Blacktown City Council has honoured former Mayor and Councillor George Nicolaidis OAM for his long and distinguished service with a Key to the City.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presented the prestigious honour in the presence of George's family, CEO Kerry Robinson, former Alderman George Perrin and Council staff.
"It's not every day somebody dedicates 32 years to their community like George did," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"It is important we recognise this magnificent contribution as many people do not realise the sacrifice councillors make in Local Government.
"For more than three decades, George was driven by a passion and commitment to wanting to improve people's lives in Blacktown City.
"A fierce advocate for Blacktown Municipal Council, as it was then known, George worked tirelessly to see local roads improved as well as ensure the region received essential infrastructure funding to match a growing population.
"I thank George for his incredible service and ongoing legacy."
George was elected nine times to Council, serving from 1965-1983, 1987-1995 and 1999-2004. He served as Mayor from 1974-1976.
Born to Greek parents in Egypt, George migrated to Australia in 1949, at the age of 20, before moving to Colyton in the late 1950s.
In 1965, George made history as one of the first post-war immigrants to be elected to serve on a local council in Sydney.
During his time on Council, he argued to have all roads in the city curbed, guttered and sealed.
He also fought tirelessly for vital infrastructure funding to match the city's ongoing population growth.
George was also a passionate member of the Rooty Hill Progress Association and Mount Druitt Historical Society, driven by a desire to preserve the city's growth and progress.
In 2013, he was recognised for his immense contribution with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
"This honour recognises and celebrates George's incredible contribution to public life and it is a great privilege to bestow this honour," Mayor Bleasdale said.
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (left) presents the Key to the City to former Mayor and Councillor George Nicolaidis (front), with his wife Ping, and son, Theo.
