What is the Blacktown Parish Project?
A new chapter for Mary, Queen of the Family Parish and all who call this parish home
Our Parish is one of the largest and most active and is the geographic centre of the Diocese of Parramatta.
With a proud history of faith, worship, and missionary work in hospitals, schools, and migrant and refugee communities, our parish has long reflected on our role within Blacktown. Historically, St Patrick's Church stood at the heart of the city’s civic, commercial, and retail life.
A new partnership between the Diocese of Parramatta, Blacktown City Council, Walker Corporation, and Mary, Queen of the Family Parish will now see the Church return to its roots as the centre of the revitalised Blacktown Quarter.
"Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)
Voluntary Subcommittees
Following our first parish community consultation and the commencement of Phase 2 of the Blacktown Parish Project, we invited Expressions of Interest from parishioners and community members who would like to contribute to the next stage of the journey.
Phase 2 focuses on the development of the project business case and will help shape the long-term vision, feasibility and planning for the future of our parish community and facilities.
While parishioners involved in this next stage will not be required to undertake the technical business case work itself, we sought community representatives to participate in three key subcommittees:
- Design, Development & Construction Subcommittee
- Finance Subcommittee
- Philanthropy, Communications & Engagement Subcommittee
These subcommittees will work alongside the Parish Priest, Diocese and professional advisers to ensure the voice and perspectives of the parish community continue to be paramount throughout the process.
In addition, we sought parishioners interested in joining a broader Parish Working Group, which will support communication and feedback between the parish community and the subcommittee representatives.
Expressions of Interest have now closed and those who have expressed interest will be contacted soon.
About Blacktown Quarter
Blacktown Quarter is a major urban transformation project commissioned by Blacktown City Council and led by Walker. The development will create a vibrant town centre, featuring award-winning restaurants and cafés, premium office spaces, wide pedestrian walkways, and green public areas for everyone to enjoy. Beyond economic benefits, the development will enrich the community at the heart of Blacktown, where our parishioners live, work and gather.
Why we’re involved
As part of the master planning for Blacktown Quarter, the Diocese has been in discussions with former Mayor Tony Bleasdale, current Mayor Brad Bunting, and Walker Corporation.
Our parish has a unique opportunity to be at the heart of Blacktown, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone. This marks an exciting next step for our community and the Catholic Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Guided by the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, we aim to bring people together for prayer and worship, outreach, formation and support – ensuring young people, families and those on the margins feel seen, supported and welcomed.
We want to walk alongside you on this journey, envisioning a future that reflects the hopes and needs of our whole community.
Building the future
With support from Walker, the Diocese has purchased land in central Blacktown to build a purpose-built Catholic precinct. The precinct will provide spaces for parish life, education, and ministries, designed to serve our growing and diverse community.
Join us on this journey
Acknowledging and honouring the history of both St Michael’s Church and St Patrick’s Churches, this project invites our Mary, Queen of the Family Parish Community members to listen, pray and live out our mission statement:
To grow as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, continuing to deepen in understanding the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church and to live as a faithful and committed Catholic community, evangelising and responding to the needs of the family in the Blacktown community and beyond.
Blacktown Quarter is a long-term project. The Parish will be completed as part of the phased program of delivery.
No final decisions have been made, and we know you’ll have questions about parking, design, and more. As we begin exploring these ideas, your voice is vital.
As this project takes shape, we will:
- Listen to your needs and concerns before decisions are made
- Share updates and key decisions openly
- Provide space for prayer, reflection and feedback.
Community Feedback
On Saturday 2 May 2026 we held a Community Consultation session for the project. Approximately 80 people provided their prayerful thoughts and feedback during the Listening Sessions on the question:
“What is the most important consideration for the future of the new MQOF parish precinct?”
You can read a summary of the feedback here.
We would like to gather as much community feedback as possible. We would like you to consider the opportunities and potential of a Catholic Parish Precinct in the heart of the new Blacktown City. Please pray, discern the question and provide your respectful feedback here. You can remain anonymous, or if you’d like to provide your details, please do so we can continue to send you updates and information.
STAY INFORMED
If you have a specific project-related question or would like more information, please email our Parish Team at BlacktownProject@parracatholic.org.
To receive updates, invitations, and opportunities to participate in this project, please subscribe to our project updates.
Thanks for subscribing!
With faith and hope, we honour the past and listen to the Spirit as we discern our future.