One of Riverstone's derelict homes of yesteryear. Photo: Carlos Furtado
The Uniting Church is one of the charming faces of yesterday. Photo: Carlos Furtado
Riverstone's level crossing. Photo: Carlos Furtado
The trotting ground is part of Riverstone's rural heritage. Photo: Carlos Furtado
Riverstone's old homes are being restored to their former beauty.
Pretty heritage homes and convenience make Riverstone a potential boom suburb.
Riverstone's war memorial near the railway station is a reminder of its proud past as a community.
BUSINESS and community group members, school principals, residents, councillors and doctors were joined by political representatives from all levels of government at the forum.
Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly, federal Greenway MP Michelle Rowland and Blacktown mayor Len Robinson each addressed the group of more than 80 attendees.
Ms Rowland said the ideas discussed at the meeting were not "pie in the sky".
"I look forward to working with you all to advocate a very clear vision for this area and a very clear set of outcomes which are achievable," she said.
An emphasis on existing strengths, recreation facilities, beautification of Main Street and making more of its historic buildings were among the projects flagged in small group discussions. Several residents named the suburb's community spirit as an asset.
Jessica Morgan of Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre said she understood businesses concern at losing customers to newer areas but said recreational facilities could be a way for planners to lift the suburb.
"Businesses will thrive if people are happy," she said.
"They need to think of the people first."