Waitangi Day Celebration on Thursday, 6 February 2020
The 6th annual early morning traditional ceremony was held at the Pou in Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. Commencing at 7.30am, the celebration was well attended by The Mayor of Blacktown Cr Tony Bleasdale, Councillors, members of the Sister Cities Advisory Committee and members of the Maori Wardens Australia Executive and the Maori Community.
Special guests included 45 students and staff from Blacktown North Public School who enjoyed the experience and finished tasting some samples of Maori food. Many thanks to the Principal and staff from the school for their enthusiastic support.
Due to inclement weather, the Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival at Mount Druitt Pool was cancelled.
Inaugural Sri Lankan Independence Day Ceremony on Friday, 7 February 2020
In partnership with the Sri Lanka Association of NSW, Blacktown Council hosted its inaugural ceremony to acknowledge Sri Lanka’s Independence Day on Friday, 7 February 2020.
The ceremony, held in the Nirimba Room was hosted by the Mayor of Blacktown, Cr Tony Bleasdale commenced with A Welcome to Country followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, complete with drummer. Displays and performances of Sri Lankan culture, music, song and dance, many in colourful and traditional costume highlighted the celebrations.
A presentation of certificates preceded the flag raising service which concluded with a wonderful sample of Sri Lankan cuisine. No one went home hungry.
Special guests included the Consul General from Sydney, Mr M.H.M Nimal Bandara, Blacktown City Councillors, members of the Sister Cities Advisory Committee and representatives of the Sri Lanka Association of NSW.
Liverpool Plains Military Tattoo 2020
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Cr Tony Bleasdale and members of the Blacktown Community Band and the African Drum group from Blacktown Girls High School attended the Liverpool Plains Military Tattoo on Saturday 8 March 2020. Complete with pipe bands from Tamworth and Blacktown, kilt dancers and a fireworks finale, the Tattoo attracted a large crowd from Quirindi and the surrounding districts. Let’s hope we can hear massed pipe bands again in 2021.
Special thanks to the organisers at Liverpool Plains and all the performers from Blacktown.
Hangi in the Country 3
Now in its 3rd year, ‘Hangi in the Country’ once again reinforced the strong partnerships and friendships which have been created between Blacktown City, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Suseong-gu, South Korea and the Maori Wardens Australia (Blacktown).
Held in Quirindi, the main town in Liverpool Plains in northern New South Wales between 25 and 27 October 2019, the focus was on youth leadership and continued support of drought relief efforts for our Sister City.
Travel to and from Quirindi was mainly by bus for the 100 person delegation. Led by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown Cr Julie Griffiths, the delegation comprised:
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Members of Council’s Sister Cities Committee
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Council Officers
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Staff and 32 youth leadership students from Mitchell, Blacktown Girls, Plumpton and Glenwood High Schools
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Staff and 2 youth leadership delegates from Suseong-gu (South Korea)
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Rap 4 Change, Mt Druitt
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Maori Wardens Blacktown and youth leaders
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Specialist Hangi cooks
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Youth Ambassador, Evan Ademovic. Unfortunately, Ebony O’Connor couldn’t attend due to her HSC commitments.
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Heather Jeong, specialist Korean food cook
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Performers from Blacktown Showcase
The High Schools participating reflected their high level of involvement with our Sister Cities program and the Sister School relationships which have been established.
Special guests for the weekend included super star Jay Lag’aia and Elvis showman, David Cazalet.
With fantastic hospitality and friendship, a great weekend was had by all starting with lunch and a tour of the Rural Heritage Village followed by a taste of country at Windy Station. Dinner on Friday night, complete with performances by our very own Elvis impersonator David Cazalet and songs by Natasha Tatarinoff rounded out an exhausting day. Many thanks to the Quirindi High School P and C for a wonderful meal.
But the program started before the Friday night as Rap 4 Change had been in town since Tuesday, conducting hip hop and rap workshops in the local schools and from all reports, were lucky to get out of town alive as no one wanted them to go – fantastic.
Saturday morning saw the World Youth Café and Forum opened by Jay Lag’aia with future young leaders from Blacktown, South Korea, the Maori Wardens and youth from the LPSC all sharing their thoughts with special relevance of the drought and hard times. A concert for the seniors before lunch with David Cazalet bought Elvis to life, Thomas Moeller showed us what youth can do on stage and a little taste of Korean food and story-telling with Heather Jeong all the way from the Korean Cultural Centre in Sydney, certainly entertained the seniors during the morning.
