Darlington Activity Centre to be reopened by City of Sydney

A much loved inner Sydney community space which was shuttered during the pandemic will now be reopened to accommodate a variety of community events.

A much loved Darlington community centre which closed its doors during the pandemic will be reopened after an impassioned resident campaign.

Dozens of Darlington residents had flagged their support for the Darlington Activity Centre before the City of Sydney’s councillors voted unanimously to reopen the space.

Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore had strongly supported the proposal to re-open the Darlington Activity Centre for community use after being closed during the pandemic.

Cr Ellsmore said community centres are “vital” for bringing and keeping communities together.

Sylvie Ellsmore of the Greens has been elected to City of Sydney council

“I was very proud to be able to bring the motion to the council at the request of residents, this important community space has been closed for too long,” she said.

“The council had no plan to reopen the centre, last night’s decision changed that.”

Cr Ellsmore said the reopening of the centre has potential to be used for activities for a low cost.

“This huge community space has the potential to be used for some – if not all! – of these activities, it’s almost impossible to find a space to hire or use for free,” she said.

The motion was brought to the council on December 11 after local residents inquired about why the centre had been closed.

Darlington resident Matthew McCarthy, 21, co-ordinated a campaign and survey to open the centre after noticing its abandonment.

Matt McCarthy and Cr Ellsmore at Darlington activity centre

“I live very close to the centre and I noticed the improper use of the centre. I spoke to my neighbours and local community members and came to the conclusion it needed to be opened, it was a necessity and not something just nice to have,” he said.

Last September, Mr McCarthy launched the Darlington Activity Centre Survey, which was provided to Darlington residents and surrounding suburbs through direct letterboxing and online platforms.

“We got up to 95 responses in a span of three to four weeks, which was fantastic,” Mr McCarthy said.

Community meet-up at Darlington activity centre site

Respondents from the survey were adamant about having the space used for a variety of community activities and desired to bring the local neighbourhood together.

“The Harry Burland Centre was so successful for many years. Provided meals and company for so many people. Sadly the older generation has now dwindled, perhaps it could be used again for (children’s and adult’s) programs,” a respondent said.

“Whatever happens with the centre, it should remain a publicly owned and operated space, not developed for commercial or residential purposes,” another said.

Cr Ellsmore said she looks forward to working with residents to see their dream of reopening the Darlington Activity Centre in 2024 a reality.