Bowman Hall has been the centre of local community activities since 1965.
The Blacktown News published a series of articles in May and June 2023 backing community calls for heritage listing of Bowman Hall to protect it from potential demolition after the sale of CBD land to Walker Corporation in March 2023.
The articles highlighted the birth of modern Australia through the national Labor election campaign launch in 1972 and 1974 where the then Labor Leader, Gough Whitlam declared significant structural reforms to Australia during his tenure as prime minister including the end of the white Australia policy, ending conscription to the Vietnam war, introduction of Medibank (forerunner to Medicare) and free university courses.
Stephen Bali, Member for Blacktown has since continued to lobby to have the building to be considered for State Heritage listing by the NSW Government.
Blacktown Council is investing what local significance Bowman Hall has played in the history of Blacktown City resulting from a motion proposed by Cr Bob Fitzgerald OAM and Cr Carol Israel.
Cr Jess Diaz successfully called for an amendment to involve Blacktown Historical Society in the historical assessment.
Cr Peter Camilleri outlined the importance of its future as it was one of most raised issues and remains unaddressed by Council.
Cr Camilleri said: “It makes sense to have a look at it. The heritage of this place goes beyond politics and big events and includes year seven socials, and I swore my citizenship to Australia in that very hall as so many others have for years and years before hand.
“It is all the small events that on mass effect all residents of Blacktown. Given there is such a high proportion of people from overseas and attend schools locally resulting in a big and strong connection with Bowman Hall.”
Cr Fitzgerald OAM said: “Bowman Hall does have cultural, spiritual and historical significance and not just only citizenship ceremonies, debuts, but weddings and anniversaries and a whole ambit of festivals and events including the multicultural community using it extensively.”
“This should have been brought up prior to 2021 by this Council. It wasn’t and I am glad it is being supported.”
Mr Bali said the new owners, Walker Corporation, have a strong legacy in protecting and enhancing historical and culturally significant buildings within their development precincts as demonstrated with their recent Parramatta development.”
“I am sure that Walker Corporation will listen to community feedback in designing a future Blacktown that preserves its past with additional new buildings,” Mr Bali said.
Bowman Hall has been the centre of many events including Cr Fitzgerald’s first date with Kate at a debutant ball. The two went on to get married.
Timmy Trumpet's early DJ stage performances were at Bowman Hall at the 2011 Satisfaction Foam Party night. He has gone on to become a sensational international musician, DJ, songwriter and producer performing at sell out concerts including Ultra Music Festival in the US with a crowd of over 165,000.
Brothers Jason and Dave Ghazal also Blacktown residents had their early start as DJs in Bowman Hall and have gone onto become Australia’s leading entrepreneurs in stage and sound productions operating Jay Productions and Events.
John Horne, Secretary of Blacktown and District Historical Society Inc said local heritage listing is about local stories of how buildings like Bowman Hall made a difference in our lives.
“We need many people to come forward and share their stories about why Bowman Hall is important to them so it can be successfully listed on the Council’s heritage registry,” Mr Horne said.
Emails of support can be sent to jhornex@live.com.au
And will be collated and presented to Blacktown Council for their assessment and feedback to councillors.
