Community development has a long and rich history and this publication brings forth the experiences and insights of a group of experienced practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and insights that will help those of you who are practising community development today. The book provides a useful historical context for community development, the changing sponsors and focus for community development practice, from the late 1960s until the present day. I was particularly interested to read about the different approaches and tactics used by practitioners to effect change and in part how these have evolved over the years.

At the heart of community development is the principle of learning from practice and what better way to start than to reflect on the experiences of those who have been there and done it over many years. While the context for community development today is radically different to that of the late 1970s, I can see within these descriptions how many practice challenges are still topical: for example, the challenge to ensure that the community development approach is given space and time to realise the benefits for both communities and government.

The purpose of the publication is both to provide valuable insights, as well as kick-start a debate within the community development field, which we would like to work with our national partners to lead. In terms of profile, community development has received greater attention and focus in recent years. Nothing can be taken for granted, though, as increasingly our communities experience rapid and often unexpected change and community development practice has to be prepared and equipped to continuously respond to this. What is most important is that together with government and public sector agencies, community development is able to empower communities to achieve the positive changes they perceive as necessary. This book is a valuable contribution and catalyst to what I hope will be both a national discussion combined with local actions.