The Dawson Mall Project is the visible start of something really big for Mount Druitt, a significant contribution to a larger transformation of Mount Druitt city centre by to Blacktown City Council.
It adds to the over $100 million dollars worth of projects, funded by Council, with the support of the NSW and Australian Governments.
Blacktown City Council, in partnership with the Australian Government, has begun the transformation of the Mount Druitt city centre in Dawson Mall, and it’s now ready for the local community to enjoy.
With $2.6 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and $1.2 million from Blacktown City Council, the $3.8 million refurbishment provides a much-needed boost for this busy public thoroughfare in the heart of Mount Druitt.
The Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP said, “Gone are the days where people want to duck in and out of local shopping precincts, they’re really the epicentre of communities, where people expect modern and diverse spaces to better connect with friends and family.
“That’s exactly what we’re offering Mount Druitt locals through this reimagined Dawson Mall, delivered in partnership with Blacktown City Council, as part of our commitment to get high-priority community infrastructure projects off the ground.”
On Saturday 16 March, The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM and local MP, Ed Husic cut the ribbon to officially open the newly refurbished Dawson Mall.
Mayor Bleasdale said “We celebrate the transformation of this vital public space, a place where our community comes together to connect, play, and thrive. Council has added colour and new life to a much-loved community space.”
The refurbishment includes a new stage, play equipment, upgraded lighting, new seating, tree planting, landscaping and new shade structure that reflects vibrant artwork from the local community. The Hon Ed Husic MP, Member for Chifley and Minister for Industry and Science will join the Mayor to officially open the refurbishment.
Mr Husic said, “I’m so happy we’ve freshened up the look of Mount Druitt Town Square. With a new shade structure and better lighting, we are not only improving the look of the area but also making the space safer and more inviting for residents and visitors alike.”
“The Albanese Government was proud to back the investment in our community infrastructure,” Mr Husic said.
A feature of the transformation is an innovative, rainbow-coloured rope shade structure, which snakes through the town square. The artwork that inspired this shade structure is the cover page of a 1987 hand screen printed calendar called ‘Mount Druitt; 365 Days’.
The calendar was co-created by Garage Graphix arts workers with community groups and residents of Mount Druitt and Blacktown in 1986.
The 13 multicoloured screen prints on the structure depict scenes of everyday life that local people appreciated about their community and their concerns and aspirations for change.
The Dawson Mall upgrade will provide a much-needed boost for this busy public thoroughfare in the heart of Mount Druitt and will be a colourful addition situated next to the Mount Druitt Library and Hub.
Blacktown City Council’s vision for the Mount Druitt CBD is to create a highly connected network of useable, safe and attractive public spaces at the centre of a thriving retail, commercial and residential town centre.
The refurbishment of Dawson Mall is a significant contribution to a larger transformation of Mount Druitt city centre by Blacktown City Council.
For some years now, Council’s ambition has been to ‘transform’ the city. To form partnerships, and to use funds wisely, to attract employment and investment.
Up to $2 billion worth of residential developments in the town centre are currently approved. Council is providing opportunity for new housing within the Mount Druitt city centre and in the numerous urban renewal zones near railway and metro stations across the City.
“We aim to provide our community with the best living and working environment for all,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Council is also delivering a series of local projects, with NSW Government funding through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program, which includes $41m for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre that will modernise an ageing local facility to meet current and future demand for year-round swimming and learn to swim programs.
The upgrade, which for the first time will include indoor aquatics, will ensure access to an Olympic standard swimming pool that will bring the community together, encouraging an active lifestyle both now and for future generations.
The Darug community are the traditional custodians of the land on which Blacktown City is located. $20 million will be invested in a First Nations Community Centre in Mount Druitt town centre, that responds to Aboriginal cultural values and provides a place for connection to Country. The Centre will be designed in consultation with Darug and other First Nation communities.
$36 million dollars has been invested in the Mount Druitt Hub and Library as a vital community space centrally located within the Mount Druitt CBD. The Hub caters to the growing need for community facilities, including meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces, and recreational areas. The Hub offers our community a range of activities and services and serves as a gathering place, promoting lifelong learning, social interaction, cultural enrichment, and health and wellbeing.
