Robyn Greaves is embedded in the 2011 postcode area. She was born here and has subsequently lived in the area for 57 years. As Co-ordinator of the Kings Cross Community Centre she knows the area and its people intimately.

The Centre, now in its 43^rd year, has an important role to play. It is a non-profit, community-based organisation aiming to meet the needs of local residents, especially the frail, the aged and people with disabilities. It provides a “safety net” for people. The Centre offers many services including bus outings, shopping services, volunteer visiting, Justice of the Peace, a postal service for the receipt of mail, exercise classes (Creative Movement, Tai Chi, Yoga and Feldenkrais) and information, referral and advocacy services. Its jumble sale every Thursday is an important source of income and a focal point of  locals to meet and make contact.

The Centre is subsidised by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, the Federal Department of Health, the City of Sydney Council, and membership fees. It is run by a phalanx of over enthusiastic 30 volunteers.
It is described by one local as a “centre of goodwill”.

“One of the most challenging issues today is affordable housing,” Ms Greaves says.”  “Some people are forced to leave the area because of increased living costs. Many have lived here their whole lives and have intimate connections with family, friends and health services.”

Ms Greaves is a quiet achiever. She enjoys her role and its challenges. “No two days are the same. I enjoy meeting new people. I have seen the gentrification of the area over the past 20 years.

Kings Cross and the 2011 postcode area will continue to evolve and reincarnate itself,” she says “because it is a survivor.”

If a community is measured by how it treats its less well-off we are in good shape.

Kings Cross Community Centre

Ground floor, 50-58 Macleay Street Potts Point

Entrance Opposite Fitzroy Gardens children’s playground

Hours Mon- Fri 10 am to 4pm Mon-Fri

Phone 9357 2164

Website www.kingscross.org.au

Email kxcc@bigpond.com

For the centre’s What’s On activities click on: https://kingscross.org.au/whats-on/

By Andrew Woodhouse, Heritage Solutions