LOCAL LIFE local sporting stars
Mayor Bleasdale said : “ Blacktown City is the sporting capital of Western Sydney ; we have world standard venues and continue to attract major events .
“ We are committed to delivering the facilities for our growing City now and into the future , building community participation in local sports and supporting active and healthy lifestyles .”
Council ’ s commitment to local sport will reach new heights with the upcoming opening of the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub ( BEST ).
Council has invested $ 100 million and engaged in strategic partnerships to deliver a facility that has the power to change lives and health outcomes through exercise and sports innovation . Blacktown City Sports Awards winners Sportsperson of the Year : Kyle Bruce , Weightlifting Mayor ’ s Shield : John and Lyn Channells , Little Athletics Female Junior Sportsperson : Bianca Infante , Volleyball Male Junior Sportsperson : Isaac Beacroft ,
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with Blacktown City Sportsperson of the Year and champion weightlifter Kyle Bruce .
Athletics and Cross Country Club of the Year : Riverstone Razorbacks Junior Rugby League Club Team of the Year : Patrician Brothers College Blacktown U13 Rugby League Coach of the Year : David Beacroft , Athletics Sports Administrator of the Year : Katelyn Pickett , Soccer Senior Sports Official of the Year : Brad Fahey , Swimming Senior Sports Official of the Year : Bianca Infante , Volleyball
Blacktown City Council ’ s ‘ trifecta ’ of King ’ s Birthday Honours
The Mayor of Blacktown City , Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated 3 Blacktown City Councillors who received awards in June in the 2023 King ’ s Birthday Honours List for their dedicated service to Council and the community .
Cr Griffiths was recognised for her significant service to local government , women ’ s soccer and industrial relations . She was one of only 246 Order of Australia recipients across Australia .
Cr Benjamin was acknowledged for his service to the law and to the community , particularly through his pro bono work with the Toongabbie Legal Centre , where he serves as Honorary Director .
Cr Fitzgerald was appointed an OAM for his service to the community of Blacktown City through his work with dozens of community organisations and sporting groups . Cr Fitzgerald is a Chief
Cr Griffiths
Cr Benjamin
Cr Fitzgerald
Inspector with NSW Police at Blacktown and has served with the force for almost 40 years .
Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM applauded the Councillors on their awards , stating Council had “ won a trifecta of honours ”.
“ I am delighted that Councillors Griffiths , Benjamin and Fitzgerald have received recognition for their hard work serving the great City of Blacktown ,” Mayor Bleasdale said . “ I am incredibly fortunate to lead these passionate councillors , who are unwavering in their enthusiasm for Council and the communities they represent .
“ It is a great privilege to have these individuals serve on Blacktown City Council as they collaborate to help build a better community for everyone .
“ These awards are well-deserved recognition for many years ’ dedicated service , and my heartiest congratulations goes to each of them .”
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 28 // JULY 2023 5