The free family concert in the afternoon with Jay at the helm proved a real buzz for the families, kids, youth leaders and all who attended. It was almost as if the real Captain Typho was in the Theatre!!!
And on Saturday night, the Royal Theatre rocked with over 200 people who enjoyed another hearty Hangi, this time with a taste of Korean food, both complemented by a marvellous night of glitz and glamour. With sound–man Steve Scarlett at the helm, local and visiting performers Johanna Hemara, Indiah Nean, the Filipino dance group from Plumpton, Jackson Worley, Thomas Moeller, Emma Percy and Natasha Tatarinoff wowed the audience with a diverse range of entertainment.
Prior to an emotional address and outline of Maori culture by Rawiri Iti, President of the Maori Wardens Australia which concluded with a spirited performance of the time-honoured HAKA, David Cazalet had the audience bopping and a’rocking as he went through his Elvis repertoire. ‘Hound Dog’ certainly had the younger crowd jiving.
The presentation of the awards received from Sister Cities Australia by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown to the Mayor of Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Cr Andrew Hope was but one of the many highlights of a a wonderful night.
Special mention to all those who assisted in making ‘Hangi in the Country 3’ such a success and we look forward to ‘Hangi IV.’
Blacktown and Suseong-gu, South Korea celebrate 25 years
A delegation from Blacktown Council travelled to Suseong-Gu South Korea in September to participate in the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Sister Cities agreement.
The delegation comprised the Mayor, Cr Stephen Bali MP, Chief Executive Officer, Manager Events and Sister Cities, 2 members of the Sister Cities Committee, our 2 current Youth Ambassadors and Korean translator.
Twelve performers and staff from Mitchell High School Blacktown who had signed a Sister School partnership with Daegu Dong Middle School in 2014 accompanied the delegation. The performers and staff spent a few days with their student counterparts during an extended stay.
In what was a busy schedule, everyone enjoyed the hospitality of our South Korean Sister City. Key highlights of the visit were:
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The resigning of a Reaffirmation of the Sister Cities Declaration between Blacktown and Suseong-gu to re-affirm the strong active links which have been established and maintained since 1994
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Outstanding acceptance and interest for the performers from Mitchell High School who opened the City’s 2019 annual Water Festival on the main stage in front of 10,000 avid fans. The group drew similar applause from another 10,000 rapturous fans during their subsequent show. What a response!!
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Progression of business connections which had been established during our inaugural business and economic delegation visit in 2017.
The visit served to reinforce the strong bonds which have been developed during the 25 year partnership while consolidating the friendships established in a youthful Sister Schools arrangement.
A series of photographs clearly display the enthusiasm, energy and excitement of all those involved during this very special visit.
Our 2nd Indian Independence Day celebration
Blacktown City Council conducted its 2nd Indian Independence Day celebration on Thursday, 15 August 2019.
Held in the Bowman Hall, the event attracted nearly 120 persons where guests enjoyed a range of Indian music and performers in traditional costume. The celebration concluded with a taste of Indian food and sweets.
Our appreciation to all those involved in the celebration.
Food Bowl Project - where City meets Country
On 1 August, 38 students and 3 teachers from Blacktown North Public School ventured to Quirindi, our Sister City in northern NSW to participate in an educational unit called ‘Food Bowl Connection’.
The unique and exciting program is all about the value of food production and the fertile Liverpool Plains with a focus on the social, cultural and political issues surrounding food security.
The ‘city slickers’ undertook a series of country adventures including, visiting the Wallabadah First Fleet Garden, a tour and talk of the historic Windy Woolshed and a farm tour of Liverpool Plains property 'Gunnadilly' during which, they had the chance to see, smell, touch and interact with farming practices including feeding livestock, seeing crops and viewing farm machinery.
It also gave the city folk a good insight into the effects of the drought on the community and its farmers.
A bonfire and camp oven dinner at the Quirindi Showgrounds before retiring to stay overnight in local accommodation was a real highlight.
After a tour of the Rural Heritage Village early the next morning, the group enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by representatives from the Museum, who also supplied a packed lunch for the return trip.
True country hospitality. ‘We will be back’ was the chant to their country cousins as the group headed for the big smoke.
A big thank you to the generous farmers, groups and people that opened their hearts and homes to make this inaugural visit such a success.
Philippine Independence Day flag raising ceremony 2019
The Australian Philippines Services League (APSL) in partnership with Blacktown Council, conducted a flag raising ceremony on Saturday, 8 June 2019 in the Bowman Hall to commemorate the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebrations. Entertainment comprised musical renditions and cultural dance performances.
