LOCAL LIFE
School leader and Angels ’ founder are Blacktown City Citizens of the Year
A long-serving school P & C president and a young woman who leads charitable ‘ angels ’ have been named the 2025 Blacktown City Citizens of the Year .
Paul Wynne of Prospect and Marion Coles of Minchinbury were awarded Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively as part of Blacktown City Council ’ s Australia Day Awards at the Civic Centre on Sunday .
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was joined by Her Excellency the Hon
Young Citizen of the Year winner Marion Coles
Margaret Beazley AC KC , Governor of NSW , in congratulating the recipients .
“ Council ’ s Australia Day Awards are one of the ways we recognise those who go above and beyond to give back to community ,” Cr Bunting said .
“ Paul and Marion have been selfless in their efforts helping people going through hard times and by doing so have brought many more together .”
Paul was Blacktown South Public
School Parents & Citizens President and played Santa at school celebrations for 25 years .
A former police officer , Paul received the National Police Medal , the National Medal and the NSW Police Medal during his career .
He was part of the committee that set up Grace ’ s Place at Doonside , which supports child victims of homicide . He has continued his support in his role as President of the New Leaf Op Shop at Parramatta , which helps fund Grace ’ s Place .
Paul is also a Life Member of Prospect United Football Club and former president .
Marion has also founded a group that has made a difference to the lives of others . Marion created the Pay It Forward Angels , a Western Sydney group that donates essentials such as food to people in need . Using social media , Marion has rallied a volunteer army of about 1,400 people . Last Christmas , the Pay It Forward Angels distributed more than 400 gifts to people in need .
Council ’ s Australia Day Awards included the Mount Druitt Family
Citizen of the Year winner Paul Wynne ( c ) with Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC
Science Day being named Community Event of the Year .
More than 15 groups collaborated with Council to provide engaging sciencebased activities at Dawson Mall in Mount Druitt city centre .
Blacktown Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Lunar New Year Celebrations
Blacktown City is set to come alive with colour , culture , and celebration as it marks the Lunar New Year at Nurragingy Reserve , Doonside , on Friday , 7 February . The festivities promise a spectacular evening for residents and visitors alike , celebrating the Year of the Snake with a range of activities and performances . Mayor Bunting expressed his pride in the city ’ s cultural richness , saying , “ Blacktown City is proud of its rich cultural diversity . Our Lunar New Year festivities are a chance to come together , celebrate the traditions of our Asian communities , and share in the joy of this special time of year .”
The Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens within Nurragingy Reserve will serve as the vibrant heart of the event . Decorated in true Lunar New Year spirit , the space will host an array of activities and entertainment from 4 pm to 9 pm , culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display . Highlights include the traditional lion and dragon dances , a ceremonial blessing , and the mesmerising spectacle of Chinese firecrackers .
Families can enjoy free workshops such as fan painting , snake crafts , dough sculpture , calligraphy , and lantern making , alongside kids ’ rides and roving entertainment . Food and market stalls will offer delicious cuisines and unique items , ensuring there is something for everyone .
With two stages dedicated to cultural performances and plenty of interactive activities , the Lunar New Year celebration is a perfect opportunity to embrace Blacktown ’ s multicultural spirit .
Don ’ t miss this dazzling event . Gather your loved ones and head to Nurragingy Reserve for an unforgettable evening filled with tradition , fun , and community spirit .
12 ISSUE 47 // FEBRUARY 2025 HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT