Blacktown Mayor: Tony Bleasdale OAM dies on flight returning to Australia
The Mayor of NSW’s most populated council has tragically died on a flight returning to Australia.
Tony Bleasdale OAM, Mayor of Blacktown City Council, passed away while returning from a delegation trip to China and South Korea in reports confirmed by the SMH.
Mr Bleasdale assumed the mayoral office in 2019 and was re-elected in 2020, maintaining his position until his death.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Blacktown City Council is Sydney’s largest council with a population of 435,000 people and boasts being home to a diverse community of residents coming from 188 different birthplaces and speaking 182 languages at home.
Mr Bleasdale, a stalwart figure in local politics, served nearly three decades as a councillor, dedicating himself to the betterment of the community.
Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service earning him the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2010 Honours List for his service to the community as a supporter of charitable organisations, and for his contribution to local government in the Blacktown City area.
NSW Premier Chris Minns remembered Mr Bleasdale as “a generous man with a big heart”.
“As Mayor of Blacktown, he worked to develop Sydney’s West, with a particular passion for helping his disadvantaged constituents,” he said. “His legacy is written across the city he loved. Our thoughts and love are with Tony’s family and friends, including his beloved wife, Nina.”
Mr Bleasdale’s philanthropic efforts extended far and wide, with notable contributions to organisations like the Gynaecological Cancer Research Fund, Westmead Hospital, and the Cancer Council NSW, among others.
Beyond his civic duties, Mr Bleasdale was the managing director of National Contractors, a prominent labour-hire firm in the construction industry.
In preparation for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections, Blacktown City had shared that “Councillor Bleasdale’s vision for the next few exciting years is to create vigorous and vibrant communities in many different areas. He will also continue to focus on the cultural diversity that defines Blacktown City.”
