The past decade has witnessed the dawn of globalisation, which is not only considered as advantageous, but also an inevitable phenomenon by political and business leaders throughout the world. Irrespective of their size, location and economic status, countries around the world are influenced by the forces of globalisation and as a result, the cities of these countries are trapped in a whirlwind of constant change, which affects all forms of urban life. Sydney is the largest city in Australia and a city with a global significance. As a result of globalisation, dramatic changes are evident, both in its built form as well as its socio-economic structure. These changes are expected to bring benefits and prosperity to the inhabitants, although there is no consensus on whether the benefits arising from globalisation can bring prosperity to all of them.

Sydney is in a constant state of change. The individual is influenced, affected and transformed by these changes although often unaware of them in their true magnitude. Some may also see these changes as part of their day to day life in the mundane and routine struggle for survival in the city.

As individuals, people have very little control over the changes taking place in a city although they are a part and parcel of these changes. Irrespective of their socio- economic background they all have to constantly face new challenges and new opportunities. Some may have the capacity to face new challenges and the ability to harness new opportunities created by these changes. But most, if not all, public housing tenants have very limited capacity to face up to new challenges and capture the benefits of new opportunities. Although surrounded by changes, public housing tenants are mostly unconscious of them and routinely just struggling with the daily necessities of life. For public housing tenants this is reduced to dealing with numerous social, economic, health and community issues.

In the light of this newly emerging situation, the Central Sydney Division of the Department of Housing is looking at the communities living in public housing estates in Sydney afresh and rethinking ways to improve their lives. The objective is to give them a voice, remove obstacles that stop them using services such as education, health, training, leisure and sports and build their capacity to face up to new realities in a rapidly changing world.