BOWMAN HALL CONNECTION CONTINUES The Whitlam legacy will live on

„ DI BARTOK

GOUGH Whitlam’s connection with Blacktown will not be forgotten, even if the hall where the legendary Labor Prime Minister delivered his It’s Time speech in 1972 is demolished through a major redevelopment of the town centre.

Bowman Hall, built in 1966 and named after a Mrs Bowman who donated the land in Campbell St, is set to be demolished to make way for the $2 billion Walker Corporation development that will transform Blacktown.

But Mayor Tony Bleasdale said a new civic centre will be built and will retain the Bowman Hall name - as well as a plaque commemorating Whitlam’s historic election speech.

The Labor mayor also would like to see a photographic memory of the rousing speech in the new hall, to educate younger generations about Whitlam’s legacy and the honour Blacktown felt in being chosen for the launch of the campaign that saw Labor elected to run the country after 23 years of Liberal rule.

Gough Whitlam brought in a new era for Australia, introducing universal health care, free tertiary education, legal aid and easier divorce, among other reforms, between 1972 and 1975.

“The honour of having Whitlam deliver his speech belongs to Blacktown, not just to a hall, and the Whitlam Institute has indicated it wants artefacts from Bowman Hall in its museum,” Mr Bleasale told the Blacktown News.

“We’re still looking for sites for the new hall, but we are excited by the Walker development, which will rival Parramatta’s CBD.

Investing in Blacktown

“While we’re still waiting for the final design, we know the development represents an investment of $2B to $3B into Blacktown and thousands of jobs.

“It will include a high-tech medical precinct, $40M arts centre, office space in six-star buildings that will attract major firms and institutions.

“We have to move forward as we will have another quarter of a million people moving to Blacktown in the next 20 years.”

Mr Bleasdale’s sentiments were backed by president of Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce Trevor

Oldfield who said the old Bowman Hall “has served its purpose”.

“At the end of the day, Blacktown is a growing city and while it’s lovely to hold on to old things, we have to move on,” Mr Oldfield said.

“The Walker development will create a vibrant and dynamic community that will attract visitors from all over the region.

“The business community, along with council, backs this development.”

Mr Oldfield said he wanted the business community to be fully in the picture as the development progressed.

“It is important that the business and general community are updated on the progress of the development so it meets everyone’s needs,” he said.

Mr Oldfield said it was good that people were questioning and taking an interest in what shape the development would take.

He said he understood the concerns of Blacktown State MP and former mayor Stephen Bali who had lamented the planned demolition of Bowman Hall.

“Steve is someone who cares deeply about Blacktown and we need to be briefed on the development every step of the way,’ Mr Oldfield said.

He was pleased that a Bowman Hall with Whitlam commemorative plaque, would be built elsewhere.