deep impression was a 1960s book by David Putnam predicting that isolation would become a major social problem. Hammond believes technology has contributed to that trend, but says it hasn’ t taken away the strength of local community. He reels off examples.“ About ten years ago I noticed a Muslim woman across the road struggling to mow her lawn,” he said.“ I went over, offered to mow it, and did. Now I’ m the one struggling a bit, and recently her grown-up son was visiting. He saw me, gave me a big hug, and mowed the lawn.” Then there are the neighbourhood gatherings.

“ We’ ve hosted up to 50 people here, of all ages. We provide food, and many bring dishes they’ ve cooked themselves. Sometimes we’ ll give neighbours a meal we’ ve made, and they’ ll do the same for us.”

For Hammond, changing perceptions is crucial.

“ Narrative is critical. You’ ve got to change the narrative to change the narrative.” When that sounds cryptic, he explains:“ When the media comes here it’ s always about unemployment being two or three times the national average, or family violence. It’ s so negative.”

To challenge that, he created a video about Willmot Public School— highlighting smiling children of all backgrounds and the achievements of its“ fantastic principal and fantastic staff.”

Lendlease is even building a garden next door.“ I said to the local media:‘ Find that story.’ They did— and agreed.”

Hammond has spoken to business groups across Sydney, including the North Shore, urging people to see Mt Druitt for themselves. Some did— and their perceptions changed. Some even became involved.

He still remembers the damage caused by harmful reporting, such as the notorious 1997 Daily Telegraph front-page story“ Class We Failed” about Mt Druitt High’ s HSC results.

“ That was terrible, the way young teenagers were humiliated,” he said. Legal action was taken, the story was found misleading, the paper apologised, and the students received compensation.

Over the years, there have also been job applicants who hid their Mt Druitt addresses, or highly qualified locals whose résumés were rejected solely because of foreign-sounding names. Progress has since been made, he said, and many of those barriers have been addressed. He doesn’ t deny the real challenges.“ Transport,” he said.“ You really need a car to get to a job from here, and schools are under-resourced compared with other areas.”

The Hammonds have raised three daughters and a son, and Dave is proud that all have followed their parents’ path in caring professions, from nursing to teaching.

He retired from his active role in Fusion and continued serving Mt Druitt through

Jesuit Social Services— work he loved. In 2021, he stepped back due to health challenges, including a diagnosis of PTSD. Sallie continues the mission. She has written books and developed programs

for families, helping them overcome disadvantage. Their shared legacy in Bidwill is one of compassion, community and a determination to tell the positive story so often overlooked.