A YOUNG BLACK KANGAROO
2018-2020
A Young Black Kangaroo documented the lives of individuals residing in Woolloomooloo, a suburb in Sydney. Known for its harborside location, Woolloomooloo boasts the iconic Finger Wharf, a trendy destination offering fine dining and hip bars with waterfront views. However, alongside its vibrant atmosphere, the area also grapples with a high concentration of public housing and homelessness. The stark contrast between the rich and the poor is striking within this community.
Public housing plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with lower incomes to live decently within society. However, Australia's public housing policy has undergone changes over the years, resulting in higher entry thresholds and a decrease in available housing stock. The current policy prioritizes individuals in 'great need'—those who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, disabilities, family violence, or struggles with alcohol and/or drug dependence. This shift in tenant structure has had significant implications.
Unfortunately, public housing residents in Australia are often viewed in a negative and distorted light. 'A Young Black Kangaroo' challenges this perspective and aims to shed light on the true realities within the Woolloomooloo public housing community. Through this project, it seeks to explore the diverse tenant structure and uncover the underlying stories that often go unnoticed.
Exhibition View
TCS Windows
Newtown