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The number of people living in our region is estimated to grow to over 891,000 by 2006 (up almost 12% from 2001). In terms of population, we are the largest Area Health Service, catering to more than 12% of NSW residents and have more babies born in our area than any other. There were 10,011 births in our hospitals 2002/03.

Like most of Australia, we have an ageing population. This will mean increased demand for our services, especially those responding to cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness.

Our region is culturally and linguistically diverse. More than one third of our residents were born overseas in a non-English speaking country, compared to just over a fifth for the rest of NSW. 44% of residents speak languages other than English at home, which is almost double the state average. The most common non-English languages spoken are Arabic (including Lebanese), Vietnamese, Italian and Cantonese. People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent account for 1.3% of our population.

The South Western Sydney Area Health Service has a higher than average unemployment rate (8.6% compared with 7% in NSW), and the proportion of the population in public housing is almost double that for the rest of the State (8.8% compared with 4.9%). Many of our residents experience significant social and financial disadvantage.