LOCAL LIFE
Here comes the fun: summer holiday
activities promise good times
Families looking for fun activities and outings these summer holidays can do so close to home with a host of free and inexpensive attractions in Blacktown City.
A Kidz Blitz School Holiday Program, creative library activities and garage party are just some of the offerings set to entertain people of all ages.
Mayor Brad Bunting said families did not need to travel far to enjoy themselves.“ You don’ t need to go away to have a good time this summer,” he said.
“ Council has a packed program including school holiday activities, concerts, creative and sporting events designed to keep our community entertained and active.”
For parents of active children, the Kidz Blitz School Holiday Program can be a lifesaver.
The program offers engaging activities such as arts and crafts, sport and science for children aged 6-12.
The program runs at Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton through January. Bookings are available at blacktownaquaticandsports. com. au.
At a special Mass on Sunday 7 December, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv announced that the Diocese of Parramatta has purchased land in the heart of Blacktown, directly beside the future Blacktown Quarter development – a $ 2 billion partnership between Walker Corporation and Blacktown City Council. The major redevelopment will create a new civic heart for one of Australia’ s largest and fastest-growing cities.
Joined by Parish Priest Fr Wim Hoekstra, Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting, Blacktown City Council CEO Kerry Robinson OAM and Walker Corporation CEO David Gallant, Bishop Vincent revealed plans for a new Church and Catholic precinct that will firmly embed the faith community within the rapidly expanding city centre.
“ From this new spiritual home, the Parish will be able to welcome new families and reach out more effectively to those on the margins,” Bishop Vincent said.“ It will strengthen community life and be a visible sign of God’ s presence. It ensures our Catholic community will remain engaged in the life of the city for generations to come.”
Once complete, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish will relocate from its two existing sites at St Patrick’ s and St
Blacktown City Libraries will be a hive of activity with a busy schedule of school holiday activities in January.
Fast-paced Minute to Win It games, a scavenger hunt, and Cook & Talk activities helping teenagers make simple meals are all expected to prove popular.
Art activities with terracotta pots and porcelain plates will help younger children exercise their imagination, while older ones can hone their driving skills on the Ready to Drive Simulator.
The full schedule and details can be found at: libraries. blacktown. nsw. gov. au.
A special event will be the free Blacktown Garage Festival on 15 and 16 January, part of the Sydney Festival.
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre will come alive with music, karaoke and craft.
There will be Pasifika musical performances and artists will lead craft workshops. Families are invited to dress in their White Sunday best, step into the photo booth and have their portrait taken by photographer Edith Amituanai.
More details can be found at https:// blacktownarts. com. au.
January is also tennis time for many,
Michael’ s to a unified campus in the civic centre, returning the parish to the location of its earliest roots. Serving more than 10,600 Catholics, the modern precinct aims to bring faith, community and city life together in one vibrant place.
Fr Wim reflected on the long and diverse parish history, including the significant changes of recent decades.
“ Our previous parishes have gone through a lot of change,” he said.“ For some, this might seem like too much change; for others, it’ s an exciting opportunity to be part of the new city of Blacktown. Today’ s partnership announcement is the beginning of this project. We want to journey with you and gather feedback as we shape our new Church.”
Mayor Brad Bunting offered Council’ s full support.
“ Council will be with you every step of the way,” he said.“ Blacktown Quarter will be a place for education, health, work and family life – and now, a place of faith and spiritual leadership.”
Walker Corporation CEO David Gallant said the partnership recognises the role of the Catholic community in Blacktown.
“ You provide a sense of place and security,” he said.“ We’ re very pleased to and there are plenty of opportunities to get in the swing at Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope.
The Junior Holiday Tennis Clinic begins on 5 January and is a great way for children to learn fundamentals and burn some energy during the break.
The Tennis and Pickleball Open Day on 17 January are another chance to pick up a racquet.
People of all ages and abilities can try their hand at a volley and smash, meet the coaches and receive free coaching.
See blacktownaquaticandsports. com. au for details.
Those who want to enjoy the water this summer can take advantage of programs at Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton in January.
The free four-day Swim Sense program provides valuable lessons on pool safety, beach safety, and learning to swim for adults living in the Blacktown City Council area.
Children learning to swim can fine tune their skills can enrol in the fiveday Acceler8 program. This provides a
collaborate with the Church as you are the heart of the community.”
Following the announcement, parishioners were invited to speak with representatives of Walker Corporation and Council.
In a pastoral letter shared afterward, Bishop Vincent described the significance of the decision after years of consultation and discernment. Blacktown, he said, sits at the geographical and cultural centre of the Diocese and continues to expand with population growth, immigration and the development of the Western Sydney
30-minute lesson each day with expert coaching.
For children who are advanced swimmers, there is the Carnival Readiness program. Dates and details for all programs can be found at blacktownaquaticandsports. com. au / AquaLearn-to-Swim / Specialised-Programs.
A mainstay for summer entertainment in Blacktown City is Australia Day.
The Australia Day Concert and Fireworks offers a jam-packed program of music, games and rides on Monday 26 January at The Rooty Hill, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill.
ARIA award-winning musician Diesel will headline the musical performances and be supported by Taxiride, Eric Grothe & The Gurus, and The Kamis.
Blacktown City residents can start the day with an exclusive opportunity to meet feathered and furry friends at the Wake Up With The Wildlife event.
Council and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park are offering a special opportunity to get up close and personal with animals at Doonside.
See blacktown. nsw. gov. au for more Australia Day details.
New Catholic precinct announced for Blacktown City Centre
( L-R) CEO of Walker Corporation, David Gallant, Bishop of Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting, and Mary Queen of the Family Parish Priest Fr Wim Hoekstra. Image: Alphonsus Fok / Diocese of Parramatta
Airport and Aerotropolis.
The growing parish has long played a key role in the community, from education and healthcare to social outreach and welcoming migrants and refugees.
“ The redevelopment of Blacktown City Centre over the next decade presents a unique opportunity for the Catholic Church to remain at the heart of where people gather,” Bishop Vincent wrote.“ Purchasing land in this central location ensures our community will be visible, accessible and engaged for generations to come.”
12 ISSUE 58 // JANUARY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT