Looming over one of Sydney's busiest intersections is the striking face of Aboriginal elder Jenny Munro.

The canvas is a white 10-storey building wall on the corner of Harbour and Goulburn streets near the Chinese Gardens.

Framed by dripping blue, black and red paint, Ms Munro looks into the distance with a mountain sunrise painted in her irises.

It's a face filled with reflection and strong resolve.

"I made the statement long ago: I fight till I die and I ain't dead yet."

That was the message Ms Munro had for the State Government who she said was "targeting poor people" with its plans to relocate public housing tenants in Waterloo.

The new development is a mixture of public, affordable and private apartments where the current social housing towers stand.

Matt Adnate was blown away by Jenny Munro's achievements in Aboriginal rights. ( 702 ABC Sydney: Amanda Hoh )

They are part of plans to redevelop Waterloo for a new metro station.

"We're still very much under siege," Ms Munro said.

"The Baird Government ramped up its push and they're not just targeting Aboriginal people in our community, they're just targeting poor people ... so the battle rages on."

Ms Munro founded the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Redfern which protested for 15 months against new development on The Block.

Elder Jenny Munro at the tent embassy

The fight culminated with a deal brokered by the Federal Government to build new affordable housing for Indigenous families.

The mural painted by acclaimed street artist Matt Adnate is part of a project across the city celebrating inspiring local identities.

In Parramatta, artist Stormie Mills has painted retired rugby league player Nathan Hindmarsh along a brick wall in a side alley.

Next week, artist ELK will paint a portrait of boxer and parish priest Father Dave Smith in the CBD.

Kaff-iene will paint anti-homophobic bullying campaigner Katherine Hudson in Bondi.

The portrait of Ms Munro took Adnate five days to paint.

A mural of former Parramatta Eels player Nathan Hindmarsh by artist Stormie Mills. ( 702 ABC Sydney: Amanda Hoh )

"We had to choose someone who was quite significant and people who have made a big difference to Sydney," he said.

"I was just blown away by all the incredible achievements she's done."

Adnate has focused his work on portraying Indigenous children and has spent time with communities in Arnhem Land.

The mural of Ms Munro also coincides with his submission to the Archibald Prize for 2016 with a portrait of Adam Goodes.

Referring to his technique for painting on big walls, Adnate said: "I have to be quite systematic to make sure I do undercoats and work over top with spray cans."

Street artist Matt Adnate took five days to paint the 20-metre portrait. ( 702 ABC Sydney: Amanda Hoh )

So what does Ms Munro think of her face high above the street?

"It's awesome. It kind of captured me," she said.

It has also validated for Ms Munro that her fight for Aboriginal rights and sovereignty has made a difference.

"This [mural] has come from not even the Aboriginal community," she said.

"It's come from mainstream Australia, so if I'm making enough noise for mainstream Australia to take notice of me, maybe the Government should start listening to me before I come knocking on their door."

Editor's Note: This article originally stated the NSW Government promised to build new housing on The Block. Rather, the houses will be partly funded by the Federal Government.