Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Community Forum Visits Rouse Hill

31 May 2019

Blacktown’s new university campus and upgrades to local

roads and traffic will be among the leading topics for

discussion at the Blacktown City Council community forum in 

Rouse Hill next week.

Residents from across Ward 1 will also get a chance to hear

from their Ward Councillors and raise any issues affecting 

their neighbourhood at the forum on Tuesday, 11 June at the 

Rouse Hill Anglican College, 7 Worcester Road, Rouse Hill.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Our program 

of community forums is a good opportunity for residents to 

meet Council staff and Councillors.

“We invite people from Rouse Hill and surrounding suburbs 

to attend the forum and tell us what really matters to them.”

Information will also be available on Council’s programs, 

services, venues, festivals and events.

Mayor Bali said: “The forums have proved to be effective for 

residents to see what Council does and at the same time 

people get to engage face-to-face with Councillors and 

Council staff.”

Council hosts Ward forums and pop-up sessions throughout 

the City giving residents a chance to engage directly with 

Council.

“I am pleased to see more residents from across Blacktown 

City are attending the forums and pop-up sessions, and I 

encourage residents in Ward 1 to join us next week,” Mayor 

Bali said.

Ward 1 Forum details

When: Tuesday 11 June 2019

Time: 7 pm to 9 pm

Location: Rouse Hill Anglican College, 7 Worcester Road, 

Rouse Hill (cnr Rouse Road)

Mayor Stephen Bali MP encouraged residents to

attend the next community forum at Rouse Hill College next 

week.

Busways Region 1 Update - Mount Druitt Bus Interchange - Important Message

From 9pm to 5am on Monday 3 June, Stands F, G and H at Mt Druitt Station will be temporarily closed to allow for works to be carried out on the escalator connecting the ground floor concourse to the station entrance concourse.

• Stand F services will depart from Stand A
• Stand G services will depart from Stand B
• Stand H services will depart from Stand C

NSW IPART - Public Water Utility Audit Guideline Review 2019

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Foodrun Van - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

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Story Factory May 2019 News Letter

Can you cast a spell to make hot chips and tomato sauce appear? Or throw lightning from your hands? Or make a toilet troll disappear? The kids from Telopea Public School can. Telopea is a small school near Parramatta; over half the 70 students have English as an additional language. We're visiting them every Friday this term to write stories about amusement parks and monsters. But last week, we did something special and the Grade 5/6 students came into our Parramatta centre to imagine and write about their very own magic school. They confidently cast their spells then disappeared in a puff of smoke. A student from Telopea Public casts his lightning-from-the-hands spell, with help from our Storyteller, Bec Smith.  Huge thanks and congratulations to everyone - we reached our target! Over this past weekend, nearly 70 fearless writers completed our Pen to Paper Challenge, raising a staggering $60,594 to fund Story Factory programs for hundreds of young people in two Western Sydney schools! Our most heartfelt thanks to all our challengers, and especially our fabulous Ambassadors: Eddie Woo, Debra Oswald, Vivian Pham, Benjamin Law, Jess Tovey, and Sara Mansour. Special thanks to those who so generously donated prizes and goodies for our Survival Packs: Faber Academy, Michael Robotham, Benjamin Law, Markus Zusak, Penguin Random House, Lovatts Media, The Rabbit Hole and Papier.  Finally, our most sincere thanks to all of you who donated to support participants as they wrote, including Catriona and Simon Mordant AM whose $10,000 donation got us over the line. From us and the hundreds of young people who will discover the joy of writing because of your generosity: THANK YOU! Aunty Uma - a long-time volunteer who also took on our Pen to Paper Challenge, writing furiously in the countdown to 6pm on Sunday.

