Brightly decorated homes with lights are drawing people from across Sydney to see the Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition.
Creativity and messages of positivity adorn many homes as locals of South Asian heritage celebrate the Festival of Lights, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
One of the most popular locations has been Phantom Street in Nirimba Fields. These residents claimed the 'Best Street' title after telling the story of Diwali through their artistic designs.
Mayor Brad Bunting surveyed the entries and commended everyone who participated.
"Our community has embraced this competition and you can see the smiles and conversations in the streets.
"Blacktown City is a better place for its diversity. We encourage people to share their cultural traditions so that we all might gain a better understanding of each other."
Mayor Bunting will congratulate competition winners at a Council meeting this week. The winners share in $2,500 in prizes.
Blacktown City has a thriving South Asian community. People born in South Asian countries, particularly India, were the biggest migrant groups in Blacktown City in the 2021 Census.
The Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition has been held since 2017 after Councillors put forward the idea to replicate the success of Council's Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition.
The people of Blacktown City come from more than 180 countries and Council supports many celebrations in honour of this diverse community. These events include a Mayoral Iftar reception, a Lunar New Year festival and Christmas celebrations.
Blacktown City's cultural diversity is reflected by its leadership. There are 5 Councillors who have South Asian heritage.
The full list of winners is:
Overall City Winner
57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect
Overall City 2nd Place
24 Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields
Overall City 3rd Place
3 Rachael Place, Glenwood
Overall City 4th Place
4 Westway Avenue, Marsden Park
Overall City 5th Place
37 Coobowie Drive, The Ponds
Ward 1 Winner
37 Coobowie Drive, The Ponds
Ward 2 Winner
3 Rachael Place, Glenwood
Ward 3 Winner
57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect
Ward 4 Winner
24 Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields
Ward 5 Winner
4 Westway Avenue, Marsden Park
Best Rangoli
3 Rachael Place, Glenwood
Best Street
Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields
