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Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney
Pollock, Zoe

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Pollock, Zoe

Author

Zoe Pollock is a historian

Aboriginal Housing Company as Author

Aboriginal Legal Service as Author

Aboriginal Medical Service as Author

Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre as Author

Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship as Author

Aborigines Progressive Association as Author

Australian Aborigines Progressive Association as Author

Bangarra Dance Theatre as Author

Boomalli Aboriginal Artists' Cooperative as Author

Building Bridges Association as Author

Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders as Author

Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs as Author

Murawina as Author

National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association as Author

National Black Theatre as Author

Redfern Aboriginal Authority as Author

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Aboriginal Housing Company

Redfern has been a centre for Aboriginal community in Sydney since at least 1900. When threatened with the loss of their homes to redevelopment in the early 1970s, Redfern residents resisted, enlisting the support of unionists and eventually the federal government. Out of this came Aboriginal management of The Block by the Aboriginal Housing Company.

Aboriginal Legal Service

The foundation of the Aboriginal Legal Service in 1970 marked the beginning of a new and radical period in Aboriginal politics. It was the first Aboriginal organisation that directly challenged government institutions by offering alternate services.

Aboriginal Medical Service

Inspired by the success of the Aboriginal Legal Service, and founded by many of the same activists, from 1971 the Aboriginal Medical Service provided free medical care to Aboriginal people from its shopfront in Redfern.

Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre

The Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre grew out of the Black Theatre and the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Scheme, and aimed to create opportunities for Indigenous people to have careers in professional dance.

Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship

Initiated by by Pearl Gibbs and Faith Bandler, the Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship included non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people in its campaign for Indigenous rights.

Aborigines Progressive Association

The Aborigines Progressive Association had a leading role in organising the Day of Mourning on Australia Day 1938, and worked for full citizenship rights for Aboriginal people until the mid-1940s.

Australian Aborigines Progressive Association

Influenced by black political struggles in the United States, the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association demanded the dissolution of the Aborigines Protection Board, return of Aboriginal land, and an end to removal of Aboriginal children.

Bangarra Dance Theatre

Since 1989, Bangarra Dance Theatre has captured audiences both in Australia and internationally with its interpretations of Aboriginal culture and connections to country.

Boomalli Aboriginal Artists' Cooperative

Formed after a backlash against contemporary Aboriginal art, Boomalli provided Indigenous artists with a space free from external definitions of Aboriginality.

Building Bridges Association

Founded by Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly, Building Bridges has launched the careers of some of Sydney's foremost Aboriginal musicians.

Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders

FCAATSI is best known for its work campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the 1967 referendum which changed the constitution to allow the Federal government to legislate for Aboriginal people. In Sydney, it also raised awareness about the working conditions and disadvantage suffered by Aboriginal workers.

Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs

From 1964 the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs focused on social inclusion and acceptance for Aboriginal people in Sydney, in the process fostering Aboriginal art, culture and political organisation.

Murawina

An Aboriginal women's initiative, Murawina grew out of a breakfast program for Aboriginal children and developed into a childcare centre, referral agency and meeting place, as well as a bridge between Aboriginal homes and mainstream education.

National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association

From its foundation in 1975, NAISDA has played a fundamental role in training Indigenous dancers and bringing together traditional and contemporary dance styles.

National Black Theatre

Founded by young Aboriginal activists, National Black Theatre tried to tell the stories of Aboriginal life with political impact. From 1974 the group had some government funding and moved from street and sketch theatre to full productions of new plays by Aboriginal playwrights. Despite its success, the company lost its funding and closed in 1977.

Redfern Aboriginal Authority

Formed in 1983 as a peak body for Aboriginal organisations, the Organisation for Aboriginal Unity was an early advocate for a treaty to be negotiated. In 2004 it intervened in state government plans to reacquire land at Redfern, and changed its name.