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LOCAL LIFE
Inspirational Western Sydney
women honoured in new book
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Some of Western Sydney’ s most inspiring and community-minded achievers have been profiled in a new book, Women of Blacktown 2025.
Produced by Blacktown City Council, The Stories Untold Collective, and Australian Catholic University( ACU) Blacktown Campus, the book celebrates outstanding local women as part of this month’ s International Women’ s Day events.
Women of Blacktown 2025 features the stories of 25 remarkable women from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to Western Sydney.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting expressed his pride in the initiative.
“ Blacktown City is home to many extraordinary women who continue to challenge societal norms and cultural expectations,” he said.“ Council celebrates the achievements of local women through events and award programmes, and this book is another way to highlight their invaluable contributions.”
Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2023 and founder of The Stories Untold Collective, Emie Roy, conceived and led the project.
“ The journey of this project over the past ten months has been one of discovery, commitment, and deep connection to the narratives explored in this book,” she said.“ Diversity is a central theme, reflected in cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and the various fields in which these women excel.
“ Our vision is that, in today’ s world of uncertainties, this collection of stories fosters understanding and inclusivity, inspiring fellow women to move forward, no matter the challenges.”
Australian Catholic University Campus Dean( Blacktown) and Senior Research Fellow, Valentine Mukuria, described the book as a fitting tribute to the incredible women who have contributed so much to the Blacktown community.
“ This book reflects ACU’ s commitment to enabling flourishing lives and fostering thriving communities in Blacktown,” she said.“ ACU is Blacktown’ s university, dedicated to working in, with, and for
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting, Mayoress Norma Bunting, McMahon MP Chris Bown and the Women of Blacktown( including sons of the late Jesica Varela) and production team.
the local community.“ I hope this book inspires young women and girls to dream big, pursue their ambitions, and realise that success is within their reach— right here in Blacktown.
“ Our community is blessed with so many talented, resilient, and resourceful women, and I am excited to see how the next generation builds on this legacy.”
Women of Blacktown 2025 will be available at Blacktown City Libraries, on Council’ s Blacktown Memories website, and through the State Library’ s IndyReads platform: https:// indyreads. libraries. nsw. gov. au.
4 ISSUE 49 // APRIL 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT