Celebrating 25 years of community
Ivanhoe Estate was a sea of brightly coloured balloons as the community celebrated their 25th birthday. (Photo by Charles Rich)
In 1990, the largest social housing development in the City of Ryde in Sydney's north was built – Ivanhoe Estate.
The estate provides accommodation for more than 500 people across 260 townhouses and apartments.
However, over the next few years, the community faced many challenges. Gangs, vandalism, break-ins and drug-related crimes were common.
In 2001, The Salvation Army moved in. Craig and Danni Stephens became the Army’s leaders in the community for the next 12 years at what would become known as the Number 47 Community House.
“The Department of Housing originally gave us 12 months to turn things around or else they planned to bulldoze Ivanhoe Estate,” said Craig, after being named 2008 City of Ryde Citizen of the Year.
“There had been a lot of gang activities, a fair bit of assault, malicious damage, threatening behaviour, lots of graffiti and cars being torched ... the youth gangs would barricade the streets so they the police couldn’t access the place. It made for some hairy experiences for residents and police alike.”
At the start of 2013, Nathan and Karen Moulds became a part of the community, taking over the role of Macquarie Park Mission Leaders.
On 7 March, they joined with more than 400 past and present residents, as well as many more ‘Friends of Ivanhoe’, to help the community celebrate its 25th birthday.
“It’s been our privilege and pleasure for our family to take over from Craig and Dannie and to continue living and serving in the community,” said Nathan.
“It was wonderful to have Craig and Danni, the Commissioner and our Friends of Ivanhoe there with us to help celebrate our 25th birthday. The Ivanhoe Estate just shone on Saturday.”
Sahill Sharma, a 20-year-old Macquarie University student and resident of Ivanhoe Estate, shared on the day about what his community has meant to him.
“I remember when my family and I first arrived at Ivanhoe 15 years ago,” he said. “We knew nobody and quite literally had no idea where we were. Moving in to any other community would usually get you a casual greeting from the neighbours, and that’s about it. But not Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe is different.
“Where else can you find a community where every single person knows you by your first name and considers you as one of their own? Where you aren’t just a resident but a valued member of their community and their lives. And, yes, I say family because that is exactly what we are.”
The Salvation Army has been able to start many valuable programs for the community, including an after-school homework club, English classes, school holiday programs and mother’s play groups.
Many local political figures attended the day, including the City of Ryde Mayor Councillor Bill Pickering, who spoke about the community that Ivanhoe has become.
“You have a wonderfully diverse community. A mix of people of all ages and from so many different backgrounds. This makes such a rich tapestry of cultures,” he said.
“Ivanhoe has truly transformed itself into a vibrant, caring and safe community. I congratulate you for that achievement. This is a real community. This is a caring community. This is a successful community. Well done to you all. Celebrate your 25th with pride.”
There was entertainment through the day from internationally renowned Armenian Iranian singer Armine Mardirosian. The Agents of T.R.U.T.H performed for the children, who could also enjoy a jumping castle and arts and crafts corner.
Local resident Sahnia Sharma performed a Bollywood number, and there was a performance from local drummer Steve Wright.
Nobody went hungry with the food zone offering an array of multicultural cuisine, including Lebanese, Persian, Armenian, Polish and Chinese food. Most importantly, there was plenty of birthday cake for all with six homemade cakes.
The birthday celebrations were organised by the Ivanhoe Estate Tenants Group and The Salvation Army’s Macquarie Park Mission.
To find out more about the Ivanhoe Estate and to meet some of their residents, go to ivanhoeturns25.com
Comments
Such an incredible community, and what a privilege to live and serve in this space, thanks to everyone who helped to make Ivanhoe's 25th Birthday Party such a fantastic day! To see pictures from the day head to http://www.ivanhoeturns25.com/