OVERVIEW:
The redevelopment of Callan Park, in Sydney’s Inner West, offers some remarkable opportunities to the people of Sydney.
Its natural beauty, prime location and outstanding heritage buildings have much to offer the local and broader Sydney community.
At a time of an increasing awareness and exploration of the Australian culture, identity and spirit, it is well timed that such a prime location is available for discussion on its future role.
The recent 2001 Census of Population and Housing reflected a growing interest in alternative spirituality: more then 24,000 people selected religious affiliations such as Wiccan, Animism and Paganism.
The interest in alternative spirituality can be seen in the success of the Mind Body Spirit Festive, which attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 people.
We propose, therefore, that an existing structure on the Callan Park site be adapted to house a permanent Alternative Spirituality Community Centre (ASCC).
Whilst objecting in principal and detail to the Master Plan (the proposed development and selling off of land at Callan Park) - as well as the proposed changes to legislation in SEPP 56 – this proposal is entirely compatible with both the existing SEPP 56 conditions and the proposed amendments.
The ASCC would play an important role for the community as a:
• Contact and information centre for those wishing to explore their spirituality
• Centre for workshops, meetings, lectures and social activity
• Central office for the national Pagan Awareness Network
• Reference library of alternative spirituality books
• Practical outdoor space for gatherings and celebrations
• Communal garden
It is worth pointing out that support for this proposal includes that of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. Indeed, they would be happy – in principal – for the ASCC and an Aboriginal Cultural Centre to be housed within the same building.
We look forward to the consideration of this proposal, and discussion of how to move towards agreement.
INTRODUCTION:
Australia is becoming a nation that is richer and more assured in its identity.
More and more people are having the confidence to explore, question and consider alternative lifestyles and beliefs.
We are also a nation with an aging baby boomer population. For them, approaching middle age is a chance to take the time to live their lives, and the options within that, to the full.
To this, we can add an increasing cynicism towards mainstream beliefs (reinforced by recent scandals in the church) and traditional roles.
The result is growing numbers of Australians who are open to, and engaging in, alternative spiritual beliefs.
An Alternative Spirituality Community Centre – to our knowledge, the first Alternative Spirituality Community Centre in Australia - would be a central point for those wanting to discover more, and the large number of people who are already committed to alternative beliefs.
ROLE AND PURPOSE:
The Alternative Spirituality Community Centre (ASCC) would play a number of important roles.
It would become a central one-stop-shop information centre for those interested in exploring alternative spirituality options.
It would become a welcoming and safe hub for members and devotees of such alternative spirituality.
A key part of its role would be to provide a practical venue for education, such as lectures and seminars, as well as a place where spirituality could be explored and practised, with workshops, meetings and social gatherings.
The Pagan Awareness Network – a national body with several hundred members – has stated that the ASCC would be the perfect location for their head office.
The Centre would house a growing library of reference materials such as books and magazines, offering easy access for those that need it.
Finally, there would be an outdoor area for gatherings and celebrations, with a small communal garden offering peace and quiet.
SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT:
There is quickly growing support within the community for the ASCC.
A survey is currently being undertaken of those in the pagan and alternative spirituality community in, and around, Sydney.
The survey is still being conducted, so results will be published later. However, the initial findings show a high approval for an ASCC. The respondents are also saying they would be regular visitors and user of the centre.
In addition, word is spreading interstate, with others in the community outside New South Wales stating that they would visit the centre when staying in Sydney.
The proposal has also attracted the support of Allen Madden, Cultural Education Officer at the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. Should the need arise, they agree in principal that the ASCC and Aboriginal Cultural Centre could be housed under the same roof.
The proposed ASCC is in accordance with:
• Peter Jensen’s Community Vision
• The Aboriginal Heritage study
• Aboriginal values and the spiritual beliefs of the area.
We are also confident that such as centre as the ASCC will have a greater application to a wider general public with an interest alternative Spirituality, such as the gay and lesbian, youth and new age communities.
THE PROPOSAL:
That a structurally safe building in the Callan Park site be made available for the establishment of the Alternative Spirituality Community Centre.
Specific requirements for the structure would include:
• 1 x administration office area (approx. 6 sq.m.)
• 1 x reference library area (approx. 4 sq.m.)
• 1 x main room for meetings and workshops (approx. 12-40 sq.m.)
• 2 x smaller rooms for meetings and workshops (approx. 2 x 5 sq.m.)
• 1 x kitchen (approx. 4 sq.m)
• 2 x toilets – male & female (approx. 20-40 sq.m.)
• 1 x storage room (approx. 2 sq.m.)
• Parking for up to 20 cars (approx. 350 sq.m.)
• A outside area for gatherings (approx. 150 sq.m)
The total (using upper limits) would be approx. 106 sq.m., not including car or outside area allowance.
BUDGETS AND FINANCIALS:
Much of the initial expenditure and effort for minor repairs such as painting and repairs will harness the support of the spiritual community at large.
We would assume that the proposed Callan Park Trust would be responsible for general and major building maintenance.
The aim would be for the centre to become self-supporting financially.
However, to help with the initial establishment of the centre, we would also request a rent-free period for the first twelve months, subject to negotiation.
A body corporate style of management approach would be taken, drawing on those individuals and organisations who would use the centre regularly.
FINALLY:
We would like to point out that we object in principal and detail to the Master Plan, the proposed development and selling off of land at Callan Park.
We also object to the proposed legislation in SEPP 56.
We support the setting up of a managing body for Callan Park, similar to that of the Greens Party ‘Callan Park Trust Bill’.
However, this proposal is compatible with the existing SEPP 56 conditions and the proposed amendments.
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