with Hugh McDermott MP

On 3rd May 2024 , our community lost a great man , mayor and friend . The sudden passing of Blacktown City Mayor Clr Tony Bleasdale OAM is a tremendous loss for our local community . As I write he is being laid to rest this week , I pay tribute to a much-respected colleague and tireless advocate for our local community .

Tony was born and grew up in Liverpool , England . He was the son of Frank , a dock worker , and his grandfather , George fought and died a hero in France during World War I . In 1963 , at the age of 15 , he migrated to Australia on the “ Big Brother ” migrant program for young men . Tony spent an extensive career in the building and construction industry for 40 years . Beginning as a bricklayer ,

Tony went on to start his own labour hire business . As a union organiser and advocate for workers ’ rights , he became Assistant Secretary of the Building Workers Industrial Union in the 1980s , which later amalgamated into the Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union .

First elected Councillor at Blacktown City Council in 1996 , Tony served for three years to 1999 and then continuously since 2004 . Tony was elected Deputy Mayor in 2011 , serving in the role from 2011-2012 and then again from 2016-2019 , he was then elected Mayor of Blacktown City Council . He spent every day since , caring and delivering for our local community .

I had the pleasure of working alongside Tony for many years , as we together worked tirelessly for local residents across Blacktown City Council and especially in the Prospect Electorate . Recently , Tony gave particular energy and impetus towards our project to open Prospect Reservoir for recreational swimming , boating and fishing , helping to ensure the Minns Labor government fasttrack a feasibility study and engage with community consultation . He understood the incredible opportunity for Prospect Reservoir to provide much needed water recreation for families across Western Sydney and advocated strongly for our local residents to have their say .

I was always glad to have Tony ’ s passion and commitment by my side as we met with community groups , healthcare and welfare organisations , worked for more affordable housing solutions , improved sporting facilities , playgrounds and parkland , and championed community projects for Blacktown .

A deserving recipient , Tony was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia ( OAM ) in 2010 . This medal recognised his service to the community as a supporter of charitable organisations , and for his contribution to local government in the Blacktown City area . Some of the many charities and causes he supported included the Cancer Council , Blacktown Relay for Life , the Gynaecological Cancer Research Fund , Schizophrenia Research Institute , the Construction Industry Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign , as well as sponsoring local football clubs Mount Druitt Town Rangers and Western Sydney Wanderers .

Tony was a generous man with a big heart . A fierce advocate for Western Sydney and our working families , he worked tirelessly for the development of our community . Instrumental in the

establishment of ACU ’ s Blacktown Campus and central to negotiations for the $ 2 billion Blacktown Quarter Project , his legacy is truly written across the city he loved .

I send my sincere condolences to Tony ’ s wonderful wife Nina , children Frank , Nick , Christina and Catherine , and to the extended Bleasdale family for their profound loss . I thank you for supporting such a wonderful husband , father and grandfather throughout his many decades of service to our Blacktown community .

May he rest in peace .