POLITICS
Emerging leaders chosen as Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors
Two ambitious students, eager to be voices for their generation, have been named Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors for 2025.
Caiden Bond of Mount Druitt and Jiyaa Sahdev of The Ponds were selected from more than 90 applicants to represent Blacktown City at various events, including citizenship ceremonies and civic receptions. They will also serve on Blacktown City Council’ s Youth Advisory Committee.
Blacktown City Mayor, Councillor Brad Bunting, congratulated the pair after they were chosen from seven shortlisted candidates at The Colebee, Nurragingy Reserve, during April.
“ Caiden and Jiyaa are excellent communicators who have shown genuine passion for making a positive difference in our community,” he said.“ I am confident they will be outstanding representatives for our city, and I look forward to watching their journey unfold.”
Caiden, 17, is a student at Plumpton High School, where he serves on the student council and participates in the school’ s debating teams.
Jiyaa, 15, attends Castle Hill High School. She is also on the student council and holds the rank of corporal in the Australian Air Force Cadets.
Both students have achieved the Bronze Award in the Duke of Edinburgh’ s International Award and are looking forward to their 12-month term.
“ I am deeply grateful for the
Mayor Brad Bunting with newly appointed Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Jiyaa Sahdev
opportunity to serve as a Youth Ambassador,” Caiden said.“ I look forward to making a meaningful impact within the wider Blacktown community.”
“ Being a voice for young people is a personal goal of mine,” Jiyaa added.“ I’ m excited to share their hopes and aspirations with Council.”
Mayor Bunting also extended his thanks to outgoing Youth Ambassadors, Jamison Dustin and Annacemone Nashid, for their dedication.
“ Jamison and Annacemone have been outstanding ambassadors. They’ ve developed a broad range of knowledge and skills that will benefit them greatly in the future,” he said.
The Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors program has been running since 1983.
MESSAGE
with Brad Bunting Mayor, Blacktown City Council
Celebrating 50 years of the Blacktown City Festival
This month we are marking a milestone in the life of our city – the 50 th anniversary of Blacktown City Festival.
I have great memories of our Festival from years gone by, and it’ s fascinating to see how the events have grown and evolved.
We have a new event we hope will be a hit- Swingin Sounds. Music group Rat Pack Reloaded, comprising 3 singers and a big band, will play swing tunes including favourites such as New York, New York and Come Fly With Me. It’ s at Blacktown Showground on Sunday 18 May. Entry is free but you need to book.
Favourite events such as the Blacktown City Medieval Fayre and the Streets Alive and Parade Day return, and many more.
For details, see blacktown. nsw. gov. au / festival.
New indoor pool for Mount Druitt Swimming Centre
Have you seen the news that Council will be giving Mount Druitt Swimming Centre the biggest upgrade in its 50- year history?
The works will allow the community to enjoy the centre throughout the year in what is currently a seasonal venue. I recently announced the draft designs for the redevelopment,
FROM THE
MAYOR
funded by the NSW Government’ s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. The plans include:
- a 25m indoor learn-to-swim pool for children and adults
- refurbishment of the 50m outdoor pool
- inclusive amenities and changerooms, as well as spaces for community meetings.
- a new kiosk which will serve people in the pool area and outside the venue- landscape improvements Please see the Have Your Say page on Council’ s website to learn details and tell us your views.
I am hoping Council can start work next year.
Nominations open for Blacktown
City Sports Awards Do you know a sportsperson, coach, official, volunteer or someone else who deserves recognition?
Council has been running the Blacktown City Sports Awards since 1983 to give credit to talented sports lovers, and we are calling for nominees for 2025.
Finalists will be invited to a gala dinner that includes a high profile guest speaker.
Find the sports awards page on the Council website and nominate by 31 May.
18 ISSUE 50 // MAY 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT