Vale Cr Tony Bleasdale (1946 – 2024)
Statement from Councillor Chris Quilkey, Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City.
It was with great sadness that we learned the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale OAM, passed away suddenly last night.
First and foremost, our thoughts are with Tony’s wife Nina, his children and their extended family.
Tony’s warm and engaging personality led him to forge many friendships across Sydney after arriving from the United Kingdom in 1963.
Starting as a bricklayer, he worked for 40 years in the building industry, and with tremendous drive and energy, established his own successful labour hire business.
Tony served the community he loved with the same energy and commitment.
First elected as a Blacktown City councillor in 1996, Tony was a strong advocate for the area and a champion of Western Sydney.
He was proud of the incredible diversity of Blacktown City and passionate about delivering services and opportunities for its residents and businesses.
Tony was also a passionate advocate for First Nations people.
When elected Mayor in 2019, Tony proved a visionary leader in transforming the city to better serve a growing population.
He was central in negotiating the $2 billion Walker Corporation Blacktown Quarter project, which will provide investment, jobs and growth.
Tony was loved by his community and he loved it back, with a generous heart and a genuine commitment to a bright future.