Two selfless individuals have been named the 2025 Blacktown City Citizens of the Year and about 25,000 people cheered the Australia Day Concert and Fireworks at Rooty Hill.
Homicide victims supporter Paul Wynne of Prospect and Pay It Forward Angels founder Marion Coles of Minchinbury were awarded Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively at Blacktown City Council's Australia Day Awards at the Civic Centre.
Later, people turned out in droves to the Rooty Hill and enjoyed Aussie-themed games such as thong-throwing and musical performers headlined by Shannon Noll.
A spectacular fireworks display proved a fitting finale.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was pleased by the strong participation and community pride.
"Council's Australia Day festivities attracted people from all backgrounds who showed the vibrant, neighbourly spirit that makes our community great," he said.
"The unity of Blacktown City people, including those from First Nations communities, is a glowing example of why Australia is such a fantastic place to call home."
Aboriginal people played a key role on the day and performed Welcome to Country and Corroboree at Council-supported events.
The first was the Wake Up with the Wildlife Breakfast at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park.
Mayor Bunting and Councillors joined the community in giving koalas and other animals an early feed.
At Bowman Hall at Blacktown, Australia Day Ambassador Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO shared what the nation means to her before 200 people pledged their allegiance at Council's Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
The new Australians came from countries including Fiji, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka.
At the Australia Day Awards, Mayor Brad Bunting was joined by Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, in congratulating recipients.
Paul was part of the committee that set up Grace's Place at Doonside, which supports child victims of homicide.
He has continued his support as President of the New Leaf Op Shop at Parramatta, which helps fund Grace's Place.
Paul was Blacktown South Public School Parents & Citizens President and played Santa at school celebrations for 25 years.
A former police officer, Paul received the National Police Medal, the National Medal and the NSW Police Medal during his career.
Paul is also a Life Member of Prospect United Football Club and former president.
Marion's Pay It Forward Angels have donated essentials such as food to many people in need.
Using social media, Marion has rallied a volunteer army of about 1,400 people.
Last Christmas, the Pay It Forward Angels distributed more than 400 gifts to people in need.
The awards included the Mount Druitt Family Science Day, organised by Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA), being named Community Event of the Year.
