‘Getting on with the job’: Tony Bleasdale elected new Blacktown Mayor
New mayor elected to Blacktown Council with a promise to deliver transformational projects for the region.
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Blacktown City has a new mayor.
Labor councillor and former deputy mayor Tony Bleasdale took the helm at last night’s extraordinary council meeting after he ran unopposed for the top job.
Labor councillor Julie Griffiths was also elected unopposed as his deputy.
Cr Bleasdale steps into the role after former mayor Stephen Bali was required to relinquish the position due to his role as Blacktown state MP.
In front of a packed council gallery, councillors thanked Mr Bali for his service as he was conferred the title of Emeritus Mayor by Local Government NSW.
A councillor for more than 18 years, Cr Bleasdale was born in England and migrated to Australia as a teenager before working as a bricklayer.
He later became involved with the union movement, working as a trade union leader and in industrial relations before starting his own business in the construction industry.
In accepting the nomination, Cr Bleasdale paid tribute to the former mayor and promised to continue the work initiated during his mayorship.
“Under my leadership we will finish what Stephen, with all the councillors here, started,” Cr Bleasdale said.
“This council is transforming Blacktown. This is a task which we designed, building on the legacy of wise decisions and hard work from past councils, but that we put together and put in motion.”
Cr Bleasdale said delivering Blacktown’s new university campus, the redevelopment of Warrick Lane and the International Centre of Training Excellence, was at the top of his agenda.
“With our carefully-designed planning and our determination to maintain our long-held fiscal discipline, we will deliver our rapidly-advancing transformational projects.
“I am committed to delivering for our city, for our residents and businesses.
“We will finish what we have started and develop fresh ideas too.
“I look forward to working with you all for Blacktown City.”
Cr Griffiths steps into the Deputy Mayor role after 11 years on council.
A public servant with the Office of the NSW Trustee and Guardian, Cr Griffiths has worked in local government in the area of children’s services.
Cr Griffiths told the gallery she was humbled to take on the role.
“I am deeply honoured to have this role bestowed upon me by my colleagues,” Cr Griffiths said.
“Whether in my community, the Labor movement or in local government, I have always sought to make a contribution.
“I look forward to joining my fellow councillors in ensuring Blacktown City continues its journey of sustainable growth and development while celebrating diversity and multiculturalism.”
Mr Bali said it was an honour and privilege to have served in the role.
“I thank my Council colleagues, Council’s staff and most importantly the people of Blacktown for their support and belief in our City and for giving so much of their time and effort in seeking to make a difference,” he said.
“We campaigned against the negative stereotyping portrayed in the SBS Struggle Street program, we restored pensioner rates discounts and reopened Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. We fought the world’s largest incinerator and saved hectares of precious Cumberland Plain Woodland.”
Cr Bleasdale and Cr Griffiths will hold their positions until local government elections in September 2020.
Blacktown Council will seek approval not to hold a by-election to replace Mr Bali’s councillor vacancy in Ward 4 before next year’s elections.