Celebrating 10 years of connection and care at Redfern 
 

Redfern residents came together to celebrate health, connection and community at the annual RedLink Health and Wellbeing Day on Friday 24 October 2025. 

The event, held at Poets Corner, marked 10 years of RedLink – an integrated services hub that supports the wellbeing of local residents through health, social, legal and housing services. 

Sydney Local Health District staff joined community members and partners to share information about local services, offer free health checks and celebrate the strong partnerships that continue to support the Redfern community. 

Staff from Planned Care for Better Health, Sydney Virtual, Sydney Dental Hospital and Oral Health Services, Drug Health Services, Population Health and Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods (HHAN) were among those providing advice and support. The District’s Mobile Health Clinic was also on site, with Drug Health Services staff offering free Hepatitis C testing. 

Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods Senior Social Worker Suzanne Ratcliff has been co-located at RedLink since it first opened in 2015 – a milestone she says reflects the strength of the partnership between Sydney Local Health District, Homes NSW and the community. 

“Access to services begins with something simple – trust,” Suzanne said.  

“When community members recognise staff from local events, that sense of knowing someone helps build trust and makes engagement more natural. 

“The flexible nature of my work means clients can be supported from home to hospital and back again, ensuring continuity of care.”  

Redfern locals say that connection makes a real difference. 

“She reaches out, she’s very positive,” said long-time RedLink volunteer Aunty Laura, a Torres Strait Islander woman.  

“Suzanne has helped so many of us, especially First Nations people and women and children.” 

Aunty Min, a Wiradjuri woman who has lived in Redfern since the 1960s, agreed. 

“RedLink brings people together to feel comfortable, so they can reach out to each other,” she said. 

The City of Sydney supported the day by sponsoring a coffee cart and sharing information about local libraries and fitness centres. OzHarvest served 120 hearty portions of dahl and rice, while Homes NSW and HHAN teamed up with RedLink volunteers to cook nearly 150 sausages for attendees. 

A City of Sydney survey of 41 participants reflected the day’s success – 97% felt connected to their community, 97% knew where to get help and 100% said they would recommend the event to others. 

As RedLink celebrates its 10th anniversary, the partnership between Homes NSW, Sydney Local Health District and the Redfern community continues to grow – demonstrating how collaboration, trust and a local presence can help residents stay healthy and connected.