Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Have Your Say On the Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre

MEDIA RELEASE

8 January 2020

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is encouraging

residents to have their say on a new $27 million state-of-the-

art animal rehoming centre to be built in Glendenning.

The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will be 

constructed in Owen Street, Glendenning, and will replace 

Council’s 40-year old Animal Holding Facility in Flushcombe 

Road, Blacktown.

Plans for the centre will be on public exhibition next year 

from 13 January to 17 February.

“The Centre will be the first custom-built animal rehoming 

centre of its kind in Australia and will offer a range of services

never previously available in old-fashioned ‘council dog 

pounds,’” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will be able 

to house 135 dogs and 230 cats and is designed to provide 

sufficient capacity for the requirements of Blacktown City 

and a number of other councils well into the future.

“I encourage all residents to take a look and comment on this

 exciting new project for the community.”

The new facility is highly accessible to visitors from across

Sydney, located very close to both the M7 and M4 

Motorways.

Council’s new Animal Rehoming Centre will be a modern, 

eco-friendly, welcoming and spacious facility based on best 

practice for animal holding and rehoming.

The facility will service Blacktown, Liverpool, Willoughby, 

Parramatta, Ryde, Canada Bay, Lane Cove and Hunters Hill 

councils.

The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will provide a

number of associated services as well as animal care and 

rehoming including:

- community volunteer programs

- community education areas

Mayor Bleasdale said: “The current Animal Holding Facility 

(AHF) at Blacktown is over 40 years old and would require 

significant upgrades if it were to continue into the future.

“The AHF is now often at capacity and would therefore be 

incapable of dealing with the growing demand from a 

community with a projected population of 522,000 by 2036.”

Construction of the new Animal Rehoming Centre is 

expected to commence in early 2021.

The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre is on public 

exhibition from next week 13 January to 17 February 2020.

For more information visit: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.

au/About-Council/What-we-do/Transformational-Projects/

Animal-Rehoming-Centre

For any inquiries contact:

(02) 9387 2600 or WSARC@elton.com.au

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Mayor Stephen Bali MP Steps Down / Councillor Tony Bleasedale OAM Elected Mayor

10 October 2019


The State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali has stepped down from the position of Blacktown City Mayor after 5 years in the role.

Under the Local Government Act, Mayors and Councillors can only continue in the office for 2 years after being elected to the NSW Parliament.

Mayor Bali was elected to Parliament at the 14 October 2017 by-election for the seat of Blacktown triggered by the resignation of former NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson.

Mayor Bali stepped down from office at an Extraordinary Meeting of Blacktown City Council on Wednesday (9 October). His resignation from Council will take effect from Monday (14 October).

Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM was elected Mayor unopposed and Councillor Julie Griffiths was elected Deputy Mayor, also unopposed.

Councillor Stephen Bali was first elected to Blacktown City Council in March 2004. He was Deputy Mayor from 2009 to 2010 and was elected Mayor in September 2015. “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the people of Blacktown as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor. “I thank my Council colleagues, Council’s staff and most importantly the people of Blacktown for their support and belief in our City and for giving so much of their time and effort in seeking to make a difference,” Cr Bali said.

Councillor Bali paid tribute to those on Council who paved the way for him including former Mayors the Hon. John Aquilina, the late Jim Lynch, the late Leo Kelly and his late father and former Deputy
Mayor, Charlie Bali.  Councillor Bali said working with the community had been the most fulfilling aspect of his time on
Council. “We campaigned against the negative stereotyping portrayed in the SBS Struggle Street program, we restored pensioner rates discounts and reopened Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. We fought the world’s largest incinerator and saved hectares of precious Cumberland Plain Woodland.”

As Mayor, Stephen Bali has led Council’s transformational projects including the redevelopment of the Warrick Lane precinct in the Blacktown CBD, the establishment of Australian Catholic
University’s Blacktown Campus and the planned International Centre of Training Excellence at the Blacktown International Sportspark.

