Campbelltown resident Bernadette Sheedy was among the 1,000 people who attended the Western Sydney International Airport community open day on Saturday – and she was impressed.
Ms Sheedy said it was amazing seeing the new airport up close.
“I just can’t believe how much the area has changed and how big a difference the airport it’s going to make to the area,” Ms Sheedy said.
“Our grandchildren will benefit from the local job opportunities that the airport will provide, unlike our children, who had to travel into the city to get work.”
Tickets for the open day were snapped up in less than 20 minutes.
The day was filled with exhibitions, presentations, and interactive displays as well as First Nations’ cultural activities, musicians and activities for the kids.
Community members were taken on a behind the scenes tour of the WSI construction site and were able to interact with industry professionals, project leaders and community representatives right across the airport precinct to answer questions and provide valuable insights into the ongoing projects.
“Airports are proven job generators and we’re already seeing this effect, with more than 3100 people working to bring WSI to life, half of them are people who live in Western Sydney,” says the airport chief corporate affairs officer Scott MacKillop.
“It’s important we bring the community on the journey with us, so people across the West, including young people, are ready to take advantage of the opportunities the jobs and investment will deliver them.”
The open day received considerable support from local businesses and community groups including the Royal Fire Services from Luddenham, Bringelly and Wallacia, Luddenham Public School, the Hubertus Workers Club, Luden House, the Luddenham Village Café and local vendor Sydney Ice Cream.
More than 40,000 visitors have come through the airport site since construction commenced in 2017.
Saturday’s community open day follows two major milestones, recently announced by WSI.
“The airport achieved 50 percent project completion on May 20 and is on track to open as scheduled in late 2026,” Mr MacKillop said.
“We were also proud to announce that both Qantas and Jetstar will operate domestically from WSI, basing 15 aircraft and 700 jobs at the airport.”