The ceremony was attended by local MP’s, Councillors, members of the Sister Cities Committee and a large representation from the Philippine community
Many thanks to the APSL for their whole-hearted involvement in the conduct of this event.
The Philippine flag was flown in the Village Green for 1 week from the day of the ceremony.
Additional activities were also conducted in the Bowman Hall later that afternoon.
A video about the history and importance of the day was shown for several days on screens in the Max Webber Library, adjacent to the Village Green and Council’s Administration Building.
Many thanks to Jade Cadelina, Project Coordinator for The Philippine Cultural Institute for his assistance in arranging these additional initiatives.
All the activities and performances serve to acknowledge the 9% of Blacktown’s population who are either Filipino born or of Filipino heritage.
Have a look at the photographs of the day’s events.
International Links and Sister Cities participation during the 2019 Blacktown Festival
As part of the 2019 Blacktown Festival, several ILSC activities were included in the Festival Program comprising:
1. A taste of international food at the Medieval Fayre
Residents and visitors who attended the 2019 Blacktown Medieval Fayre enjoyed a special treat by being able to sample food delicacies from the Philippines on Saturday, 18 May and Maori on Sunday, 19 May. This new initiative, designed to promote the variety of foods from our various Sister Cities proved to be an outstanding success with samplers saying that the tastes were mouth-watering.
Located next to our Sister City in northern NSW, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, the stall proved very popular between 11.00am and 1.00pm on both days and wonder why when you check out the satisfied customers!!!
Similar samples will be served at a number of selected community fairs and events later this year. Watch this space for details.
Special thanks to Jojo from the Philippine group and the Maori Wardens for preparing and serving the array of delicacies.
2.Movie Night on Wednesday, 22 May 2019
A free family movie was held at the WestPoint Blacktown Hoyts Cinema Centre on Wednesday, 22 May 2019 where local families were able to relax in comfort and enjoy the screening of the Pokémon Detective Pikachu movie on the night. Prior to the screening, patrons were shown a series of slides about our Sister Cities and related events.
An enjoyable and informative evening was had by the 150 people who attended with many expressing thanks for the opportunity not only to see the movie but gain an understanding of our Sister Cities and how the program links to the local community. Can’t wait for next year’s movie night was the comment by many when leaving that night. Looks like this new initiative could be here to stay!!!
3. Street Parade on Saturday, 25 May
Liverpool Plains Shire Council joined us once again with a stall, demonstrations and participation in the annual Street Parade. The contingent of our country cousins really enjoyed themselves as shown in the array of pictures.
Special mention to the students and staff from Glenwood High School who met the leaders from Quirindi High School at morning tea to initiate discussions of a possible Sister School partnership. Stay tuned.
Official opening of the Korea-Australia peace monument at RAAF Memorial Park, Mt. Druitt on Friday, 3 May 2019
The official opening of the Korea-Australia peace monument at RAAF Memorial Park, Mt. Druitt took place in wet conditions on Friday, 3 May 2019 by the Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali MP and Mr Kim, Chairman of the Foundation.
Due to the weather, it was necessary to conduct the dedication service at nearby West Tradies Club where Mayor Bali, Mr Kim, Chairman of the Foundation and Mr CHO, Chief of Korea Local Government Centre for Oceania spoke about the significance of the monument and its importance to Korean people.
Nearly 100 people attended the opening including Councillors,, members of Blacktown Council’s Sister Cities Committee, students and staff from Blacktown Girls and Mitchell High Schools.
A traditional Korean flutist provided entertaining music on the day.
The Korea-Australia Peace Enhancement and Pacific War Victims Memorial is designed to commemorate those Koreans who were mobilised in force, and either died in the Cowra Prisoner of War camp or in other locations throughout the Pacific War. It symbolises the hopes of the victims who could not return to their home country at that time.
Blacktown City Council had worked in conjunction with the Korean Consulate Sydney and the Korean Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilisation under Japanese Colonialism (a subsidiary institution of the Ministry of the Interior of Korea) to construct the monument. The decision to locate the monument in Blacktown City was based on our active long-term Sister Cities arrangement with Suseong-gu, South Korea since 1994 and the firm relationships established with the Korean Consulate.
The monument is the only memorial constructed in Australia and one of only four, constructed world-wide to acknowledge Korean victims of forced mobilisation.
