... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au
As we reach the final edition of the year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports The Independent- whether you’ re an advertiser, a reader, or one of the many community voices who share their stories with us each month. This magazine exists because of you. Your support allows us to shine a light on the people, places and projects that make our region so special. With Christmas almost here, our communities are once again showing the generosity and spirit they’ re known for.
MacKillop Family Services is one of the five charities being supported through this year’ s Blacktown Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal, working to bring joy to children and young people in care.
At a recent meet-the-charities event, MacKillop’ s Regional Manager, Nicole Gaffney, expressed their gratitude to Lady Mayoress Norma Bunting and to everyone contributing to this wonderful cause.
In this edition, we also look at the ongoing community consultation around the Marsden Park North and West Schofields state-led rezonings— a major step toward new homes, improved transport links, more green space and better infrastructure for North West Sydney.
You’ ll meet one of Blacktown’ s Finest on pages 6 and 7, explore the new designs for the $ 910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, and discover local heroes making a difference through Hope Chapel’ s Food Care Program. There’ s history, sport, movie ticket giveaways, Duckman, Harpo— and even a family pass to Cirque Alice.
From all of us at The Independent, Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy time with family and friends, and have a safe and happy New Year.
See you all in 2026!
BCI
BLACKTOWN CITY
INDEPENDENT
Issue 57 | December 2025 Phone 4588 5055 | e: info @ hdinews. com. au theindependentmagazine. com. au
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BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ISSUE 57 // DECEMBER 2025 3