SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.-An exhibition of restored furniture painted using contemporary Aboriginal styles will be one of the many attractions at the Danks Street Festival in Waterloo on Sunday 23 October. The exhibition is a product of the Mens Art Group at the Redfern Community Centre which was established six months ago by two Elders from the community and has been turning old furniture into unique artworks blended with Aboriginal art.

Organiser, Tracey Duncan, from the City of Sydney, describes the work as Indigenous urban art.

"Conceptually, what the group is doing here is really exciting," she said. "Their art displays stories that are relevant to the Inner City and the community in a more contemporary way, using contemporary mediums."

The group attracts men of different ages and artistic ability and is an opportunity for community Elders to mentor younger men and pass on knowledge and traditions.

Local businesses and community groups have embraced the Danks Street Festival, hosted by MC Leah Purcell, which will highlight the community and diversity of the Redfern/Waterloo area.

Local Danks Street business The Lab is an enthusiastic supporter of the Festival and will be showcasing photographic work by Amanda James, based on the 2004 Koori Cup Rugby League Knockout carnival.

Ms James has been documenting contemporary Indigenous lifestyle for the past two decades to highlight positive representations of the Redfern/Waterloo area and the people who live there.

A day of quality entertainment has been planned, featuring local inner city band The Donovan's, who recently featured at The Deadly Awards at Fox Studios, double Aria Award winning group Monsieur Camembert and leading Sydney DJs Garry Tee and Kate Monroe.

Local restaurants and cafes are joining the festivities with a selection of mouth-watering foods and the Salvation Army is holding a gold coin sausage sizzle. The Festival runs between 11 am and 4 pm.