Photographer Documents Diminishing Social Housing in Sydney

On the outskirts of southwest Sydney, Sri Lankan-born photographer Jagath Dheerasekara documents the struggling community of one of the largest public housing estates in Australia. Established in the 1970s, the Airds Bradbury estate will soon have over 70% of its buildings sold to private owners through the government. At risk of losing their homes, Dheerasekara captures the everyday lives of the 3,000 individuals and families effected, following their joys and fears. Allowing each person to tell him their stories, Dheerasekara discovered a vibrant community struggling to succeed and remain hopeful despite bitter circumstances. With estates like Airds Bradbury being pulled out from underneath those most in need, Dheerasekara defends the notion that the home is not only a place of safety and rest, but a natural right owed to all.

This post was contributed by photographer and Feature Shoot Editorial Assistant Jenna Garrett.

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