POLITICS Better schools for our children with Warren Kirby MP State Member for Riverstone
When the Minns Labor Government was elected in March 2023, we promised to get the basics right: better schools, more teachers, and stronger support for
MESSAGE families across NSW. In the North West, that promise is already taking shape.
Over the past year and a half, we have opened new schools in Tallawong, Nirimba Fields and Box Hill, with another underway in Grantham Farm that will include a public preschool on site. Almost 600 new
FROM THE
MAYOR
Disability Sports Centre a breakthrough for inclusive fun permanent classrooms are being built across the North West, and upgrades are rolling out at Schofields Public School and Riverbank Public School, as well as The Ponds High School.
But classrooms mean little without teachers to guide students through them. Under the previous Liberal Government, teacher shortages spiralled out of control, leading to more than 10,000 cancelled or merged classes every day across NSW. That was unacceptable, and families across the North West felt the consequences.
We are turning that around. Teacher vacancies across Riverstone have fallen by
71 per cent. That means fewer disruptions, smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time between students and teachers. It is a change that parents can see and children can feel every single day.
We know there is still more work to do. Rebuilding our education system will not happen overnight, but the progress we have made shows what is possible when government puts kids and families first.
Our North West community is one of the fastest growing in the state. By building better schools and more teachers, we are giving our children the flying start they deserve. with Brad Bunting Mayor, Blacktown City Council
I was delighted to open the $ 15 million Blacktown Disability Sports Centre at Blacktown International Sports Park in October- the first indoor venue of its kind for people of all abilities.
Designed in partnership with Disability Sports Australia and funded by the NSW Government, this is a game changer for those who want to overcome their challenges and pursue sporting goals.
The new multipurpose courts look fantastic and are being used for a range of disability sports. There are accessible change rooms and amenities too.
This wonderful new facility delivers new possibilities for people across Western Sydney.‘ Tis the season to be singing I can’ t believe Christmas is around the corner already! Have you been good this year? Whether you have been naughty or nice, I would love for you to kick-off celebrations with us at the Blacktown City Christmas Carols on Saturday 29 November. It’ s at Blacktown Showground and we will have music, markets, children’ s activities and of course a visit from the man in
red himself. The fun begins at 5 pm.
This is always a favourite event of mine and a great one for families to usher in the festive season. Hope you can make it. Celebrating and help people with disabilities
Continuing Council’ s efforts to support people of all abilities, we will host the Blacktown City Access and Inclusion Forum on 4 December at Bowman Hall, Blacktown.
Whether you have a disability or care for someone who does, I would love to hear from you about how we can make Blacktown City more inclusive.
Your input will shape Council’ s 2026 – 2030 Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Before the forum, we will be celebrating the nominees of the Blacktown City International Day of People with Disability Awards. We would love as many people there as possible.
You can find more details about these events on Council’ s website. Decorative Diwali brightens our suburbs
It was fantastic to see so many residents decorated their homes as part of the Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition in October.
Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who took part.
I hope everyone enjoyed the celebrations.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 56 // NOVEMBER 2025 19