NDT Article highlights Community Transformation in Ivanhoe

20 May 2015

Salvos Transform Estate

March 4, 2015 10:49am

Monique Cowper (Northern District Times)

IT IS amazing to contemplate the incredible transformation that the once-notorious Ivanhoe Estate in Macquarie Park has undergone since it was first built 25 years ago.

On Saturday, from 10am-2pm, the tight-knit social housing community is celebrating its birthday and the progress it has made into one of the state’s greatest success stories.

The estate of almost 300 homes was once overrun by gangs of young men who terrorised residents.

One of the estate’s original residents, Araksi Sivri described it as “very, very bad’’.

“There were lots of drugs, lots of alcohol, there were huge bikies, people would call us wogs, I always prayed it would change and then God sent us the answer.’’

The answer was the Salvation Army who have basically set up camp inside the estate.

Community worker Nathan Moulds lives on Ivanhoe Place with his wife and two young children.

Every Wednesday his home is transformed into a drop-in coffee shop.

Last week it was packed with women having a chat.

“It started out dysfunctional with big challenges but now it has had a significant impact on people’s lives,’’ Mr Moulds said.

There are now after school homework sessions, knitting workshops, free breakfast, craft sessions and parties celebrating their cultural diversity.

Another original resident Peter Evans maintains the grounds and keeps an eye out for his neighbours.

“If there is a problem, we look after each other,’’ Mr Evans said.

Liliana Lopes is a mother of four children and relies on her neighbours for support.

“People talk to each other, they look after each other,’’ Ms Lopes said.

“Life isn’t easy, there are challenges every day.

“When you have problems with low income and you get a new problem, you can’t cope. Here I can talk to people who help, who I trust.’

*TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM AN ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN THE NORTERN DISTRICT. THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/news/ivanhoe-social-housing-estate-celebrates-25-years-of-harmony-in-macquarie-park/story-fngr8gwi-1227247439509