East-West Reconnect report

The ‘two Sydneys’ that were so carelessly divided by the state’s pandemic response came together on May 24, as organised by Sydney Alliance, to paint a beautiful picture of reconnecting the city.

The East-West Reconnect project started with a powerful speech by Randa Kattan, CEO of the Arab Council Australia, which provided the background and objectives of the project.

A presentation about the ‘Two Sydneys’ highlighted the lasting effects of the pandemic response but also that disparity and inequality between the so-called ‘two Sydneys’ was not new.

Two relational rounds allowed people to share their experiences during the lockdown and whether we noticed the gap between the East and West suburbs? And people discussed possible solutions to reduce that gap.

The project’s first meeting was informed by more than 30 interviews with project participants, young and adult residents. The key findings have been outlined.

The meeting finished with a discourse on ideas for moving forward and bringing the two Sydney’s together.

Reconnecting East and West is an Arab Council Australia project in collaboration with Sydney Alliance, that is for young people and is led by young people. The project aims to support, build trust and establish resilient community networks between Sydney’s east and west following the emergence of the two Sydneys during the 2021 lockdown