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 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.
Brad Bunting is Mayor of Blacktown City.
