Blacktown City Council, in partnership with the Australian Government, has begun a major transformation of the Mount Druitt city centre, unveiling a refurbished Dawson Mall at the weekend.
The mall makeover is a significant contribution to a larger transformation of Mount Druitt city centre by Blacktown City Council, said Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM.
With $2.6 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and $1.2 million committed by Council, the $3.8 million refurbishment provides a much-needed boost for the busy public thoroughfare in the heart of Mount Druitt, the Mayor 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,” he said.
Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain 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, Mayor Bleasdale and local MP, Ed Husic, cut the ribbon to officially open the newly refurbished Dawson Mall.
The refurbishment includes a new stage, play equipment, upgraded lighting, new seating, tree planting, landscaping and new shade structure that reflects artwork from the local community.
“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,” Mr Husic said.
“The Albanese Government was proud to back the investment in our community infrastructure.”
A feature of the transformation is an innovative, rainbow-coloured rope shade structure (pictured, above), which snakes through the town square.
The artwork that inspired the 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.
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.
“We aim to provide our community with the best living and working environment for all,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
