
Coves and Wharves were built around Millers Point circa 1800 when space around Sydney had become scarce. It brought merchants, wharf owners, ship captains, and labourers. The commercial activities and the gold rush brought prosperities to Millers Point.
Initially white settlers were deterred by its muddy and rugged shores but the place proved to be ideal for windmills. Three wooden mills were run by an ex-convict named John Leighton. The area was originally called Jack the Millers Point then later Millers Point.
Coves and Wharves were built around Millers Point circa 1800 when space around Sydney had become scarce. It brought merchants, wharf owners, ship captains, and labourers. The commercial activities and the gold rush brought prosperities to Millers Point.
Workers were mainly male and came from different countries. The centre of activities were mostly around the wharves but work was seasonal and irregular.
In the early 1900's bubonic plague hit Sydney. It was carried by rats from ships that docked the area. Arthur Payne was the first known infected person. He was a van driver from Millers Point.
The state government took control of the waterfront including Millers Point and has since owned and administered the suburb.
It was the year 1914 when World War 1 broke out, disrupting the growth of Millers Point. A hundred of Millers Point workers were unemployed. Hickson road became known as the "The Hungry Mile". Families shared whatever food, clothing and money they had.
But the economy improved and development from the post-war era meant work at the wharves became regular.
By then The Maritime Services Board oversaw the management of the housing estate. Tenancies were passed down from one family to another hence cementing the spirit among the community throughout the generations to come.
Neighbour's became someone else's Aunty or Uncle. Brotherhood and sisterhood among peers are common.
Children were free to roam the streets and everyone looked out for each other.
In the 60's and 70's the construction boom hit Sydney. The Rocks re-development threatened to force out the public housing estate. Darling Harbour and The rocks became a tourist destination putting great pressure on Millers Point.
Housing NSW took control from The Maritime Services Board.
The Carr government in 2003 announced that work around the Port would end and the historic wharves adjacent to Millers Point would be turned into a precinct now called Barangaroo.
By 2006 the Iemma labour government announced the 99 year lease of 16 Millers Point properties, then was sold two years later saying the revenue will contribute to the housing budget.
Supposedly a one-off, but in 2010 a further 20 properties were sold off for more than $1 million each.
On March 2014, The O'Farrell government announced that 300 public housing will be sold off at Millers Point, The Rocks and Gloucester Street - hence the re-location of the tenants.
So where does that leave the generations of families that made up this close knit community?
It could have easily become a scene from a movie called Road to Perdition or The People's Power Revolution.
Instead hundreds of Millers Point residents took to the streets and crammed a community hall to discuss the eviction to no avail. It's a case of David and Goliath.
The anger that seethes in the heart at being told to leave your home is unfathomable. How can you explain to your grandma or grandpa that they have no homes and will be shifted to some unfamiliar territory. For some it could mean a death sentence.
On July 2014, the government had announced the sale of the first six heritage properties. Similar free-hold properties are said to be sold for at least $3 million each. Millers Point is deemed to become one of the most exclusive suburbs in Sydney.
For this formidable close-knit community, the battle to keep their heritage is not yet over. To show their solidarity, express their renewed strength and to celebrate the people that carved an important part to this historic nation, a picnic event will be held at the Community Centre & Argyle Place Millers Point and everyone is invited.
The expansive greenery will be littered with market stalls, mural art and art displays. There will be live music, motivational speakers, garden games, stories, dancing, face painting and more.
It will be a celebration of survival, resilience and being a strong and proud Australian. That in spite of adversities they will rise and will never be forgotten.
Let's mark the 14th of September 2014 on our calendar and with our loved ones in tow, let's head to Millers Point, and give our support, join the celebration of life and heritage with the community of Miller's Point.
The event starts from 10AM till 4PM.
In the early 1900's bubonic plague hit Sydney. It was carried by rats from ships that docked the area. Arthur Payne was the first known infected person. He was a van driver from Millers Point.
The state government took control of the waterfront including Millers Point and has since owned and administered the suburb.
It was the year 1914 when World War 1 broke out, disrupting the growth of Millers Point. A hundred of Millers Point workers were unemployed. Hickson road became known as the "The Hungry Mile". Families shared whatever food, clothing and money they had.
But the economy improved and development from the post-war era meant work at the wharves became regular.
By then The Maritime Services Board oversaw the management of the housing estate. Tenancies were passed down from one family to another hence cementing the spirit among the community throughout the generations to come.
Neighbour's became someone else's Aunty or Uncle. Brotherhood and sisterhood among peers are common.
Children were free to roam the streets and everyone looked out for each other.
In the 60's and 70's the construction boom hit Sydney. The Rocks re-development threatened to force out the public housing estate. Darling Harbour and The rocks became a tourist destination putting great pressure on Millers Point.
Housing NSW took control from The Maritime Services Board.
The Carr government in 2003 announced that work around the Port would end and the historic wharves adjacent to Millers Point would be turned into a precinct now called Barangaroo.
By 2006 the Iemma labour government announced the 99 year lease of 16 Millers Point properties, then was sold two years later saying the revenue will contribute to the housing budget.
Supposedly a one-off, but in 2010 a further 20 properties were sold off for more than $1 million each.
On March 2014, The O'Farrell government announced that 300 public housing will be sold off at Millers Point, The Rocks and Gloucester Street - hence the re-location of the tenants.
So where does that leave the generations of families that made up this close knit community?
It could have easily become a scene from a movie called Road to Perdition or The People's Power Revolution.
Instead hundreds of Millers Point residents took to the streets and crammed a community hall to discuss the eviction to no avail. It's a case of David and Goliath.
The anger that seethes in the heart at being told to leave your home is unfathomable. How can you explain to your grandma or grandpa that they have no homes and will be shifted to some unfamiliar territory. For some it could mean a death sentence.
On July 2014, the government had announced the sale of the first six heritage properties. Similar free-hold properties are said to be sold for at least $3 million each. Millers Point is deemed to become one of the most exclusive suburbs in Sydney.
For this formidable close-knit community, the battle to keep their heritage is not yet over. To show their solidarity, express their renewed strength and to celebrate the people that carved an important part to this historic nation, a picnic event will be held at the Community Centre & Argyle Place Millers Point and everyone is invited.
The expansive greenery will be littered with market stalls, mural art and art displays. There will be live music, motivational speakers, garden games, stories, dancing, face painting and more.
It will be a celebration of survival, resilience and being a strong and proud Australian. That in spite of adversities they will rise and will never be forgotten.
Let's mark the 14th of September 2014 on our calendar and with our loved ones in tow, let's head to Millers Point, and give our support, join the celebration of life and heritage with the community of Miller's Point.
The event starts from 10AM till 4PM.
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