It’s infamous as the place where policeman David Rixon was murdered, but one newly committed group of men have taken on the task of cleaning up the image of Lorraine St in West Tamworth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And just as the three year anniversary of the slain highway patrolman is about to be commemorated, the residents of the housing units that have been indelibly burnt into our memories of that horrific incident, are trying to put a new fresh face on that landmark.
The new management agent, Maree Styles, has been the catalyst for a few blokes who have chipped in and put the muscle behind the makeover.
It might not erase the tragedy but it is giving them a renewed hope for a brighter surroundings while removing some of the stain of the stigma.
According to Ms Styles, who’s just celebrated her first year as a landlords’ agent and with a business background in Tamworth property, it’s been a coalition of the willing.
The men who live there volunteered to do the hard yakka if the owner put up the paint and materials. There’s also been some negotiation on some rental arrears.
“Everyone’s a winner,” tenant Jesse Foster said.
The 22-year-old has lived there for only two years but says the stigma of the flats having been the scene of the crime where David Rixon was fatally shot and killed on March 2, 2012 still surrounds everyday discussion and any talk of “home” in general conversation.
“Every time you mention where you live, someone always says something like ‘that’s where the copper got shot’,” Mr Foster said.
“There is often this attitude about looking after places in this area but we’ve been given the chance to lend a hand and we like it.
“You know, it was just sort of like ‘who cares?’ but we all do now.
“It’s made a difference.”
Ms Styles is stoked too.
“These guys are awesome, they’ve cleaned it up, they’ve taken a fresh approach to living there,” she said.
“They’re a great bunch of people and I have to admit I was surprised by their attitude at first but they took me up on the offer and they’re taking a new pride in where they live.”
Jason McLawrence is another of the longer term tenants in the eight unit block and says he’s proud to have been a part of the reno gang.
They’ve sanded and painted, weeded, mown, planted and tidied up garden beds and a new roof has gone on to boot.
“I’ve learnt to paint gutters and railings and got some more skills with fixing windows. I’ve learnt a lot, it’s been good,” Mr Foster said.
