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Situated within the City of Blacktown local government area in New South Wales, Australia, Blacktown emerges as a dynamic urban center boasting a population of 47,176 as per the 2016 census. Steeped in history and cultural diversity, Blacktown offers a compelling narrative of indigenous heritage and colonial legacy.
Before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, Blacktown's territory was inhabited by various groups of the Darug people, including the Warmuli, Gomerigal, and Wawarawarry. However, the devastating impact of smallpox and other introduced diseases resulted in significant loss of indigenous lives. Governor Arthur Phillip initiated land grants to white settlers in 1791, with Governor Lachlan Macquarie later granting land to indigenous figures Colebee and Nurragingy in 1819 as recognition for their service to The Crown.
In 1823, the Native Institution, a school for Aboriginal children, was relocated to the site where Richmond Road meets Rooty Hill Road North, known as "The Blacks Town." Despite its closure in 1833, the road leading to the institution retained the name Black Town Road, eventually shortening to Blacktown by 1862, coinciding with the establishment of the Black Town Road Station.
The advent of the railway catalyzed the development of Blacktown into a thriving town center, marked by the opening of a post office in 1862 and a school in 1877. The formation of the Shire of Blacktown in 1906 and the introduction of electricity in 1930 further fueled the town's growth. Subsequent decades witnessed significant suburban development, accompanied by civic advancements such as the opening of the hospital, courthouse, police station, library, and TAFE college.
The 1950s and 1960s heralded a period of rapid urbanization, culminating in the establishment of the Westpoint shopping center in 1973, followed by a cinema complex. Today, Blacktown stands as a vibrant urban hub, epitomizing the confluence of historical legacy and cultural diversity, inviting residents and visitors to explore its multifaceted identity and embrace its rich heritage.