DID YOU KNOW WE RUN PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR TEACHERS? We've been running our fun and engaging creative writing workshops for nearly seven years now, and in that time we've developed a huge range of innovative strategies to get young people writing. These tried and tested methods work with young people of all ages and abilities. We love sharing them through our suite of Teacher Professional Learning Programs - and teachers love them too! An independent evaluation of these programs found that 100% of responding teachers had implemented what they learnt in the classroom, and 82% had noticed an improvement in their students' writing. We've recently added NEW COURSES too, on the Craft of Writing, poetry, unpacking creative processes, and a step-by-step guide to helping students write compelling journey stories. The programs are open to all teachers and to anyone interested in nurturing creativity. They're run at our Redfern centre in the school holidays, or we can come to your school at a time that suits you. For more information, and to book, click here. Know any teachers? Please help us spread the word and forward this email to them. Teachers participating in our professional learning programs. AND FINALLY, A POETIC PRESCRIPTION FOR HAPPINESS... We all know that poetry can be a balm for a broken heart, but can it help alleviate other problems too? The year 4 and 5 students at Shalvey Public in Mt Druitt decided to find out and recently imagined themselves as “poetry doctors,” prescribing poetic advice in response to real life problems. In particular, they explored how their own everyday joys might encourage other people to recognise and appreciate moments of happiness in their own life. They popped their poems in medicine bottles, ready to be dispensed as needed. Some of their favourite moments of happiness - and our favourite lines - were: Going home to eleven puppies who lick my toes. When popping candy fizzes, pops and explodes with delicious flavours. Using free wifi at Mt Druitt shops. Touching my cousin’s baby fingers. Listening to my favourite song Heart to Heart in the car after school. Being treated nice: this makes me feel loved and cared about. Students at Shalvey Public with their poetic prescriptions, which they coiled into medicine bottles. Thanks for being part of the Story Factory community. With warmest wishes, Cath Keenan and all the Story Factory board and staff. Donate Now

MEET OUR SUPERSTARS OF THE MONTH STUDENT OF THE MONTH: TERENCE Terence, from Whalan Public, spent eight weeks working on a digital story...about the day an ambulance called Val discovered a box of money in a car park. It’s a great tale of unexpected good fortune and the community spirit it prompts! He wrote the script with the help of his classmate Chris, and they also created images to accompany their story. He even helped the other students in the class, sharing his techy tricks for collecting images and recording on the iPad. Terence, thanks for being such a fantastic leader in your school! VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: CINDY HO Cindy has been volunteering with Story Factory for less than six months, but has put in a mammoth effort. Last term she committed to two term-long programs at Auburn Girls High School and two others at Liverpool Girls and Liverpool Boys High. She also signed up for a truly impressive number of one-off workshops at our Parramatta centre. Wow! We so appreciate her professionalism, warmth and inspiring degree of commitment. Thank you Cindy! TEACHER OF THE MONTH: HABIBA VEJZOVIC  Habiba teaches a year 3 and 4 class at Liverpool Public. Her classroom is an incredibly positive and welcoming space where students are supported to tackle challenges, take risks and ask big questions. She is innovative, energetic, and goes above and beyond to ensure that each child is successful. Habiba, you are a huge inspiration, thank you!

Westfield Mount Druitt Today

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Blacktown City Council - Community Budget Night Educates ALL......

Yes, I agree, that we are all educated when we understand basics of the 2019-2020 Blacktown City Council  Budget of $736M - it is important to understand how our money is earnt and spent by our Local Council. Based on our current population of 367000 or budget per person is approximately $2,005.45 per person.

We understand that Council would like to have a University it is back yard as a forefront to providing better access & opportunity to obtaining and completing tertiary education. So, with the Australian Catholic University(ACU) wanting to have a further educational base in Blacktown - being a central hub to Western Sydney, students within the Greater Western Sydney, will be provided a great opportunity to achieve great qualifications to boost their career chances.

My issue with holding the ACU in the central part of Blacktown City is that would be vital for any student to attend but difficult to get too, unless there is an uplift to the public transport infrastructure, to support it. That is, upgraded train station or more rapid trains to cope with the increase of public transport commuters and essential bus services from all corridors to meet commuter demands

 I do recommend community members attend these Annual events.

Basic information on our City below:


Our City Our community 
367,000 Estimated population
Born overseas: 40%
Languages spoken: 182 urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in NSW Largest 
Projected population in 2036: 522,000
Population is under 30 years old: 44%
Average age: 33
Suburbs: 48
Our environment
Waste diverted from landfill in 2016/17: 61%
Trees given away in 2016/17: 33,436
Waterways: 262km
Bushcare groups: 12
Bushland under restoration by volunteers: 27.9ha
Our economy $17.11 billion Gross regional product (GRP)
Unemployment (June 2018): 5.2%
Residents working in Blacktown City: 44%
Number of local businesses: 21,207
Number of local jobs: 138,498 of the workforce 
with  22% holding a bachelor  or higher degree 47

Our infrastructure
Local roads: 1,332km 
117 Bridges: 
87km Regional roads:
Our recreation facilities
Playgrounds: 406
Tennis courts: 38
Playing fields: 163
Aquatic and leisure centres: 5
Community hubs: 6
Libraries: 5
Our Council
Number full time equivalent staff 1,677 
Budget forecast $736 million
Capital budget $384 million
Operating budget: $352 million Council’s projected spending during 2017-2021: 
$2.7 billion Budget forecast: $736 million Capital budget

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Trees for Peace – Celebrating Ghandi’s 150th Birthday

24 May 2019

Hundreds of trees will be planted on Saturday, June 1 to 

celebrate World Environment Day 2019 and to 

commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

'

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP is encouraging community members of all ages to join the tree planting at Harpers Bush Reserve, Reservoir Road, Blacktown.

