# Tony Bleasdale

Anthony John Bleasdale (1946 – 3 May 2024) was an Australian politician. He served as a Labor councillor on Blacktown City Council from 1996 and was Mayor of Blacktown at the time of his death in May 2024. He was deputy mayor between 2016 and 2019.
Bleasdale succeeded Stephen Bali as mayor in an extraordinary meeting of the council in October 2019 and was re-elected unopposed by the council on 9 September 2020.
In the 2010 Australia Day Honours he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for "service to the community as a supporter of charitable organisations, and to local government in the Blacktown area."
Early Life
Tony Bleasdale's story began in the working-class suburb of Huyton, where he was born to Frank Bleasdale, a hardworking docker at the iconic List of Liverpool Docks, and May Bleasdale. Growing up, he was one of eight children. His early years were shaped by a sense of adventure and a desire to help others.
He attended St Columba's Catholic Primary School and then Woolfall Heath Secondary Modern School, where he developed his curiosity about the world.
Tony's family ties extended to renowned screenwriter and author Alan Bleasdale and distant cousin of former Premier of New South Wales Kristina Keneally.
Emigrating to Australia
At just 16, with a thirst for adventure sparked years earlier by the film Smiley (1956 film) starring Chips Rafferty, whom he would later meet in a pub in Sydney, Tony set his sights on a bold new chapter inspired by the promise of opportunity. He was sponsored by the Big Brother Movement, a non-profit organisation, to come to Australia, gain employment, and build a future. He wanted to join the Royal Armoured Corps as his grandfather, Pt George Bleasdale of the Manchester Regiment, did not return home after WWI, but his parents refused to agree when he was 14.
Working Career
Tony spent the first few weeks training at what is now "Calmsley Hill Farm" located in Abbotsbury, NSW Fairfield. Tony's first job in 1963 in Australia was on the Borg Family Farm in Quakers Road, Marayong, Blacktown, as he wanted to learn farming.
Tony completed a trade course in bricklaying, contributing his skills to iconic projects like the TNT Towers in Redfern and restoration works on St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. He would always say, "A trade changed my life." But Tony wasn't content to simply lay bricks; he wanted to lay the foundation for change.
As a union delegate, his passion for workers’ rights quickly earned recognition. He rose to become an organiser for the Building Workers' Industrial Union of Australia and eventually the Assistant Secretary. In these roles, Tony championed and worked with others for critical reforms, including the introduction of sick pay, full compensation for injured workers, compulsory superannuation, and portable long service leave. His fight for justice extended beyond Australia's borders, as he took a stand against Apartheid by recording audio broadcasts to inspire resistance within South Africa.
After leaving the union, Tony joined the McNamara Group, one of Western Sydney's leading construction firms at the time, where he served as the Employee Relations and Safety Manager, ensuring fair and safe conditions for workers. Tony eventually established his own construction services company.

## Posthumous Award

On the 24th of July 2024, Tony Bleasdale and his wife, Nina Bleasdale, were awarded the highest honour Blacktown City Council can award. Nina Bleasdale and her family were presented with the "Keys to the City of Blacktown" for their enthusiasm, support, and advocacy for the people and communities on show at all times.
In October 2024, the association of local government New South Wales bestowed upon Anthony John Bleasdale the title of emeritus Mayor.

## Death

Bleasdale died on a flight on 3 May 2024, while returning from a trip to Blacktown City Council's sister cities of Liaocheng and Suseong-gu. He was 77. His funeral was officiated by the Bishop of the Parramatta Catholic Diocese, Vincent Long Van Nguyen. Attendees included the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, and Deputy Premier, Prue Car.