POLITICS
Popondetta Park Upgrades
Earlier last year I had the chance to attend the sod turning for upgrades to Popondetta Park in Blackett. Thanks to support from all levels of government the Mount Druitt Town Rangers Junior Soccer Club will have improved lighting and brandnew Women’ s change rooms.
Projects like these ensure that kids have equal opportunity and feel supported whilst playing sport and being active which is so important at a young age. This project is due to finish early this year!
A Proud Day for Mount Druitt’ s St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox College!
Recently I had the pleasure of representing the Hon. Jason Clare to cut the ribbon to officially open their renovated primary school facilities.
Wonderful to meet the students, staff, and school community who’ ve worked so hard to bring this project to life.
The Australian government was delighted to back the upgrades via a $ 550,000 Capital Grants Program investment to help create a more modern, welcoming and
with Ed Husic MP
supportive learning environment.
A huge congratulations to the entire school community— and thank you for the warmth of the welcome and the conversations. It’ s always a privilege to see firsthand the dedication that goes into giving our kids the best possible start.
If I can be of assistance about a Federal matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office. See my details below.
MESSAGE
with Brad Bunting Mayor, Blacktown City Council
Wishing you happiness for Lunar New Year and Ramadan
One of the things I love about our multicultural community is there is always another celebration coming up.
Only recently we were celebrating Diwali, then Christmas, and now Lunar New Year and Ramadan are upon us.
In the zodiac calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Council will mark the occasion with its Lunar New Year Celebrations and fireworks at Nurragingy Reserve on 20 February. I hope to see you there.
I am also looking forward to marking the holy month of Ramadan.
I have learned much about Ramadan and Eid from our local Muslim leaders and hope to continuing doing so.
A Sydney Metro that better serves Blacktown City
I recently attended a Business Western Sydney meeting where Transport Minister the Hon John Graham was guest speaker.
I was encouraged to hear the Minister confirm the business case for a Sydney Metro- Western Sydney Airport extension, connecting St Marys and
FROM THE
MAYOR
Tallawong, was due in 2026.
I have long championed that not only would this extension give our 450,000 people better access to the economic opportunities of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, it would transform Tallawong from a terminus to a through-connection and distribute demand on roads more evenly.
I hope the business case can be finalised soon and look forward to the results.
Helping people of all abilities be active
I am pleased to let you know of a new Council initiative to give people with disability more opportunities to participate in sport.
Sport4All is a program funded by the federal government and promotes inclusive sporting groups in the community and at schools.
As part of the program, Council will work with an inclusion coach to help our sports clubs and schools provide inclusive sporting environments. This will increase the opportunities for people with disability to participate in playing and non-playing roles, such as volunteering, coaching and administration.
I am keen to see the difference it makes. If you would like to know more, please call Council on 5300 6000 and ask for the Community Development team.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 59 // FEBRUARY 2026 19