“This event is a great opportunity to head outdoors and do something good for the environment,” Mayor Bali said.

“It’s a great event that not only celebrates World Environment Day but also commemorates the global messenger of non-violence, Gandhi.”

The free event is hosted by Blacktown City Council, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Australia and the Consulate General of India.

“We are humbled to recognise such an important global figure in our city, and are honoured to recognise our Indian community and their leaders in this way.”

Plants, materials, entertainment and light refreshments will be provided on the day and participants are advised to wear closed shoes, a hat, long pants and long sleeved shirts.

Bookings are essential. If you have any enquiries, please contact our Natural Areas Team on 9839 6000. 

To book please visit: eventbrite.com.au/e/trees-for-peace-a-plantation-drive-tickets-59748491346

Hundreds of plants will be planted at Harpers Bush Reserve, Blacktown.

NSW Transport Heritage Expo 2019 - 8-10 June 2019 - 2 Weeks To Go

Queen's Birthday Long Weekend 
Sat 8 - Mon 10 June 2019

Here's a sneak peak of what's in store at the 2019 Transport Heritage Expo.

We're officially two weeks away from the 2019 Transport Heritage Expo! Sydney will be buzzing with a range of rides and activities for the whole family. From heritage train, bus and boat rides to Devonshire Teas aboard a historic dining carriage from the 1950s and an opportunity to see inside the historic Mortuary Station, this is one event not to be missed! Tickets are selling fast - book online today to secure your seats! Click here for Website details

'whyilovemountdruitt Face Book Group' Insights......

Our Face Book Groups Insights:

We have 59.1% women, Men 39.9% and 1% custom (I take it as not declaring)
7 new members last 28 days +250%
289 - 17% posts, comments and reactions last 28 days
307 members +2% since 25 April 2019
9 Approved Membership Requests
53 Posts - 4% since 25th April 2019
205 Active Members since 25th April 2019

Keep up the good thoughts, posts, reactions, initiatives and support we give each other - members of 'whyilovemountdruitt Face Book Group'.

Which LGA's Have The Highest Amount of Housing Stress? - .id The Population Experts

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I checked on Blacktown LGA 18.3% - see how we compare to other LGA's.

All NSW Drink Drivers Lose Licence

Be careful with new

 Road Rules.......

Click here for further information

Ratha's Place - Hello Thursday - 'whyilovemountdruitt Face Book Page'

Hello Thursday, happy to join you 💗 let’s enjoy some sunshine at Ratha’s Place St Marys with a delicious Cappuccino & desserts to warm us up 😋

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Leading Manufacturer Of High Quality Pharmaceuticals Wins City’s Corporate Citizen Award

22 May 2019

 Vitex Pharmaceuticals, the 2019 Blacktown Corporate 

Citizen of the year.

In November 2017, Vitex Pharmaceuticals, Australia’s 

leading contract manufacturer of vitamins, minerals and 

nutritional supplements, unveiled its 26,000 square metre, 

state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Blacktown’s Eastern 

Creek.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We are proud 

to recognise Dr Aniss Chami as our Corporate Citizen of the 

Year.

“With a remarkable list of credentials, Dr Chami is one of the 

youngest CEOs in the industry.

“He has achieved international success in the industry and 

at the same time demonstrated a high level of community 

involvement within Blacktown City.

“Vitex Pharmaceuticals has brought more than 400 jobs to 

our City and Dr Chami is also known for his philanthropic 

work particularly with the Antiochian Orthodox Church and in 

helping migrants when they first arrive in Australia.

“Dr Chami is passionate about Australian-made products 

and has an international reputation for innovative quality 

systems underscored by an entrepreneurial spirit.

“Above all, he has shown that profitability and integrity can 

go hand in hand.”

Dr Chami was presented with his award during a successful 

‘2019 Budget Insight for Business’ forum on Tuesday.

“The forum provided an opportunity for almost 90 business 

representatives to receive a detailed briefing on Blacktown 

City Council’s record $736 million balanced budget and 

progress in Council’s plans to transform Blacktown,” Mayor 

Bali said.

Dr Aniss Chami, CEO of Vitex Pharmaceuticals and

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP.

2019 Budget Insight for Business.