The site known as “Clairvaux” has a long history as an important venue for our community. Over 30 years ago, the Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre repaired and revived the abandoned and derelict building complex which had once been a children’s home for state wards, some of whom were of the stolen generation. Since then Clairvaux provided space for many vital community organisations such as Gateway Family Services, Leura Day Options who cared for disabled adults, the Wildplant Rescue Service and indigenous groups such as the Gundungurra Tribal Council and The Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre.
Over the last few years the government owners, who are now known as the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have been demanding that all the current tenants pack up and leave, whilst denying that this constitutes an actual eviction. Wildplant Rescue is now the last service left on site as Gateway are planning to move very soon. Finding a suitable place to which to move a nursery has proved extremely difficult. The nursery would prefer to remain on site and has now been given a glimmer of hope that this could be possible.
The Blue Mountains Community Land Trust (BMCLT) have been in discussion with the community and there is strong support for them to acquire custodianship of the sites from the DCJ. This would allow for continuing use by the community (including Wildplant) with the potential of ecologically-sensitive affordable housing for local community members. This pioneer project aims to address the issues of inadequate housing options in the Blue Mountains, not only for individuals, but for service groups such as Wildplant as well. To find out more about BMCLT visit their website https://bluemountainsclt.org
With this in mind they organised a round table meeting at Clairvaux in April which was attended by Trish Doyle, our local state member, and by Housing Minister Rose Jackson, as well as many representatives from relevant government departments and other key stakeholders such as our local council. Good support was expressed for the proposal by all present and promises were made to work together to make this possible.
It is vital that we hold them to their promises this time. Our community had been so excited in 2002 when Bob Debus, our then state member, ceremonially handed over the keys of the Clairvaux site to the community at the Changing Hands Festival. It was only discovered later that the Title Deeds had in fact never been transferred to the community as had been promised. See photo below of the Gazette article of the event!
With support and encouragement from our wonderful Blue Mountains Community, this proposal could become a reality. If you are interested to see what it’s all about, a community information day is being organised for Saturday 19th July. All those who wish to become “Clairvaux Friends” and support this exciting new proposal are invited to come along.
Save the date, and more details will be advised closer to the day.
Should you wish to make contact, or for more information, please email clairvauxfriends@gmail.com
Verity Harris
President of Wildplant Rescue Service Inc
Photo details:
The meeting took place on April 15th at Clairvaux.
Those present in the photo (only some of the guests!) are,
Left to Right
Anastasia Vickers (BMCLT)
Verity Harris (President Wildplant Rescue Inc)
Auntie Carol Cooper,
Uncle Ed Walker
Auntie Jacinta Tobin
Housing Minister Rose Jackson
Genevieve Murray (BMCLT)
Trish Doyle State Member
Alison Barnes (BMCLT)
