POLITICS
A new look for
Dawson Mall
Ed Husic opened the new space alongside Mayor Tony Bleasdale , State MP Edmond Atalla and councillors Bob Fitzgerald and Brad Bunting .
Have you noticed how much better Mount Druitt ’ s Dawson Mall is looking lately ? It ’ s received a beaut upgrade , with new shading , community space and better lighting .
The Albanese Labor Government was proud to back this work , supported with an investment via the Community Infrastructure Fund .
We were really pleased to team up with Blacktown Council as it works to improve the look of the Mount Druitt Town Square .
It was a special treat to open this new space alongside Mayor Tony Bleasdale , State MP Edmond Atalla and councillors Bob Fitzgerald and Brad Bunting .
MESSAGE
with Tony Bleasdale OAM Mayor Blacktown City
Two incredibly talented and communityminded high school students – 17-year-old Jamison Dustin from Norwest Christian College and 16-yearold Annacemone Nashid from Plumpton High School were announced as Blacktown City Council ’ s 2024 Youth Ambassadors .
Annacemone Nashid is a gifted Year 10 student and a member of her Student Executive Council , actively participates in community events and volunteers with a number of community groups , including Plumpton Community Church .
Jamison Dustin is a member of his school ’ s Student Council , a keen debater , public speaker and Corporal in the Australian Air League . Jason has demonstrated excellence in academics , sport , and community service , including helping the NSW Blind Cricket Team .
As Mayor , I ’ m incredibly proud of the role that our Youth Ambassador program plays in the moulding of our City ’ s future leaders . Both Jamison and Annacemone will be agents for positive change for the youth of our City .
I was delighted to announce Angela Van Dyke , CEO of North West Community Services in Riverstone , as
FROM THE
the 2024 Blacktown City Woman of the Year awarded at the Blacktown City Council ’ s International Women ’ s Day Breakfast , held to celebrate the achievements of our City ’ s many community-spirited women .
Angela Van Dyke epitomises that community spirit through her dedication and leadership of North West Community Services , providing crucial support programs for disadvantaged residents . Congratulations also to Nicole Castillo , our Blacktown City Council ’ s Staff Woman of the Year . Nicole is the Council Community Communication and Engagement Officer , providing many vital links between Council and the communities we serve .
We know there are more than 61,000 residents aged over 65 in Blacktown City . All have made a lifetime of incredible contributions to our community . My congratulations to this year ’ s Blacktown City Senior Citizens of the Year , Christine Nield and Peter Overton .
Christine , a Blacktown resident for 50 years , actively supports her community through initiatives such as the Quakers Hill Neighbourhood Centre ’ s donation gatherings , Council ’ s knit bomb project against domestic violence , and Boomerang Bags at Riverstone , which repurposes fabric to create environmentally friendly items . Christine is deservedly recognised for her commitment , kindness and generosity .
MAYOR
For three decades , Peter Overton ’ s decorated house in Quakers Hill has drawn crowds from near and far at Christmas time .
Peter dedicates October and November to setup and December to greeting thousands each night , organizing BBQs , and even arranging visits from Santa on a fire truck . Peter has finally decided to turn down the lights after so many years of selfless dedication . I congratulate Peter for the recognition he deserves .
I was proud to be able to open the Dawson Mall , the visible start of something really big for Mount Druitt , a significant contribution to a larger transformation of Mount Druitt city centre by to Blacktown City Council .
It adds to $ 100 million in projects , funded by Council , with the support of the NSW and Australian Governments .
Blacktown City Council , has begun the transformation of the Mount Druitt city centre in Dawson Mall , and it ’ s now ready for the local community to enjoy . With $ 2.6 million from the Australian Government and $ 1.2 million from Blacktown City Council , the $ 3.8 million refurbishment provides a much-needed boost for this busy public thoroughfare in the heart of Mount Druitt .
Blacktown City Council ’ s vision for the Mount Druitt city centre is to create a highly connected network of useable , safe and attractive public spaces at the centre of a thriving retail , commercial and residential town centre .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 37 // APRIL 2024 21