LIFE & STYLE
Climb a rock wall, shoot for glory and more at SportsFest
Families across Blacktown are invited to get active and have fun at Blacktown City Family SportsFest on Saturday 14 February, with a wide range of free activities designed to encourage healthy, active lifestyles for all ages.
Held at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope from 12pm to 4pm, SportsFest will give children the chance to try their hand at rock climbing, archery, ball sports and a variety of interactive games in a safe and welcoming environment. The event will also feature animal encounters, face painting and a jumping castle, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The aquatic facilities will be a major drawcard on the day, with inflatables set up in the pool and free pool and gym entry available to visitors who collect a voucher from the Blacktown Key Venues stall located in the stadium.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, said events like SportsFest play an important role in strengthening the community.
“ Being active is good for the body and mind, and it brings people together,” Mayor Bunting said.“ SportsFest makes it easier for families to discover new interests, connect with local clubs and keep moving.”
Sporting groups from across Blacktown City will host stalls throughout the venue, providing information about local clubs, answering questions and encouraging residents to get involved in organised sport.
Visitors on the day can also take advantage of a special Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope membership offer, which includes 10 per cent off memberships and no joining fee.
SportsFest builds on the success of Council’ s popular community events such as Aquafest and Activefest, reinforcing Blacktown City Council’ s commitment to making sport and recreation accessible to everyone.
For more information, visit www. blacktownaquaticandsports. com. au
Lunar New Year brings colour and celebration to West HQ
Fire up the drums and gather the family— Lunar New Year is returning to West HQ in vibrant style, with weeks of colour, flavour and shared celebration marking one of Western Sydney’ s most significant cultural events.
Home to thriving Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and broader East and Southeast Asian communities, Western Sydney knows how to celebrate Lunar New Year properly. As the region steps into the Year of the Horse, West HQ is embracing the season in the way it has traditionally been enjoyed for generations— not as a single day, but as a period of connection, abundance and joy shared with family and friends.
From 17 February to 1 March, Lunar New Year at West HQ will unfold through a series of everyday experiences that invite visitors to drop in, dine together and soak up the festive atmosphere across the precinct.
“ At its heart, Lunar New Year is about togetherness,” said West HQ Chief Marketing Officer Michaela Chan.“ We wanted to create celebrations that feel authentic, warm and reflective of the diverse communities who live, work and celebrate here.”
Food takes centre stage at CHU Restaurant by China Doll, where specially curated Lunar New Year Prosperity Banquets showcase refined dishes inspired by timeless tradition. Designed for sharing, the exclusive $ 88 and $ 108 banquet menus sit alongside the restaurant’ s award-winning à la carte offerings, creating the perfect setting for reunion meals and festive gatherings.
Across the precinct, ceremonial drums and vibrant Lion Dance performances will bring colour, movement and good fortune on 17, 20, 21 and 22 February, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Sweet celebrations continue at Gelatissimo, with limited-edition Lunar New Year flavours including Ube, Matcha, Dragonfruit and Lychee. Adding to the excitement, Fortune Favour scratch cards will offer thousands of rewards across participating venues, including Novotel Sydney West HQ.
For more information, visit westhq. com. au.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 59 // FEBRUARY 2026 15