Councillor Brad Bunting has been elected Mayor of Blacktown City, and led off with tabling a vision of stability, growth and continued transformation.
Councillor Bunting was elected Mayor by his Councillor colleagues at Blacktown City Council on Wednesday evening. The election was made necessary by the passing of Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM.
Councillor Chris Quilkey remains Deputy Mayor.
Blacktown City is the largest council area by population in NSW with 435,000 residents.
Mayor Bunting said, "Tony Bleasdale was an exceptional leader, who helped guide Blacktown through an eventful and challenging period. He kept us steady when bushfires raged, and COVID-19 threatened. With his steady hand, Council continued working toward helping build the modern city our residents and businesses need."
"I am honoured to have been elected Mayor of Mayor of Blacktown City."
Mayor Bunting vowed to continue the transformation of Blacktown. "We will deliver on the promises we have made. We will deliver for our residents and businesses, and keep moving ahead."
"Our job is clear. Council must continue to seek new opportunities for our 435-thousand residents and create the environment for business to thrive, and for the investment and new jobs to follow in the years ahead."
"We are the heart of Western Sydney and I will continue the advocacy led by Mayor Bleasdale seeking to improve the lives and equity of all who live and work in Blacktown City and greater Western Sydney," Mayor Bunting said.
The recently tabled $758 million balanced 2024/25 budget commits Council to transforming Blacktown City. Council will continue to deliver high quality community services and facilities, contributing to a sustainable future.
Council is working with the NSW Government to deliver Blacktown City's next group of transformational infrastructure projects under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.
These include:
- A new Community Resource Hub in the heart of the Seven Hills town centre.
- The revitalisation of the Mount Druitt Hub including the modernisation of the existing community centre and upgrades to the adjacent public space.
- The modernisation of the Blacktown Aquatic Centre and Mount Druitt Swimming Centre.
- A new and improved Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC) facility at the existing Shalvey location.
- A First Nations Cultural Hub in Mount Druitt, that is a new purpose-built, cultural healing centre for the Western Sydney First Nations community.
- A new Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre that celebrates Blacktown's exciting arts scene, championing its diverse culture and enabling future generations to contribute and benefit from this new cultural space.
Council continues to support the investment in Blacktown City by the Walker Corporation.
Public consultation has demonstrated community support for the Blacktown Quarter project that will revitalise the Blacktown city centre, bringing thousands of jobs, and creating a catalyst for future investment in Blacktown City.
Mayor Bunting listed as a priority the Council vision to rebuild Mount Druitt city centre. "This will be a legacy of Tony Bleasdale. In the centre of Mount Druitt, we will create a network of attractive, activated, safe public spaces. We shall see a thriving commercial and residential town centre," said Mayor Bunting.
He also reaffirmed a commitment to honour and celebrate First Nations culture and traditions. "We are proud to be home to a large population of First Nations people, and our Council must continue to play a valuable role through our partnership with the Dharug", Mayor Bunting said.
Mayor Bunting restated Council's commitment to actively consulting with the community, "This ensures council is a seen as community leader, not a faceless bureaucracy. Our community is active, strong and engaged."
Biography: Councillor Bunting.
First elected to Blacktown City Council in September 2016, elected Deputy Mayor in 2022 and elected as Mayor in 2024. Councillor Brad Bunting has served the Blacktown local community for many years.
He is a lifelong resident of the Mount Druitt community, where he lives with his wife Norma, and their children. Growing up he attended Tregear Primary and Dunheved High Schools.
Cr Bunting has directed his energy and expertise through roles on numerous council committees. He is Chair of the Blacktown City Community Services Committee, Sister Cities Advisory Committee and Council's Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Cr Bunting also serves as a delegate to Floodplain Management Australia; the Hawkesbury River County Council and as a Director of Western Sydney Academy of Sport.
In the community, he is a familiar face in Blacktown City's sporting communities. A Life Member and former President of the Tallawong Park Little Athletics Club, he is passionate about developing young sporting talent.
His involvement with the Blacktown City and District Cricket Association and at the Town Rangers Soccer Club underscore his commitment to grassroots sports development.
His early career in the fitness industry supports his passion for community involvement in their health and wellbeing through sport. Cr Bunting has also been well grounded in compassion and empathy for his community, working for over 20 years in the funeral service industry.
Cr Bunting is a strong advocate for the enhancement and provision of community infrastructure, including libraries, aquatic centres, community hubs, sporting fields, and playgrounds. He firmly believes that investing in these facilities fosters a sense of unity and belonging among Blacktown residents, ultimately improving their quality of life.