Key elements of the Memorial include:
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A central large tear-drop of sorrow that represents the pain and grief of the victims of the Pacific War with side wings to embrace, comfort and protect such sorrow
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Seven memorial screens with pictures of Korean history and culture that surround and protect the main pagoda
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A stone and plaque with wording to acknowledge the construction and the promotion of peace and friendship between Korea (ROK) and Australia.
The Monument was constructed in Korea and transported in a container to Blacktown for re-assembly and installation. The Korean Foundation provided funding for the entire project.
Considerable consultation took place with the local RSL Club, RSL Sub-Branch, various veterans associations/groups, Ward Councillors and nearby residents to ascertain level of support and if there were any concerns about the
construction of the Memorial.
The Korean Consulate, Sydney will promote visitation by Korean tourists during visits to Sydney and surrounds.
The memorial reinforces the core values of peace, goodwill and friendship. These values are consistent with the ethos of our International Links and Sister Cities program.
The accompanying pictures show the actual Monument and opening formalities.
Liverpool Plains Business Chamber – Thank You Event (Quirindi) on Thursday, 21 March 2019
In December 2018, Blacktown Council transported 1100 gifts for the drought affected families of our Sister City Liverpool Plains Shire Council.
The Liverpool Plains Business Chamber under the chairmanship of Grant Batty held a ‘thankyou’ function for all those community groups and individuals that made the event a success for the community. Blacktown City Council was thanked for its ongoing and marvellous support in many activities that provide drought affected relief. It was through the provision of gifts for the children of the region at a most difficult time that attracted great and heartfelt thanks. The Mayor of LPSC Cr Andrew Hope along with other community leaders thanked Blacktown City for its continued support. Put simply: Thankyou Blacktown !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sister Cities Shield Delegation to Porirua and Wellington NZ from Friday 15 March to Monday 18 March 2019
A small delegation attended the 2nd Sister Cities Shield A-League soccer fixture played in Wellington NZ between the Western Sydney Wanderers representing Blacktown City and Wellington Phoenix representing Porirua. The game ended in a 3-1 victory to Wellington Phoenix and the Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Bleasdale presented Porirua City Council Mayor Mike Tana with the shield which now sits proudly on display in the Porirua City Council Offices.
Our delegation had a full weekend of activity in and around Porirua, our NZ Sister City.
Upon our arrival at Wellington Airport on the Friday afternoon we were greeted by the tragic news of the Christchurch Mosque attacks.
The Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Bleasdale and Greg McCallum attended the Wellington Masjid Mosque on the Sunday morning to pay our deepest respects and condolences. Whilst there, the Deputy Mayor and Greg were invited to the Boardroom within the Mosque to join Consul Generals and Ambassadors of over 30 countries in a morning tea of solidarity with the leaders of the Masjid Mosque. It was an enormous privilege to be invited to be part of an overwhelming display of international support. The Deputy Mayor spoke impressively and with great conviction that this type of terrorism and atrocity will never be allowed to undermine the goodwill that exists internationally for the Muslim community and for the New Zealand people.
- Opening of the FRIENDS OF PĀTAKA ARTS TRAIL
The Friends of Pātaka Arts Trail is an exciting opportunity to meet and watch artists in nine hubs (groups of artists in one location) and twelve individual studios over two days. There are lots of wonderful work for sale, for a range of budgets!
The artists will present a wide variety of creativity, from glass in Pukerua Bay to 3D printed bespoke vases in Tawa. There will be work from Whitireia’s traditional Maori influenced weavers, artists who bring expressions from Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Myanmar, Indonesia, as well as fantasy and reflective artists.
- City Centre Celebration
Porirua’s city centre has a new name – Te Manawa – gifted by Ngāti Toa Rangatira to reflect its transformation. Te Manawa means a central place where many people gather, and their hearts beat as one, says Mayor Mike Tana.
“The name reflects our vision of a city centre that is the vibrant heart of our community, now and for future generations,” he said. “The gifting of Te Manawa is also a symbol of the strong, enduring partnership between Ngāti Toa and Porirua City.” Te Manawa covers the area from the entrance to the city, to the harbour, from Titahi Bay Road to Porirua Stream, and everything in between.
The day started at 8 am with an opening ceremony by Ngāti Toa Rangitira and a blessing of the area recognising its history. After the cutting of the cake at 11 am by children from each of Porirua’s distinct villages, there were activities and entertainment for all until 3 pm, with live music, dance performances, bouncy castles, face painting, diggers, vintage cars, emergency services vehicles, virtual reality experiences, food trucks, prizes, giveaways and more.
