Standing opposite a glistening Opera House last week, Gladys Berejiklian rallied the media for an announcement in the sun. Having recently shoe-horned through two brand new stadiums, our premier was beaming with pride.

It was time for Sydney to step back onto the world stage again, she stated. A whopping $350 million of taxpayers cash would be allocated to win 10 world cups in 10 years. “We are Australia's only global city. Why wouldn't we host these global events?”

It’s surreal to think that it was only 18 years ago that this same city of ours danced, sang and strutted for international guests. A magical few weeks when a curious world met an emergent and bright young culture, as we rolled out onto the world stage with aplomb.

Cathy Freeman at the Olympics opening ceremony on September 15, 2000. Credit:AP

But that Sydney – a city we all participated in so proudly – is long gone. The Sydney we know today is a shell of its former self. No longer famous for its effervescence or local charm, our city’s name has become more synonymous with regulations, infringement notices and lockouts.