Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has declared Blacktown City back open for business after 15 weeks in lockdown.
Blacktown City businesses, including shops, cafes, restaurants and gyms, reopened on Monday following more than 100 challenging days under COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.
Mayor Bleasdale joined the Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland MP for a street walk in the Blacktown CBD on Wednesday as businesses resumed trade and welcomed back customers.
"Our businesses in Blacktown City have been hit especially hard by COVID-19 lockdowns these past 18 months, so I am delighted to see them open their doors as we return to normal life," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"Declared an Area of Concern, Blacktown City's businesses and residents had to endure one of the strictest lockdowns in the country.
"I was proud to see the City come together - they got vaccinated at an outstanding rate so we could get back to business and do the things we enjoy.
"This week marked the beginning of our City's reopening, and while we must remain vigilant with the virus, it is a significant step in our community learning to live with COVID-19 and embark on an economic recovery."
Ms Rowland encouraged residents to support local businesses as they bounced back from lockdown.
"Now more than ever, it is vital we get behind small businesses in Blacktown City and help them thrive once again," Ms Rowland said.
"Whether that be sitting down for brunch with a friend at a cafe or doing some early Christmas shopping, there's so much we can do to boost the local economy."
Mayor Tony Bleasdale also met with members of Greater Blacktown Business Chamber this week, including President Trevor Oldfield and Vice President Bob Turner, to listen to their questions and concerns.
Blacktown City Council has embarked on a number of initiatives to assist local businesses affected by the lockdown, including: waiving fees and charges for retail businesses and negotiating rent reductions for commercial tenants who lost revenue due to the lockdowns.
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland MP during a street walk in the Blacktown CBD following the City's reopening after lockdown.
