Blacktown

Blacktown is an established mixed use area, with industrial areas in the north and south, commercial areas in the centre and substantial residential and institutional areas. Blacktown is bounded by Richmond Road, the western boundary of the Ashlar Golf Club, Breakfast Creek, Sunnyholt Road and Vardys Road in the north, the suburb of Lalor Park, Stephen Street, the suburb of Seven Hills, Blacktown Creek, Blacktown Road and Roger Place in the east, generally by Lorne Street, Wye Street, Flushcombe Road, the Great Western Highway, the Western Motorway, Reservoir Road, Holbeche Road and Bungarribee Creek in the south and generally by Douglas Road, Tallawong Avenue, a line running continuous of Tallawong Avenue, Lynwood Avenue, Clarence Street and McClean Street in the west. Blacktown is named after an area that became known as the Blacks’ Town. This area was near what is now the corner of Richmond Road and Rooty Hill Road North and was a school designed to educate Aborigines in European farming techniques.

Settlement of the area dates from 1802, with land used mainly for farming. Growth was minimal until the 1860s, aided by the construction of the railway line. Expansion took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The most significant development occurred in the post-war years, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. The population has increased slightly from the 1990s, a result of new dwellings being added to the area.

Major features of the area include Westpoint Blacktown (Shopping Centre), Blacktown Mega Centre, Council offices, Blacktown District Hospital, Ashlar Golf Club, Blacktown Arts Centre, Blacktown Swimming Pool, Blacktown Showground, Alpha Park, Francis Park, International Peace Park, Lynwood Park, TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute (Blacktown College), Patrician Brothers College and numerous schools.