Blacktown City Council has confirmed the passing of its Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, following widespread media reports earlier in the day.
Mayor Bleasdale was reported to have died while on a flight home from a study tour in China and South Korea.
The 77 year old had been mayor since 2019, re-elected last year, and served as a Blacktown councillor since 1996.
Deputy Mayor Cr Chris Quilkey confirmed the mayor’s passing and express condolences to Tony’s wife Nina, his children and their extended family.
He said, “Tony was loved by his community and he loved it back, with a generous heart and a genuine commitment to a bright future”.
News of the death of Mayor Bleasdale was reported earlier on Friday by media outlets including the Sydney Morning Herald and the Daily Telegraph.
Vale Tony Bleasdale OAM