Eric Grothe & The Gurus

Diesel

2026 Australia Day Concert & Fireworks Monday, 26 January 4:00pm to 9:30pm The Rooty Hill, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill, 2766

ARIA Award-winning blues-rock legend Diesel will headline Blacktown City’ s Australia Day Concert and Fireworks, bringing his powerhouse catalogue of hits to Rooty Hill for a massive evening of live music and celebration.

Taking the stage at The Rooty Hill( Eastern Road) on Sunday 26 January, Diesel will perform crowd favourites including Cry in Shame and Tip Of My Tongue, supported by pop favourites Taxiride, known for the hit single Get Set. Also joining the line-up are rugby league fan favourites Eric Grothe & The Gurus,

along with the soulful five-piece The Kamis.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the event is the perfect occasion to celebrate community pride.

“ Australia Day is a time to recognise everything this country has achieved and to give thanks that we enjoy its freedom and opportunities,” he said.“ I can’ t think of a better place to do that than Blacktown City. We celebrate community, diversity and tolerance – the foundations which make Australia great.”

The concert precinct will feature a

huge range of family-friendly activities, including rides, games, food stalls and a Cricket NSW clinic. Alcohol cannot be brought into the venue, although it will be available for purchase inside the licensed area.

As always, the evening will wrap up with Blacktown’ s famous Australia Day fireworks display, widely regarded as one of Western Sydney’ s best.

Residents are encouraged to use public transport as parking will be limited. The Australia Day Concert and Fireworks run from 4pm to 9.30pm.

Earlier in the day, locals can also enjoy the traditional Wake Up with the Wildlife experience at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, including a special breakfast among the animals. Ticket information is available via Council’ s website.

Mayor Bunting will also announce the Blacktown City Citizens of the Year and host the official Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony earlier in the day at invitationonly events.

More details on all Blacktown City Australia Day activities can be found at blacktown. nsw. gov. au / ausday.

A significant investment from the Albanese Government will help transform the Seven Hills town centre, with funding announced today to support a new precinct plan and deliver improved public spaces around the soon-to-open Seven Hills Community Hub and Library.

Blacktown City Council will receive $ 2.376 million to develop the plan, which includes upgrading Boomerang Place, designing a new public plaza beside the $ 35.8 million Seven Hills Community Hub and Library, and improving pedestrian and cycling links to the train station.

As the suburb prepares for further residential growth— particularly around the train station’ s low-tomedium rise housing zone— the upgrades aim to make the town centre more accessible, safer and better connected for residents both now and into the future.

The planning process will also examine drainage and public safety improvements, while identifying opportunities to support the nighttime economy and activate local businesses. Jointly funded by the NSW Government and Blacktown City Council, the Community Hub and

Library is due to open in the second half of 2027, with work on the precinct plan set to begin early next year and be completed by mid-2027.

This funding comes through the $ 150 million Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, which supports transformative urban projects designed to grow economies, revitalise local centres and encourage new housing close to public transport and services.

Supporting new residents and growing communities

Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, said the investment would help Seven Hills accommodate new residents as housing density increases around the station.

“ With more housing on the way, current and future residents of Seven Hills deserve a green and welcoming town centre, with easy connections to the train station and the new Library,” she said.

“ This Albanese Government funded precinct is the first step. It will ensure that there’ s a clear plan in place so Blacktown

Council can roll out welcome upgrades into the future.”

Federal Member for McMahon, Minister Chris Bowen MP, said the redesign would help shape a“ cohesive space” supporting the new community hub.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting welcomed the announcement, saying the investment ensures upgrades will extend throughout the town centre- not just at the library’ s front doors- and will guide improvements to green space, play areas and surrounding carparks.