Changes in the city centre include new paving, seating, planting, CCTV cameras and lighting, and the centrepiece stingray shelter – a large covered stage for use at events and night markets – referencing the stingray abundant in and around Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.
A Pou was also unveiled in the City Centre during the visit. An interesting point is that the carver of this Pou was the same gentleman that came to Blacktown and carved the two Pou that stand in Nurragingy Reserve.
Mayoral Reception – Mayoress Christmas Gift Donation / Christmas on the Plains (Quirindi) on Monday, 25 February 2019
After a successful Christmas Gift Appeal and this year expanding to include over 1100 gifts to the Children of Liverpool Plains, a special Mayoral Reception was organised to thank the organisations and individuals that made the Appeal so successful.
All organisations were invited to attend the function which was held in the Nirimba Room by attending with volunteers who made the collection and wrapping of the gifts so successful.
Twenty three organisations, businesses and individuals were invited and represented in great numbers. A slide show was produced showcasing the wrapping of the gifts and the presentation of them in Quirindi to the sounds of ‘With a Little Help from my Friends’. The Mayor of Liverpool Plains Cr Andrew Hope, Councillor Doug Hawkins OAM, CWA Secretary Colleen Wills OAM joined Liverpool Plains Business Chamber President Grant Batty attending from Quirindi. Quirindi Lions Club members were also in attendance and received a cheque from Kings Langley Lions Club representative John Fernandes as part of drought relief fundraising effort by his members.
In all over 180 people attended from all over the Blacktown area and received a certificate of thanks from the Mayoress, Anne Bali.
Waitangi Day Celebrations on Saturday, 9 February 2019
- Traditional ceremony at the Pou
Waitangi Day 2019 commenced with the 5th annual early morning celebration at the Pou at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. Commencing at 7.15am, the traditional celebration was well attended by The Mayor of Blacktown Cr Stephen Bali MP, Councillors, members of the Sister Cities Advisory Committee and members of the Maori Wardens Australia Executive and the Maori Community.
- Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival
Blacktown Council in partnership with the Maori Wardens Australia, hosted the 4th Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival for the first time at Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. Fun, plenty of shade, stalls, swimming and high quality live entertainment proved big hits for the 3,000 plus family friendly crowd that attended on the day. Skid Row Radio broadcast live throughout the day from the pool side.
The newly appointed NZ Consul General, Mr Bill Dobbie attended the event and joined Rawiri Iti – President of Maori Wardens Australia and The Mayor of Blacktown Cr Stephen Bali MP in welcoming the community to the event.
An application has been received already from the Maori Wardens Australia to partner in the event for 2020 at the same venue – such was the appeal of holding the event at the Pool and its surrounds.(JPG, 27KB)
‘Hangi in the Country 2’: Sister Cities x 4 in the same place at the same time. How good is that?
What an achievement to have 4 Sister Cities in the same place at the same time – Blacktown City, Liverpool Plains Shire, Suseong-gu and Porirua as part of the The ‘Hangi in the Country 2’ held in the Liverpool Plains Shire between 26 and 28 October 2018.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council has been a Sister City partner since 2005 with the 2018 visit consolidating the foundations of community partnerships established between 2015-2016 and ‘Hangi in the Country 1’ held in 2017.
The focus of the 2018 visit was on youth sport, youth leadership and support of the drought relief effort for our Sister City. Liverpool Plains Shire is an area that has been identified in the top 3 drought affected areas in NSW. Blacktown Council agreed to provide a donation of $20,000 to Liverpool Plains Shire Council to help fund the purchase of a tank to supply potable water to residents and explore initiatives including:
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the utilisation of our staff and plant
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student support
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support for local businesses in Liverpool Plains Shire
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collection centres across Blacktown City for non-perishable items
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work with our Sister Cities Committee and local service clubs to identify opportunities to support Liverpool Plains Country Women's Association, Lions Club and other support organisations.
Travel to and from Quirindi, the main town in Liverpool Plains Shire was by a combination of bus and/or on the ‘Blacktown Sister Cities Flyer’ from Central Station. NSW Rail once again supported the event with discounted rail fares. Well done and many thanks to NSW Rail.
