City of Sydney and the AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON) yesterday announced a new drop-in safe space will be opened at 60 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst – the centre of the city's gay nightlife area – to address increasing incidents of homophobic violence and abuse on the street. Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the City had agreed to lease a recently vacated shop front in a Council-owned building to ACON for use as a night-time Safe Space for the gay community. "Following discussions with ACON, the City has agreed to provide the premises free of charge for ACON to use on a nightly basis," Moore said. "The Safe Space will act as a refuge for people who feel threatened or abused. "Residents continue to report assaults, robberies and anti-social behaviour associated with large late night licensed premises. There are ongoing reports of serious problems and people tell me that they fear for their safety. "This Safe Space is a positive step and complements the City's Oxford Street Safety Strategy which has provided seven CCTV cameras, better cleansing, upgraded lighting and increased patrols by City Rangers. "I'm pleased that Surry Hills Local Area Police Commander, Superintendent Darryl Donnelly has agreed to meet with ACON representatives and City Staff to discuss the operation of the Safe Space, and to work with us to help keep volunteers safe and ensure the success of the project." ACON CEO Stevie Clayton thanked the Lord Mayor for the Council's support for the project and clear commitment to reducing violence in the area. "ACON, through its Lesbian
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 1st November 2007 - 8:23am