In his acceptance speech, Mayor Tony Bleasdale said he was deeply honoured to be elected Mayor of Blacktown City.
“I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of the historic term of our colleague and great friend Stephen Bali.

“Under his 5 years of leadership, a valuable legacy has been established for Blacktown City, a legacy of stability and clarity of vision and respect for all our communities.

“Mayor Bali’s leadership has resulted in collaboration on Council which underpins the dynamic transformative program that will establish Blacktown as a city of talent, diversity and sustainable
growth and development.

“I know that any history of our city will hold Councillor Stephen Bali in the highest regard for the many achievements and landmark moments under his leadership.

“Under my leadership we will complete the transformational projects that Stephen Bali and Council started.

“Blacktown City Council must continue the fight for Indigenous recognition, we must continue to lead and advocate for our community, we must continue to engage with our communities and we will continue to build on the excellent work going on in the economic development in our city,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths was first elected to Council in 2008 and is now serving in her second term. Councillor Griffiths has been a long time member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW Branch including terms as President and City Vice President. She is currently a Councillor on the Hawkesbury River County Council and on the Board of LG NSW.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve the Blacktown City Community and I look forward to joining with Tony and my fellow Councillors in ensuring Blacktown City continues its journey of sustainable growth and development while celebrating diversity and multiculturalism,” Deputy Mayor Griffiths
said.

“I am committed to fostering Blacktown City’s infrastructure and providing good quality child care and further developing services for our youth through local apprenticeships and traineeships.“

Council will seek the Minister for Local Government’s approval not to hold a by-election to replace Councillor Bali. Ward 4 would then be served by 2 Councillors for the remainder of this Council term which concludes in September 2020.

(from Left) Retiring Mayor Stephen Bali MP with Mayor
Tony Bleasedale & Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Battling The Heat With Trees

12 June 2019

Schofields and Mount Druitt are set to have more than 100

new trees lining residential streets as part of Blacktown City 

Council’s plans to reduce urban heat.

Blacktown City Council is working alongside NRMA 

Insurance as part of the Cool Streets^© program, enabling the 

planting of 113 trees.

Cool Streets^© is an initiative developed by Dr Libby 

Gallagher of Gallagher Studio that encourages local 

communities to take the lead in choosing the right trees to 

cool their neighbourhoods.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Urban heat is 

a major challenge for Blacktown and tree planting is one of 

the methods to reduce the impact.

“The Cool Streets initiative allows communities to be 

involved, they are given the opportunity to choose and care 

for the trees planted around their homes.

“Trees in residential streets are beneficial to the 

communities. They can reduce household air-conditioning 

costs, reduce local air pollution, help store carbon and even 

add value to house prices.”

NRMA Insurance Safer Communities Executive Manager 

Jen Cobley said: “We’re excited to be part of this Cool 

Streets^© initiative and help to tackle heat stress in Western 

Sydney.

“We know that when trees and vegetation are removed, the 

temperatures can soar and by revegetating areas we’ll be 

creating cooler streets benefiting the community and the 

environment by increasing shade and reducing 

CO² emissions.

“The NRMA Insurance Good ‘Hoods program focuses on 

how we can support local community-led initiatives that will 

help communities feel more connected, which will allow 

them to be stronger, safer and more confident.”

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Trees for Peace – Celebrating Ghandi’s 150th Birthday

24 May 2019

Hundreds of trees will be planted on Saturday, June 1 to 

celebrate World Environment Day 2019 and to 

commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

'

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP is encouraging community members of all ages to join the tree planting at Harpers Bush Reserve, Reservoir Road, Blacktown.

“This event is a great opportunity to head outdoors and do something good for the environment,” Mayor Bali said.

“It’s a great event that not only celebrates World Environment Day but also commemorates the global messenger of non-violence, Gandhi.”

The free event is hosted by Blacktown City Council, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Australia and the Consulate General of India.

