Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opened its gates to allow local community members to get up close to Sydney’s new airport.
WSI’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Scott MacKillop said WSI is focussed on connecting the community with the opportunities the airport will deliver across Western Sydney.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Over 1000 people attended the Community Open Day, which was a free ticketed event.
“We’re really excited in the significant interest in WSI and our Open Day, with all of the tickets snapped up in less than 20 minutes,” Mr MacKillop said.
The Community Open Day follows two major milestones, recently announced by WSI.
“The airport achieved 50% project completion on 20 May this year 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.”
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.
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.
Campbelltown resident Bernadette Sheedy said the Open Day was amazing.
“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.”
“Over 40,000 visitors have visited the WSI Experience Centre to find out more about the airport and the opportunities it will deliver,” Mr MacKillop said.
“For anyone who missed out on tickets to our Community Open Day, visiting the Experience Centre is a great way to see the airport coming to life.”
The WSI Experience Centre is open Monday to Wednesday, plus weekends, from 10am to 4pm, and is located at 100 Eaton Road, Luddenham.
