SYDNEY— In the early hours of October 9, the Latin American Community Centre (Casa Latina), in the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, burned to the ground. All contents were destroyed. NSW police are investigating the fire but are yet to determine a cause.
Casa Latina was renovated and refurbished by Latin American solidarity groups in the 1980s and had been a hive of Latin American culture and political activity for more than 20 years. It was used by a range of South and Central American solidarity groups for fundraising activities, with proceeds supporting programs overseas.
The Casa Latina executive group is now organising different activities that will build a new centre and hopefully, with support, participation and generous donations, restore what was lost.
The group invites artists to donate their works for an upcoming auction held at Addison Road Gallery, Marrickville. They welcome painters, sculptors or ceramic workers to exhibit in the first week of December.
The executive group would also like to thank all of the artists who offered their works in support of the reconstruction.
Donations to help rebuild the Casa Latina can be made to Latin American House Inc, Commonwealth Bank BSB 062 199, account number 10296759. For more information, phone 0424 431 412 or email