With nearly 200 persons involved, this was the largest delegation to ever leave Blacktown. Led by the Mayor, Cr Stephen BalI MP Councillors Kevin Gilies and Julie Griffiths, the delegation comprised:
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Members of Council’s Sister Cities Committee
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Council Officers
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Staff, u/14 sports persons and youth leadership students x 130 from Mitchell, Blacktown Girls and Plumpton High Schools and Chifley College, Shalvey
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Staff and youth leadership delegates from Porirua (New Zealand) and Suseong-gu (South Korea)
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Rap 4 Change, Mt Druitt
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Maori Wardens Blacktown and 24 x u/14 sports persons
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Basketball team and supervisors from Porirua, NZ
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Representatives from our local Toastmaster’s Clubs
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Specialist Hangi cooks
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Musical artist, Alex Papps
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Our Youth Ambassador
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Local performers from Blacktown Showcase
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Blacktown Showgirl 2018.
The High Schools participating reflected their high level of involvement with our Sister Cities program and the Sister School relationships established.
Jessica Watson OAM (former Australian of the Year 2011 and youngest person to sail solo non-stop around the world) was engaged as keynote speaker and guest presenter at the International Youth Connect Forum in Quirindi.
Rap 4 Change conducted hip hop and wrap workshops for local schools on Thursday and Friday, during the family shows on Saturday afternoon and hosted a disco for over 200 the youth on the Saturday evening in the Sports Pavilion.
Specialist Maori chefs prepared 450 Hangi meals using traditional methods and local produce. What an effort in very warm conditions.
A comprehensive video will be uploaded shortly but in the meantime, check out the array of happy snaps.
2018 Year 5 and 6 Writing Contest
Students from Years 5 and 5 who live or attend a primary school within Blacktown City were invited to enter the 2018 Blacktown City Council International Links and Sister Cities Writing Contest.
Now in its 4th year, students were encouraged in 200 words or less explain how diversity, culture, friendship unite people and the community in which they live. Using examples as to how Blacktown has interacted with its Sister Cities in recent years was encouraged.
Members of our Sister Cities Committee spent considerable time to assess the entries with the following judged award recipients:
School
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Year 6
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Year 5
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St Patrick’s Blacktown
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Priyesh Chand (winner)
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Blacktown North
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Likhita Chikmath (commended)
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Sacred Heart Primary
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Raeshelle De Leon (runner up)
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Good Shepherd Primary Plumpton
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Christina Kilberd (winner)
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Marayong PS
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Krithika Guduru (winner)
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Seven Hills West PS
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Smit Parikh (runner up)
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Quakers Hill PS
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Anastasia Prokhorov (winner)
Vedanth Raj Nandakumar (runner up)
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Neel Velani (runner up)
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Holy Cross Glenwood
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Frida Vazquez Vega (winner)
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Plumpton PS
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Zahra Junaid (commended)
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Seven Hills PS
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Mohijit Singh (runner up)
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Rouse Hill Anglican
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Kelly Ghali (winner)
Gabriella Meltzer (commended)
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St John Vianney’s
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Dominic Mercado (winner)
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Jayda Ramia (winner)
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Blacktown South
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Ben Fitzjohn (runner up)
Kamran Arshad (commended)
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Hasanatou Bah (winner)
Manvir Khangura (runner up)
Riddhima Sharma (commended)
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Awards and Certificates of Participation have been presented at individual schools during term 4. See some of the happy faces in these photographs.
Many thanks to the Principals, school staff, students, parents, Sister Cities Committee and our sponsors Hoyts and Featherdale Wildlife Park who supported the contest.
Remember to keep an eye out for dates in 2019 as the writing contest promises to be bigger and brighter in its 5th year!!!
Korean flag raising ceremony
We conducted a very successful and enjoyable Korean flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, 23 October 2018 in the Bowman Hall. Hosted by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Tony Bleasdale, the ceremony was attended by the Consul General Mr Su Cheng Co and MS Young Cha from the Korean Consulate along with 2 Youth Ambassadors from our Sister City Suseong Gu - Kim Dong Han and Bae Ji Ho and their chaperone from Suseong Gu Council Ms Cha Mingyo
Entertainment was provided by K Pop group Gloss.
Korean Peace Monument
Blacktown City Council in conjunction with the Korean Consulate Sydney and the Korean Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilisation under Japanese Colonialism (a subsidiary institution of the Ministry of the Interior of Korea) have constructed a Korean-Australia peace monument in the RAAF Memorial Park, Mt. Druitt. The decision to locate the monument in Blacktown City was based on our active long-term Sister Cities arrangement with Suseong-gu, South Korea and the firm relationships established with the Korean Consulate.
The Korea-Australia Peace Enhancement and Pacific War Victims Memorial is designed to commemorate those Koreans who were mobilised in force, and either died in the Cowra Prisoner of War camp or in other locations throughout the Pacific War. The monument symbolises the hopes of the victims who could not return to their home country at that time.
