The mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale, tragically passed away on a flight home from China after a study tour to the council’s sister cities in South Korea and China. Bleasdale had been a councillor since 1996 and had been serving as mayor since 2019. Blacktown City Council had not issued a statement yet, but his fellow councillors confirmed his death. Bleasdale, age 77, was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in 2010 for his charity work and service to the municipality. Blacktown City is Sydney’s most populous local government area, with around 426,000 residents.
A long-time Labor veteran, Bleasdale had accompanied Premier Chris Minns on a trip in February to support the state government’s efforts to increase housing supply in strategic locations. Before the last election, he had written an opinion piece for the Herald criticizing the state’s handling of land rezoning and its failure to adequately fund community infrastructure. Bleasdale argued that western Sydney was not receiving its fair share of funding for essential amenities despite absorbing a significant increase in population in recent years. He pointed out that the council had not been able to build any new public facilities to accommodate the influx of residents.
Blacktown City Council has sister city relationships with Suseong-Gu, a district in South Korea, and Liaocheng City in China. These connections reflect the council’s efforts to promote cultural exchange and international cooperation. Bleasdale’s commitment to fostering relationships with these sister cities was evident in his participation in the recent study tour to China and South Korea. His sudden passing has left a void in the council and the community at large, as his dedication to public service and advocacy for his constituents will be greatly missed. The council will need to navigate this unexpected loss and select a new mayor to carry on Bleasdale’s legacy of community engagement and leadership.
The passing of Mayor Tony Bleasdale serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the impact of a public figure’s sudden death on the local community. As a respected leader and advocate for the residents of Blacktown City, Bleasdale leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to improving the lives of others. His contributions to the municipality and his efforts to address critical issues such as housing supply and infrastructure development have left a lasting impact on the area. The council and residents will need to come together to mourn his loss and honor his memory in the days and weeks ahead.
Despite the shock and sadness surrounding Mayor Bleasdale’s passing, the council and community must continue to address the pressing issues facing Blacktown City. The need for affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and community amenities remains a top priority, and the council will need to move forward with a new leader at the helm. Mayor Bleasdale’s advocacy for funding for essential services and community facilities serves as a call to action for the council to prioritize the needs of its residents and ensure that their voices are heard. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps to work towards a more inclusive and vibrant community for all.
As Blacktown City mourns the loss of Mayor Tony Bleasdale, the council and community must come together to honor his memory and carry on his vision for a better future. The outpouring of support and tributes following his passing is a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those he served. His commitment to public service and advocacy for his constituents has left an indelible mark on the municipality, and his leadership will be sorely missed. The council will need to navigate this period of transition with grace and unity, ensuring that Bleasdale’s legacy of service and dedication remains at the forefront of their work. In the face of adversity, the council and community can draw strength from his example and continue to work towards a brighter future for Blacktown City.
