... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au
We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Australia Day, celebrating all that is great about this country alongside friends, family and neighbours. Days like these remind us how strong and diverse our local community truly is- and Blacktown is a shining example of that spirit. Congratulations to Citizen of the Year, Mayor Chagai and all other Australia Day award winners, you can find out who they are on page 4
Looking ahead, there’ s plenty to be excited about as Lunar New Year returns to Western Sydney in vibrant style. From 17 February to 1 March, West HQ will once again come alive. Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens at Nurragingy Reserve will also burst into life on Friday, 20 February 2026, as the community comes together to welcome the Year of the Horse
This edition also brings some important local news, including confirmation that the Blacktown Hospital bed expansion has been delivered a full year ahead of schedule( page 5)- a welcome boost for healthcare services in our fast-growing community.
Our Finest feature this month isn’ t a person, but a place close to many hearts. Mount Druitt Swimming Centre is turning 50. Built in 1975 and managed by Blacktown City Council ever since, it has welcomed generations of families. While its closure on Australia Day was emotional, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with a $ 40.6 million redevelopment set to deliver the largest upgrade in its history. Read more on pages 6 and 7.
You’ ll also find a deep dive into the Western Sydney music scene( pages 8 and 9), giveaways on page 13, a call to action to save the Riverstone Wetlands on page 14, and plenty of sport- including SportsFest in February- on pages 21 and 22.
As always, thank you for supporting local stories and local voices. Blacktown’ s story is still being written- and it’ s one worth celebrating.
BCI
BLACKTOWN CITY
INDEPENDENT Issue 59 | February 2026 Phone 4588 5055 | e: info @ hdinews. com. au theindependentmagazine. com. au
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We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. The Independent is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 59 // FEBRUARY 2026 3