Top 20 Blacktown local heroes: 20-16
SOME of our local heroes are well-known, some not so much. But what they all do is put their community first across numerous areas — youth, homelessness, education, disabilities or sport. Follow our countdown of Blacktown’s best - today from 20 to 16 - and let us know what you think.
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SOME of Blacktown city’s local heroes are well-known, some not so much.
But what they all do is put their community first across numerous areas — youth, homelessness, education, disabilities or sport.
Over the next four days the Advocate will count down, from 20 to one, our picks for our top 20 local heroes. Some will be controversial, some obvious.
All 20 will be listed here with your opportunity to agree, disagree or suggest others who should be on the list.
20: CR STEPHEN BALI - BLACKTOWN MAYOR AND STATE LABOR MP
BLACKTOWN Mayor and state Labor MP Stephen Bali has been a tireless champion for the community since his election to Blacktown Council in 2004.
Mayor since 2014, he has been at the forefront of community campaigns including the reopening of Mt Druitt pool, the push to upgrade Doonside station and fighting the incinerator proposed for Eastern Creek to name a few.
He became a state MP in 2017, and his tenure on council will end in the lead up to next year’s State election.
Under his leadership, the council has devised plans to reshape the city, including bringing a university and sporting centre of excellence to Blacktown.
He also formed the Better Foundation, which raises vital funds for Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals.
19: DEBBIE HIGGISON - MT DRUITT LEARNING GROUND
DEBBIE Higgison has spent the better part of 20 years serving others and would not have it any other way.
In March 2017 Ms Higgison was recognised as the NSW Female Community Hero in the NSW Woman Of The Year Awards.
Ms Higgison helped get Rap 4 Change off the ground and has been project manager at Mt Druitt Learning Ground for 11 years, a program that works with disengaged kids to get them back in school.
She has also helped organise Mt Druitt Reconciliation Walk and Concert for eight years.
18: MAYOR CHAGAI - SAVANNAH PRIDE
Mayor Chagai, a South Sudanese refugee who settled in Blacktown in the early 2000s, made it his mission to provide a platform for young migrants to make the most of the opportunities this country can give them.
He founded Savannah Pride in 2006, which operates with a strict “No homework, no basketball” policy.
Several graduates have won basketball scholarships with US universities in the US, with Savannah Pride’s success attracting the interest of news organisations including the New York Times.
He won this year’s Pemulwuy Prize for outstanding regional advocacy.
17: GARY RAYMOND - RETIRED BLACKTOWN POLICE CHIEF INSPECTOR
Former police Chief Inspector Gary Raymond served the community with distinction during his lengthy career.
But his service did not stop when he hung up his badge.
Working on the Anita Cobby murder case drove him to advocate for the foundation of Grace’s Place, a homicide victims support home named in honour of Ms Cobby’s mother, Grace Lynch. He became good friends with Ms Lynch and her husband, Garry.
Grace’s Place is set to open next year and be run by the Homicide Victims’ Support Group, which was established by the Lynch family and the parents of fellow murder victim Ebony Simpson.
Mr Raymond is a long-serving member of Rotary Club of Blacktown and holds an Australian Police Medal and a Medal of the Order of Australia.
16: GLADYSS PANONCILLO - ROOTY HILL MULTICULTURAL CARER SUPPORT GROUP
Plumpton resident Gladyss Panoncillo’s dedication to supporting her community last year earned her a NSW Carer’s Award.
Ms Panoncillo is a registered nurse who works at Mt Druitt Hospital. She was a finalist for the Blacktown Woman Of The Year in 2017 for her work with Rooty Hill Multicultural Carer Support Group, which she established.
It supports parents and carers of children with a disability, particularly with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
She wants to empower women and help to develop stronger families and communities.
Tune in tomorrow to find out who ranks 15-11 on our top 20 list.