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... FROM THE PUBLISHER ’ S DESK ... Your thoughts ? julie @ hdinews . com . au
“ Christmas waves a magic wand over the world , and behold , everything is softer and more beautiful ,” said Norman Vincent Peale , American Protestant clergyman .
Well , I certainly hope that all you readers out there have a peaceful and joyous time with family and friends . Let ’ s remember though , that for many it can be a sad and lonely time , for those who are travelling down a path of loss , misfortune or destruction .
Heartwarming then that the Mayoress of Blacktown , Nina Bleasdale is again running her Mayoress Appeal . Find the time to buy a small gift for someone in need ; it may be the only present they get this December , p8 . Also uplifting is Ed Husic ’ s column on p17 . He visited Rev . Bill Crews and his team at the Lethbridge Park Food and Care Hub . These amazing volunteers serve 400 meals a day in the community hall . Council supply the food , and are also working on developing other much needed services such as counselling and literacy programs .
Enjoy reading how
BCI local artist , Max Mannix - our cover artist , got to international fame . The small-town Victorian boy went droving from an early age and says he knew by heart all the loveable and quirky characters in each of his paintings , p13 .
Our vibrant city ’ s new sports centre , BEST , has come about because of a $ 100 million investment by Blacktown City Council . It is referred to as the ‘ future of Australian sport ’ and will provide a major hub for locals and national sporting communities alike , p4 .
Summer comes with weather conditions such as floods and storms , so it ’ s great news that a new app for kids is on the scene , p21 . The New Triple Zero app will make it easier for kids to learn about emergencies , and what to do in them .
The Independent team wish you all a happy Christmas and a peaceful 2024 .
Front cover for December was kindly painted by Max Mannix and photographed by Kathryn Johnston .
BLACKTOWN CITY
INDEPENDENT
Issue 33 | December 2023 Phone 4588 5055 | e : info @ hdinews . com . au theindependentmagazine . com . au
The Independent Magazine acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation . We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business .
We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders , past and present . The Independent is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land , waters and seas and their rich contribution to society .
• Decorative Gravels
• Nepean River
• Griffith Red
• Cowra , White & Gold
• Charcoal
• Firewood
• Aussie Brown
• Scoria Red & White
• Blue Metal
• Road Base
• Sand 14 Types
• Recycled Road Base
• Recycled Aggregates
• Bush Rock
• Sandstone Flagging
• Cements
• Softfall ( Play Ground )
• Pine Bark
• Coloured Wood Chip
• Eucalyptus Mulch
• Hardwood Chip
• Softwood Chip
• Leaf Mulch
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BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! ISSUE 33 // NOVEMBER 2023 3