( L-R) Mayor Bunting, Mayoress Norma Bunting, Cr Moninder Singh and residents outside 57 Hampton Cres, Prospect. b( above) A rangoli outside a home.

Homes across Blacktown have come alive with colour and light as the Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition lights up the city once again. The dazzling displays have attracted visitors from across Sydney, celebrating the Festival of Lights, a cherished South Asian tradition symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Many homes are adorned with creative designs, glowing lanterns, and uplifting messages of hope and positivity. One of the most popular destinations this year has been Phantom Street in Nirimba Fields, whose residents told the story of Diwali through their stunning artistic displays, earning them the coveted title of Best Street.

Mayor Brad Bunting praised all participants for their effort and community spirit.

“ Our community has embraced this competition, and you can see the smiles and conversations in the streets,” Mayor Bunting said.

“ Blacktown City is a better place for its diversity. We encourage people to share their cultural traditions so that we all might gain a better understanding of each other.”

Winners will be officially congratulated at a Council meeting soon, sharing in $ 2,500 worth of prizes.

Blacktown City is home to a thriving South Asian community, with residents born in South Asian countries, particularly India, representing the

largest migrant group in the area, according to the 2021 Census. The Diwali Lights Competition, established in 2017, was inspired by the success of Council’ s long-running Christmas Lights Competition and has since become a highlight of the city’ s cultural calendar.

With residents from more than 180 countries, Blacktown City Council proudly supports events that celebrate the city’ s vibrant diversity, including the Mayoral Iftar reception, Lunar New Year festival, and Christmas festivities. This multicultural spirit is also reflected in the city’ s leadership, with five Councillors of South Asian heritage serving the community.

2025 DIWALI LIGHTS WINNERS Overall City Winner 57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect 2nd Place: 24 Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields 3rd Place: 3 Rachael Place, Glenwood 4th Place: 4 Westway Avenue, Marsden Park 5th Place: 37 Coobowie Drive, The Ponds WARD WINNERS Ward 1 – 37 Coobowie Drive, The Ponds Ward 2 – 3 Rachael Place, Glenwood Ward 3 – 57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect Ward 4 – 24 Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields Ward 5 – 4 Westway Avenue, Marsden Park SPECIAL AWARDS Best Rangoli – 3 Rachael Place, Glenwood Best Street – Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields