PHOTO: Adam Hollingworth
See story pages 6-7
Australia Day Concert & Fireworks, Sunday 26 January The Rooty Hill, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
138th ANNUAL
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Ancestral Lines by Jeremy Morgan Worrall
This artwork is a visual representation of the generational lines that carry through my mob. When I think of the next generation, I think towards my ancestors- Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright- through to my Nanna Audrie and my Mother Vanessa. Looking back gives me the strength and vision to look forward. Each figure in the painting is tied to family lines, like songlines, reflecting what they knew and what they passed on. The first represents lore, hunting, and tracking. The second reflects care, weaving, and love. The third shows the two combined, while the final two carry unfinished elements- symbols of knowledge and care in motion. Above them sits the essence of Country- swirling skies and a giant moon over Emmaville. It is by the fire, under these cool skies, where the next generation finds their strength, vision, and legacy.
Aboriginal Flag designed by Mr Harold Thomas. Torres Strait Islander Flag reproduced by kind permission of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok.
NSW.( insets) A Royal Australian Air Force
Conversion Unit
Images: defence. gov. au STORY PAGE 8
Honouring and remembering the service and sacrifice of all those who have served
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Happy Australia Day!
Ritika Gilfedder to produce two Bollywoodstyle Shakespeare plays for Blacktown Arts. Kabaddi, an ancient Indian sport, was explained by the Duck Man when he visited the Sydney Kabaddi Club; the 7th annual Blacktown Red Belly Warriors Knockout rugby league tournament attracted record local and country entrants; the GWS Giants AFLW season were undergoing a transformation blending promising young talent with seasoned pros for a competitive edge.
OCTOBER
Our Finest for the month, Maryam Zahid, an Afghan immigrant, who launched Afghan Women on the Move, so other Afghan women could thrive not just survive in Australia, was highlighted on our front cover.
The Diwali Lights competition was launched as was the consultation period on the special council rate rise.
Step Into Action Foundation’ s Chris Barton, was the focus of our Make A Difference column, having organised the first Walking Festival in Blacktown raising over $ 50,000. Mt Druitt Community Health Centre celebrated its 50th anniversary and $ 10m is promised by the State Government to extend Hambleton Road into Tallawong.
Men of League, established in 2022, provided more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service and over $ 10million in financial support and women’ s rugby star, Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung, of Mt Druitt, is kicking goals representing Samoa on the world stage.
NOVEMBER
We honoured and remembered our fallen war heroes on Remembrance Day 11 November. Lest We Forget.
The new, $ 115 million Disability Sports Centre at Blacktown International Sports Park was opened, touted as a key facility for the Paralympic Games and World Championships as well as inclusion and community connection.
Street Side Medics, founded by Dr Daniel Nour, 2022 Young Australian of the Year, with a‘ no-turn-away policy, opened its clinic doors in Lalor Park.
Musical therapy, provided by Stormer Music centres, was shown to have a profound positive, healing and educational impact on people with disabilities.
The driving force behind volunteerbased Karma Kitchen, Priyan Rajaram, and his philosophy of giving back, was our Finest this month. The kitchen, began in Western Sydney and now operates in Canberra, Darwin and Bourke.
Rooty Hill’ s One55 Health and Fitness, at West HQ, was relaunched, while Plumpton Braves Baseball Club, now in its 30th year, showed why its resilience and inclusivity have resulted in producing a raft of junior and senior champions.
DECEMBER
The jolly big fella with the huge white beard and bright red suit adorned our Christmas edition, heralding a merry Christmas message for all.
Blacktown Mayoress’ Christmas Gift
Appeal was launched; Mr Versatility, Pankaj Upadhayay, filmmaker, doco maker, visual artist, poet and former planning officer and management consultant, who also received a NSW Volunteer of the Year Award, was our Finest for the month.
Marsden Park North and West Schofields rezoning measures for new homes was under the spotlight; Hope Chapel Food Care Program, now in its 15th year, explained the need for its school sandwich initiative; new designs for the $ 910 million Rouse Hill Hospital were unveiled; the history of Minchinbury, named after land grant owner William Minchin, was linked to the rum rebellion in 1808 and was the first and last champagne producer in NSW.
IMAX came to Westpoint Shopping Centre; the Quakers Hill Hub was busy creating Box Divvy’ s, donations of fresh affordable produce and pantry items for families in need.
The new grandstand at Walte Reserve, Quakers Hill, was taking shape and artistic gymnast, Georgia Godwin, of Gymnastics NSW Rooty Hill, showed off her grand medal haul from her appearances at several Australian Championships.
Publisher Julie Ryan extended a heartfelt thank you to every supporter of the Independent, saying“ your support allow us to shine a light on the people, places and projects that make our region so special”.
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LUNAR NEW YEAR Celebration
NURRAGINGY RESERVE, DOONSIDE FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY | 4PM – 9PM
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Blacktown Aquatic Centre set to transform!
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MAIN PHOTO: Blacktown MP Stephen Bali( L), Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting and Blacktown Swim Club President Vaughan Irwin( R) with swimmers at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. INSETS: Artist impressions of the upgrades.
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Afghan Women on the Move
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It’ s Show Time!
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Open Day DETAILS PAGE 16
HAWKESBURY SHOW 9-10-11 MAY
3 DAYS OF FAMILY FUN!
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Celebrating
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50
Blacktown Festival 50th Anniversary
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( MAIN) A Royal Australian Air Force Roulette conducts an aerial display at RAAF Base Richmond,
F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No 2 Operational
conducts a flight over the Hawkesbury region, NSW.
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Lest We Forget
REMEMBRANCE DAY. 11TH NOVEMBER
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NSW Seniors Festival 3rd- 16th March
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Merry
Christmas
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 58 // JANUARY 2026 5