Activity 1.3: Concrete city

Introduction

In this activity, students watch a video clip created in 1994 about Pyrmont, an inner western suburb of Sydney.

This clip portrays the struggle of the residents to safeguard their sense of community and connection to their suburb against the backdrop of external residential and commercial development. In this clip, we hear the perspective of the residents, who are lamenting the changes to their neighbourhood.

After watching the video clip, students have a whole-class discussion.

Resources

Concrete city, 1994: Save our park

• Activity stepsShow details
  1. Have students watch the video clip Concrete city, 1994: Save our park.
  2. Guide students in a whole-class discussion.
  3. Use the following questions as discussion starters:
     • How do you think the residents in the video feel about the place where they live?
     • What makes Pyrmont 'a great place to live'?
     • What concerns do the residents have about changes to the area?
     • Why do you think the buildings are being demolished?
     • What is meant by the statement of one resident, 'Nobody wanted to live here, now they don't want us ...'?
     • What are the implications of urban renewal for these residents?