Key elements of the Memorial include:
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A central large tear-drop of sorrow that represents the pain and grief of the victims of the Pacific War with side wings to embrace, comfort and protect such sorrow
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Seven memorial screens with pictures of Korean history and culture that surround and protect the main pagoda
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A memorial stone and plaque with wording to acknowledge the construction with Australian and Republic of Korea emblems.
Council consulted with the RSL Club, RSL Sub Branches, various veterans associations/groups and Ward Councillors to ascertain level of support and if there were any concerns about the construction of the memorial:
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The monument is the only memorial constructed in Australia and one of only four, constructed world-wide to acknowledge Korean victims of forced mobilisation.
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Links between history and present day Korea will be strengthened by its construction while the Korean Consulate, Sydney intends to promote visitation by Korean tourists during their visit to Sydney and surrounds.
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Location of the monument within the Blacktown LGA will further enhance our strong relationships with the Korean Consulate, Sydney and the Korean community. The monument and memorial stone reinforce the core values of peace, goodwill and friendship. These values are consistent with the ethos of our International Links and Sister Cities program.
After viewing the photographs, a visit to the site is even better to appreciate the significance and meaning of the monument.
The official opening of the memorial will occur in April 2019.
Sister Cities Australia (SCA) National Awards Function, Forum and Annual General Meeting
Blacktown City Council hosted the Sister Cities Australia 2018 National Awards Function on Monday 15 October and a Forum and Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 16 October at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope Gardens.
In front of a packed house on Monday evening, the Mayor of Blacktown Cr. Stephen Bali MP welcomed over 150 guests and visitors to the SCA Awards Function. Highlights of the night included:
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Blacktown City Council receiving the Community Involvement Award for its 2017 ‘Hangi in the Country 1’ Project for the second year in a row
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Life Membership of SCA bestowed on Peter Filmer OAM, Manager Blacktown Council’s Events and Sister Cities
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Samples of Korean music and Chinese dancing
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Wonderful performances by a selection of young talent identified through Blacktown Council’s Showcase program.
The SCA Forum on Tuesday included a formal welcome for delegates and attendees by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Tony Bleasdale and Bill Wilson, President SCA.
The key themes of the SCA Forum were cultural partnerships and economic opportunities through Sister Cities. Highlights included:
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A very inspiring key note address by Dr Jim Taggart OAM: ‘Enhancing international links with our partners’
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Case studies on International trade and Sister Schools models from a Blacktown City Council perspective
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Presentations by Mr Hiro Tomo Akaiwa, Director, Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney), Mr Jeong Lak Choi, KOTRA and Ms Young Cha, Korean Local Government Centre, Sydney
After the SCA Annual General Meeting, delegates were able to network and interact prior to the conclusion of a busy program. Plenty of photographs capture the spirit of the Awards Function and the business aspects of the Forum.
Chinese flag raising ceremony
We conducted our 3rd Chinese flag raising ceremony on Thursday, 11 October 2018.
The ceremony hosted in the Nirimba Room was attended by the People’s Republic of China Mr GU Xiaojie, Consul General and Mr WANG Fanfu Consul.
The Sydney Chinese Dance Group dressed in vivid traditional costumes entertained the guests and visitors with an exhilarating range of routines.
Inaugural Indian Independence Day flag raising celebration
Blacktown City Council conducted its inaugural Indian Independence Day flag raising celebration on Wednesday, 15 August 2018.
Held in the Bowman Hall, the event attracted over 150 persons with special guest Consul S.K.Verma Indian Consul, Sydney. The Mayor of Blacktown, Cr Stephen Bali MP was represented by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Tony Bleasdale.
A gift exchange took place during the formal ceremony. Guests also enjoyed a range of Indian music and performers in traditional costume concluding with a taste of Indian food and sweets.
Our appreciation to all those involved in the celebration. Have a look at the range of pictures taken on the day.
Blacktown Showcase
Our inaugural Blacktown Showcase was held during June and July this year and what a response we received with over 48 residents from Blacktown aged between 14 and 17 who auditioned in the Bowman Hall, Blacktown Civic Centre.
The range of talent was incredible including performers covering the singing / dance / instrumental disciplines
In what proved to be very difficult for our judges, 12 entrants were finally selected to become part of our pool of talented performers to participate in events over the next 12 months including proposed trips to South Korea, New Zealand and Liverpool Plains in Northern NSW.