“We are humbled to recognise such an important global figure in our city, and are honoured to recognise our Indian community and their leaders in this way.”

Plants, materials, entertainment and light refreshments will be provided on the day and participants are advised to wear closed shoes, a hat, long pants and long sleeved shirts.

Bookings are essential. If you have any enquiries, please contact our Natural Areas Team on 9839 6000. 

To book please visit: eventbrite.com.au/e/trees-for-peace-a-plantation-drive-tickets-59748491346

Hundreds of plants will be planted at Harpers Bush Reserve, Blacktown.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - The Search For Young Leaders Begins

27 February 2019

Blacktown City’s Youth Ambassadors have called on young

people to follow their lead and play an active role in shaping

the future of their city.

Nominations are now open for Blacktown City Council’s 

2019/20 Youth Ambassador Program and outgoing 

Ambassador for 2018/19 Akano Amuda is encouraging 

young people to apply.

“It was amazing to be a voice for over 60,000 young people. 

There’s nothing better than that,” Akano said.

“If you want to make a change in the community and have 

an impact in the community, especially on the younger 

generation, this is the pathway for you.”

Youth Ambassadors represent Blacktown City at a number 

of Council functions such as citizenship ceremonies and 

civic receptions as well as participating in both the Sister 

Cities and Youth Advisory committees. 

Emily Potloka, who was also a Youth Ambassador for 

2018/19, said the program opened up a whole new world for 

her.

“It’s been a really rewarding role. I’ve had the opportunity to 

meet many different people especially at the citizenship 

ceremonies. It was an enlightening experience to see all the 

different cultures coming together in Blacktown,” Emily said.

The Youth Ambassadors will also attend the annual NSW 

Local Government Conference, providing them with another 

opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain a better 

understanding of the workings of Government.

“The Youth Ambassador Program is a great way for young 

people to connect and become actively involved in their local 

community,” said Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali.

“It helps to build confidence and is a great opportunity for 

students to make a difference in Blacktown City.”

If you are aged between 15 and 18, reside within Blacktown 

LGA and enjoy public speaking and are interested in making 

a difference within the community, then you are encouraged 

to apply.

Applications close Friday 22 March, 2019.

To apply visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/youthambassador

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Dive In Movies - Mount Druitt Swimming Pool

Media Release

Blacktown City Council’s unique way to beat the heat and get

entertained – the Dive In Movies – continues its season this 

weekend.

Boss Baby – starring the voice of Alec Baldwin – is the 

upside down comedy about a baby with the mind of an adult.

The film garnered a huge box office response – with the New

York Times saying  "The contrast between the helpless-

infant stage of life and corporate-speak is funny … “

Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali MP said floating in a pool and

watching a movie is the ideal way to keep cool and

entertained on hot summer night.

“The Dive-In Movie events are a great way to cool off during

the summer season, while enjoying some family movie 

time,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali 

MP.'

“They are fantastic events for the whole community to enjoy 

and very affordable night out for families.”

The Dive In Movie season closes on February 3 with Moana,

the 3D animated fantasy about the strong-willed daughter of 

a chief of a Polynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean to

reunite a mystical relic with a goddess.

When blight strikes her island, Moana sets sail in search of 

Maui, a legendary demigod, in the hope of returning the 

heart of Te Fiti and saving her people.

Tickets are available at the gate on the night. For

a single screening, tickets are $5 for children, $10 for 

adults and $30 for a family (2 adults and 3 children or 1 

adult and 4 children).

Carnival Fun Food truck will be serving snacks including soft

serve ice cream, popcorn and fairy floss.

Gates open at 7pm, with movies

starting at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door.

Movie Schedule:

DATE	VENUE	MOVIE
27 January 2018	Riverstone Swimming Centre (Cnr Market St & W Garfield Rd)	Boss Baby
3 February	Mount Druitt Swimming Centre (Ayres Grv)	Moana