Addi Road Marks 50 Years of Community, History and Social Justice in Marrickville

Addison Road Community Organisation marks five decades of history, connection and social justice in Sydney's Inner West.

By Rita Bratovich

This year, Addison Road Community Organisation (Addi Road) celebrates 50 years of supporting, connecting and advocating for people across Marrickville and Sydney's Inner West.

For half a century, Addi Road has been a place where community comes to life, with a remarkable journey from former army barracks to one of Australia's longest-standing and most respected community hubs.

Since opening its gates in 1976, Addi Road has become much more than a physical space. It has served as a meeting ground for activists, artists, migrants, volunteers and local residents, united by a shared commitment to fairness, inclusion and social justice. Through changing political landscapes, economic challenges and even a global pandemic, the organisation has remained a constant source of support and connection for the Inner West community.

A Historic Site with Deep Community Roots

The site itself has a rich and layered history. Long before European settlement, the land formed part of a seasonal wetland and forest cared for by the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. A freshwater creek once flowed through the area into the Gumbramorra swamp and on to the Cooks River, sustaining both people and wildlife.

Following colonisation, the land was cleared for farming before becoming an army depot in the early 20th century. During World War I, it served as a recruitment centre for soldiers heading to the Western Front. Several original military buildings still stand today, including two drill halls dating back more than a century.

The barracks continued to play an important role through World War II and the post-war years, welcoming thousands of service personnel. During the Vietnam War era, however, the site became associated with a different kind of service: protest. Anti-conscription demonstrations outside the depot gates reflected growing public opposition to the war and foreshadowed the social justice values that would later define Addi Road.

From Army Barracks to Community Hub

When the army vacated the site in 1975, local residents, welfare groups, artists and community activists saw an opportunity. Backed by widespread community support, they successfully campaigned for the former military land to be transformed into a community centre. The vision reflected the optimism of the era, embracing multiculturalism, arts and culture as foundations for a healthy and connected society.

Hundreds of volunteers helped breathe new life into the ageing buildings, creating welcoming spaces for community organisations, creative projects and social programs. The result was a vibrant centre that reflected the diversity of Marrickville and the wider Inner West.

Today, Addi Road occupies a unique place in Sydney's social and cultural landscape. The nine-acre site is home to more than 20 community organisations, artist studios, theatres, galleries, gardens and open green spaces. It also manages a Living Museum program that preserves and shares the site's extraordinary history through exhibitions, oral histories, events and a self-guided heritage trail.

Supporting the Inner West for 50 Years

At the heart of Addi Road's work is its commitment to supporting those in need. Its food justice programs, including food pantries, community meals, school breakfast initiatives and community cook-ups, have become increasingly important as families grapple with rising living costs. Equally important is the sense of belonging these programs create in an era when many people report feeling isolated and disconnected.

As Addison Road Community Organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary, it invites everyone from Marrickville, the Inner West and beyond to be part of the celebrations. A special program of events, community gatherings, storytelling sessions and exhibitions will honour the people, movements and memories that have shaped Addi Road over the past five decades.

Visit addiroad.org.au and follow @addiroad on Instagram for anniversary events, updates and ways to get involved.

Read more Marrickville community stories on our Marrickville Homepage HERE.