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NDIS – John McRae Photography & Studio

UFC Redfern – Cope Street Opening

United for Care is an independent living provider, working in partnership with Vertika, to make appealing accommodation available for their clients

On the morning of October 30, 2024 (a date I particularly remember because it was also my birthday), people gathered at the newly completed Redfern facility to celebrate its grand opening.

A diverse group of attendees came together to listen to speeches, participate in a traditional smoking ceremony, mingle, and enjoy the refreshments offered, which included a much-appreciated coffee barista service

The traditional smoking ceremony is part of an ancient Indigenous practice that involves the burning of native plants to create smoke. This smoke is believed to have cleansing properties and is used to purify the space and those people present. During the ceremony, participants often share stories, songs and rituals, fostering a sense of community and connection to the land and ancestors. The specific plants used can vary by region, but commonly they include eucalyptus, sage and other native herbs.

Guests in Sydney were warmly welcomed to the Cope Street inauguration and encouraged to explore the state-of-the-art accommodation facility, which is located within walking distance to the transport services and shops along Redfern’s main street.

United For Care opens new facility in Liverpool

I was in the Sydney suburb of Liverpool to photograph the opening event of a new accommodation facility in Liverpool for people with disability.

United For Care is an organisation which promotes the idea that people with disability can live, to a large extent, a happy and fulfilled life and that means having their own independent accommodation. It strives to move away from any model of communal living in dormitories, shared bathrooms and lounge rooms and gives the individual the pleasure of having their own space, at the same time offering all the allied support that may be necessary.

Aunty Gail delivers the welcome to country
Smoking Ceremony

The event kicked off with an acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land in a welcome to country by Aunty Gail followed by a smoking ceremony.

Karim Amin
Dai Le (MP)

Speeches were made by the Chief Operations Officer, Karim Amin and Dai Le (Federal Member), who also cut the ribbon to mark the official opening.

The Weeklies

Guests were entertained by “The Weeklies”, the Disability Services Australia band who created a melodic background for the day’s activities. The catering was next level, as you can see from some of the images which follow.