Westpoint Blacktown turns 50

WESTPOINT opened its doors in April 1973, the same year we had Crocodile Rock, ScoobyDoo, and bell-bottoms!

It is a place where for five decades people have come together for shopping, entertainment, performances, product launches, promotions, and festivals. That’s a lot to celebrate!

During April this year, Westpoint turns 50. To commemorate, Westpoint is looking back on some of their customers’ favourite stories, sharing a display of historical photographs and throwing one big birthday party.

On Saturday April 1 from 11am to 3pm, Westpoint Blacktown is inviting the community to come and join the

50th birthday party with free family fun including giveaways, kids craft activities, face painting, and entertainment.

Craig Brown, General Manager of Westpoint said: “We’re so thrilled to reach this historical milestone and celebrate with the community. We invite local families to come and have a good time with us.”

Throughout the month of April, the community can visit the special display of Westpoint’s history. There are fun photos of Westpoint through time, old retailers, special events held at the centre, and famous musician performances. The exhibition will pay tribute to the funky 70’s style and will be on display from Saturday 1 - Sunday 30 April, across 4 locations:

• Level 1, Centre Court.

• Level 1, near Woolworths.

• Level 3, next to Factorie.

• Level 3, next to Platypus.

The fun doesn’t end there. From Tuesdays to Saturdays during the April school holidays, kids can head back in time to the 70’s with free kids’ craft activities. They can create a dreamcatcher, make their own beaded bracelet, and more. Plus, for the entire month of April, there will be free old-school arcade games to get your game on and compete for the highest score.

Westpoint interviewed four residents who shared their special connection with the centre. These included:

• Bill McNamara, 95, builder of Westpoint Shopping Centre: Bill shared the history of Westpoint, how he acquired the land, designed the centre, and got the community behind the vision

• Rita and Tanisha Sarno: local mother and daughter shared their stories of being a retail em- ployee and their special family visits.

• Franica and Lana Cetinic: local residents for 20 years and frequent customers, shared why they love Westpoint.

• Jim Hatzikalimnios: long-standing owner and manager of Nadia’s Cafe, shared his experience as a Westpoint retailer for more than 30 years.

Watch their heart-warming stories and see the celebration program at www. westpoint.com.au.

In ten years, Westpoint will unveil its Time Capsule, which says hello to the next generation. The existing time capsule will have new contents added with new rich stories and team photographs of our retailers, a summation of the 50th birthday celebrations, as well as 2023 Australian coins and stamps.