INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
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LOCAL LIFE
Brad Bunting elected new Mayor
He has big shoes to fill with the shock passing early last month of Tony Bleasdale OAM , but Councillor Brad Bunting ’ s record indicates he will do the former Blacktown City Mayor proud .
Councillor Bunting was elected Mayor of Blacktown City on May 16 and is adamant he will continue Mr Bleasdale ’ s vision of stability , growth and continued transformation . Cr Chris Quilkey remains Deputy Mayor . “ Tony was an exceptional leader , who helped guide Blacktown through an eventful and challenging period ,” Mr Bunting said .
“ He kept us steady when bushfires raged , and COVID 19 threatened - with his steady hand council continued working toward helping build the modern city our residents and businesses need .
“ I am honoured to have been elected Mayor of Blacktown City .”
Cr Bunting was first elected to Blacktown City Council in September 2016 , and was appointed Deputy Mayor in 2022 . He has served the Blacktown local community for many years in numerous spheres .
He is a lifelong resident of the Mount Druitt community where he lives with his wife Norma , and their children .
Growing up he attended Tregear Primary and Dunheved High schools .
His early career in the fitness industry supports his passion for community involvement in their health and wellbeing through sport .
The new mayor is a familiar face in
At the helm for Blacktown City council , are newly elected mayor , Brad Bunting ( l ) and Deputy Mayor , Chris Quilkey .
Blacktown City ’ s sporting communities . A life member and former president of Tallawong Park Little Athletics Club , he has been heavily involved with Blacktown City and District Cricket Association and Town Rangers Soccer club .
Cr Bunting has also been well grounded in compassion and empathy for his community , working for over 20 years in the funeral service industry . He has vowed to continue the transformation of Blacktown . “ We will deliver for our residents and businesses , and keep moving ahead ,” he said .
“ Our job is clear - council must continue to seek new opportunities for our 435,000 residents and create the environment for business to thrive , and for the investment and new jobs to follow in the years ahead .”
4 ISSUE 39 // JUNE 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT