LOCAL LIFE
BLACKTOWN’ S FINEST... Blacktown
by John Macdonald
A passion for the history of Blacktown! John Horne has been a proud member of the Blacktown District Historical Society for 19 years. Photo: Kathryn Johnston.
When it comes to celebrating Blacktown’ s finest contributors, you’ re certainly spoilt for choice.
From the world of film and theatre, there’ s Toni Collette, and in children’ s entertainment, The Wiggles – a global phenomenon – originated with the Field brothers, who grew up in Lalor Park.
In sport, the list is endless, including rugby league international Graham Olling and former Test fast bowler Doug Bollinger.
But it’ s not just about individuals. Some of Blacktown’ s most enduring contributions come from its institutions – and the Blacktown District Historical Society is one that stands tall as it approaches its 50th anniversary next year.
The names of its founding members are preserved in records kept at the society’ s home on the Grantham Heritage Estate. Chief Librarian Miss Betty Malthus chaired the inaugural meeting, forming a steering committee that included Les Gapps, Peter Lynden, Claire Pfoeffer, Jim Simpson, Anna Leamonth, John Lawson, Alan Dikfos, Andrew West and Sybil House. Blacktown Mayor George Nikolaidis was also present and strongly supported the idea of establishing a historical society.
“ Robert Brown wanted to save St Bartholomew’ s Church at Prospect, built in 1841, but feared no one would be interested,” recalls long-time member John Horne.
Determined locals proved otherwise. In November 1967, they formed The
6 ISSUE 52 // JULY 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT