Mount Druitt

Major George Druitt (1773–1842) was granted in the area by Governor Macquarie. He named his grant, where he died in 1842, Mount Druitt. In April 2006, the Attorney General's Department of New South Wales opened a new court house at a cost of A$12 million. This was to become the first metropolitan area courthouse to utilise "circle sentencing", with aims to reduce over representation of Aboriginal Australians in custody. A local landmark is the Georgian cottage known as The Manse, situated in The Avenue. It was probably built by John Harris in the mid-1880s; the land on which it was built was originally part of Druitt's property. Later it was sold to Robert Kennedy. Kennedy left it to the Presbyterian Church when he died, and it was used for some time as a manse. It was acquired by Blacktown City Council in 2000 and restored. It is now the headquarters of the Mt Druitt Historical Society and is open to the public. It has both a local government and state government heritage listing. == Heritage listings ==

Mount Druitt has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: • Great Western Highway: Neoblie • 23 The Avenue: The Manse ==Transport==

The first electric train to Mount Druitt operated 8 October 1955. ==Education==

Mount Druitt High school was established in the 1960s. Colyton Public School, established in 1861, is located in Mount Druitt. ==Crime==

It is widely reported by the Media during the 2010s as one of the most dangerous Sydney suburbs. This has been linked to low property prices in the suburb relative to the rest of Sydney. In 2018, there were 2,299 firearms in Mount Druitt, the highest rate of gun ownership in Sydney (though Mosman had the highest rate per capita). In 2022, there were 511.48 crimes per 1,000 people in Mount Druitt. As of the 2010s the suburb is known for being a hub for many street gangs, including NF14 (also known as Onefour). Crime has declined as of 2024. ==Demographics==

According to the 2021 census of population, there were 16,986 people in Mount Druitt. ==Notable people==

• George Donikian, journalist and newscaster • Calum Hood, musician, bassist of 5 Seconds of Summer • Josh Lalor, cricketer • Beki Lee, Olympic athlete, raised in Mt Druitt. • Spencer Leniu, professional NRL player • Jarome Luai, professional NRL player • Anthony Roberts, member for the electoral district of Lane Cove, grew up in the area. • Brian To'o, professional NRL player • Onefour, Australian drill and rap group • Tai Tuivasa, UFC heavyweight fighter ==See also==