Some have already performed at our Citizenship Ceremonies, the Sister Cities Australia National Awards Function and during our visit to Liverpool Plains. What a great start for our up and coming talented young performers.
Check out the photographs and the array of young talent from Blacktown that was on display.
Many thanks to all those who supported the event and remember to keep an eye out for the 2019 dates. Blacktown Showcase will be back!
Liverpool Plains Shire delegation visits to Blacktown May 2018
Not only did our country cousins visit us once, but twice during May 2018. The first time was during our Medieval Fayre on 19 and 20 May where Nikki Robertson, Angus Fraser and Andrew Ballard manned the Liverpool Plains display marquee and answered many questions about their wonderful Shire. After meeting with our events staff to workshop event planning, promotion and operations, Andrew and Angus were amazed at the scale of the Medieval Fayre and learnt a lot from our staff in what proved to be a valuable staff exchange.
The second visit coincided with the Blacktown Festival and Street Parade on Saturday, 26 May.
Chambers of Commerce Business Partnership
A meeting was also facilitated at Rooty Hill RSL Club by Blacktown Council between Grant Batty, the President of the Liverpool Plains Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, the Deputy Mayor of Liverpool Plains Shire, Doug Hawkins, Trevor Oldfield and Livia Janovics, President and Secretary of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber (GBBC) respectively and Bob Turner, Chair of the GBBC Corporate Relationships Sub-Committee.
The Liverpool Plains Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry has been operating for 70 years and has 65 members from across a wide range of businesses including mining, agriculture cropping and livestock, transport, retail and supporting fabrication businesses. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential future partnerships and/or relationships between both Chambers and explore possible business to business opportunities within the different industry categories.
The outcomes of this initial meeting proved to be extremely positive with exciting programs and interactions planned for the future.
Philippine Independence Day flag raising and Library display 2018
The Australian Philippines Services League (APSL) in partnership with Blacktown Council, conducted a flag raising ceremony on Saturday, 9 June 2018 in the Bowman Hall to commemorate the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebrations. Entertainment comprised musical renditions and cultural dance performances. Many thanks to the APSL for their whole-hearted involvement in the conduct of this event.
The ceremony was supported by a 2-week display in the Max Webber Library. Many thanks to Jade Cadelina, Project Coordinator for The Philippine Cultural Institute and our Sister Cities Committee for his efforts in arranging the video about the history and significance of the event and the display of paintings by famous Filipino artists which complemented the celebrations. A wonderful acknowledgment for the 9% of Blacktown’s population who are either Filipino born or of Filipino heritage.
Waitangi Day celebrations in Blacktown on Saturday, 10 February 2018
For the 4th consecutive year, Council commenced the Waitangi Day celebrations with a formal ceremony (Karakia service) at the Pou (South Sea Islands garden at Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road Doonside) between 7.00-8.00am. The service included ritual chants to invoke spiritual guidance and protection. Check out the photographs of the ceremony.
In partnership with the Maori Wardens NSW , Council assisted with the hosting of the 3rd Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival at the Blacktown Showground Precinct from 11.45 until 7.00pm. The official opening was conducted by the Mayor Cr Stephen Bali and Greg Makutu, from the NZ Consul General’s Office, Sydney. A Maori welcoming ceremony (Powhiri) with speeches, dancing and singing followed the opening. The Festival was well attended with plenty of performances on the main stage, food stalls, community displays and traditional entertainment to showcase various aspects of South Pacific culture, arts and cuisine. The interactive crowd participation was a highlight during the hot afternoon.
Delegation visit to Porirua City from 4-7 February 2018
Council approved for a delegation from Blacktown City to attend the 2018 Waitangi Day celebrations in Porirua City from 4 to 7 February 2018. The attendance at Porirua City’s most prestigious and largest event was able to reaffirm the strong bonds which have been developed since the signing of our Sister Cities agreement in May 1984.
The delegation comprised the Deputy Mayor, Cr Tony Bleasdale as the Mayor’s nominee, the General Manager, our Sister Cities Project Officer, 4 local Indigenous performers and our 2 current and 2 former Youth Ambassadors.
Our Manager, Arts and Cultural Development assisted with the identification of the 4 local Indigenous performers with experience in Aboriginal dance, music and singing to accompany the delegation. The Indigenous performers showcased components of our local aboriginal culture to the large crowd during the celebrations.
An invitation was extended for the Mayor of Porirua to attend the inaugural Sister Cities Shield football match in the A-League competition between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix.