Airds, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids AirdsSydney, New South Wales |
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Briar Road Public School
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| Population | 3,265 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2560 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 141 m (463 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 56 km (35 mi) south-west of Sydney | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Campbelltown | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Macarthur Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Campbelltown | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Macarthur | ||||||||||||||
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Airds is a suburb in Campbelltown, a city near Sydney. Most of the homes in Airds used to be public housing, owned by the government. Now, many of these homes and the land are being sold. The area is changing to include more private homes. About 30% of the homes will remain public housing.
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A Glimpse into Airds' Past
Governor Lachlan Macquarie gave the area its name, Airds. He named it after his wife Elizabeth's family estate in Scotland.
Airds was once a much larger area. It covered almost all the land between Glenfield and Gilead. But after the 1820s, other towns like Campbelltown grew. People started using the names of these smaller settlements instead.
How Airds Was Planned
In 1975, the first homes in Airds were planned. The suburb was designed using something called "Radburn principles." This idea was meant to keep cars and people separate. Houses were built facing away from the roads. This was supposed to be safer for pedestrians.
However, this design later caused problems. It made it harder for people to keep an eye on what was happening outside. This led to some safety concerns in the suburb. People are now working to make Airds a safer and better place to live.
Who Lives in Airds?
The 2021 census counted 3,265 people living in Airds. Here's a quick look at the community:
- About 15.5% of the people living in Airds are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Most residents, 63.4%, were born in Australia.
- English is the main language spoken at home by 60.9% of people.
- Other languages are also spoken, like Arabic, by 5.3% of residents.
- When it comes to religion, 30.1% said they had no religion. Catholic was 15.3%, and Anglican was 11.0%.
- About 43.5% of families in Airds are single-parent families. This is higher than the national average.
Schools in Airds
Airds has several schools for local students:
- John Warby Public School
- Briar Road Public School
- Airds High School
Making Airds a Better Place: Urban Renewal
The "Airds Renewal Project" is a big plan to improve the suburb. The goal is to make Airds "a great place to live." It aims to create a community with good services and opportunities for everyone.
What the Renewal Project Will Do
The project will change the area from mostly public housing (94%) to about 30% public housing. This change aims to create a more mixed community.
The project report noted that Airds faced challenges. These included difficulties in finding jobs and access to learning opportunities. The plan is to make the area safer and better for everyone.
Over 500 old houses will be taken down. In their place, 1000 new homes and 52 homes for seniors will be built. New roads will be added, and community spaces, public areas, and parks will get a fresh new look.
Community Services in Airds
Airds has several services that help the community.
Airds Bradbury Renewal Project
- Airds is home to the Reiby Juvenile Detention Center.
Airds/Bradbury Men's Shed
The men's shed is a place where men can gather. They work on projects, share skills, and support each other. It helps members feel connected and active in the community.
WorkVentures Connect Centre at Airds
The WorkVentures Connect Centre in Airds offers free training and skills programs. They also help local residents find jobs. You can use their computers and the internet for free. They also offer free legal and tenancy advice for people living in Housing NSW homes.
This Connect Centre is one of two run by WorkVentures in the Campbelltown area.
Master-Plan Group
This group meets to make sure that Housing N.S.W.'s plans for moving tenants work well for them.
A B Central
This is a central spot for community projects and activities. The Housing N.S.W. Airds Bradbury renewal team also works from here.
