Councillor Brad Bunting was last night elected Mayor of Blacktown City, with the vote following the passing of Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM a fortnight ago.
Before the vote, Councillors gave tributes to their late colleague, who served as Mayor from 2019 and proved a “visionary leader”, the Council said in a statement.
The new Mayor will serve the remainder of the Council term, with Local Government Elections to be held on Saturday 14 September.
Councillor Chris Quilkey remains Deputy Mayor.
First elected to Blacktown City Council in September 2016, elected Deputy Mayor in 2022 and elected as Mayor in 2024. Councillor Bunting has served the Blacktown local community for many years.
Mayor Bunting said, “Tony Bleasdale was an exceptional leader, who helped guide Blacktown through an eventful and challenging period. 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 Mayor of Blacktown City.”
Mayor Bunting vowed to continue the transformation of Blacktown, which is the state’s largest council area by population with 435,000 residents.
“We will deliver on the promises we have made. We will deliver for our residents and businesses, and keep moving ahead.”
“Our job is clear. Council must continue to seek new opportunities for our 435-thousand residents and create the environment for business to thrive, and for the investment and new jobs to follow in the years ahead.
“We are the heart of Western Sydney and I will continue the advocacy led by Mayor Bleasdale seeking to improve the lives and equity of all who live and work in Blacktown City and greater Western Sydney,” Mayor Bunting said.
He said the recently tabled $758 million balanced 2024/25 budget commits Council to transforming Blacktown City and the continued delivery of high quality community services and facilities, contributing to a sustainable future.
Mayor Bunting said it was also a priority for Council to progress the vision to rebuild Mount Druitt city centre.
“This will be a legacy of Tony Bleasdale. In the centre of Mount Druitt, we will create a network of attractive, activated, safe public spaces. We shall see a thriving commercial and residential town centre.”
He also reaffirmed a commitment to honour and celebrate First Nations culture and traditions.
“We are proud to be home to a large population of First Nations people, and our Council must continue to play a valuable role through our partnership with the Dharug”, Mayor Bunting said.
