My interest in Council Election Results around New South Wales

Interested Council Election results: 

Why do I have an interest? Simply Blacktown City Council is where I have lived for 29 years of my life and  got to know former Councilors and current ones. 

With Penrith City Council, Sue day former co-advocate for Western Sydney Public Transport Users I have  an ineterest in, as she ran for Council 3-4 times has been persistant and made it, increasing her votes each time.

Shoalhaven City Council - it is where I live and will live for the rest of my life. Ineterest in advocacy raises interest in politics and the people that reperesent the people. People do not realise how much presssure our representatives have in all forms of government, being in the lime light.

Blacktown City Council Election:

2016 Party Result: Labor 10, Liberal 5

2021 Party Result: Labor 10, Independent 5

Here Stephen Bali doesn't recontest his Ward 4 seat as he is the State Member of Blacktown. Liberal Party didn't endorse any of the candidates as in previous years. Jes Diaz is re-elected as an independent.  Can't see his son evene running for Council this time. PeterCamileri moves from Ward 5 as an endorsed Liberal in 2016 to an independent in Ward 4. Labor, Carol Israel, Labor Party elected 2nd term  in Ward 4 and is te leader of her tocket as she is re-elected. Mayor Tony Bleasedale, Labor Party sweeps in Ward 5 elected and  BRad Bunting is re-elected quite easily in wsame ward. Allan Green is back into Council as a Independent In Ward 3 with Labor Party Councilors Susai Benjamin and Cathy Collins. 

Basically, we have  Labor hold 10 out 15 Council seats and the 5 Liberal Council seats became Liberal - mot much of a change.

Penrith City Council results

2016 Party Result: Liberal 5, Labor 7, Independents 3

2021 Party Result: Liberal 6, Labor 5, Independents 4

*Sue Day has smashed the election in  The South Ward. A ward where there is 2 Liberals, 2 Independents and 1 Labor Councilors. And it appears she might have picked up a seat from Labor.

It seems that Independents will be very crucial to electing a Mayor and Deputy Mayor and maybe Sue Day may even have  her chance at being elected as Mayor.

* Former Western Sydney co-advocate for public transport

Shoalhaven City Council results

2016 Party Result: 

Shoalhaven Independents 5, Country Labor Party 1, Green 4,  Independents 3

2021 Party Result: 

Shoalhaven Independents 4, Greens 4, Labor Party 2  Undecided 3

(Includes: Green Elected Maror)

Interested in Ward 2, where there are new candidates running in the Ward, two of them has been elected John Kotlash (Labor Party) and Evan Christen from the Greens. The next candidate that could be elected is Mitchell Pakes from the Shoalhaven Independents retaining his seat or newly elected Paul Ell Independent. Former Federal Member Fiona Gash, did not stand for Council in Ward 2 so that leaves it open - who gets her seat?

Greens have retained their numbers on Council even though former Ward 1 Councilor Nina Digiglio left the Greens and only stood as a candidate for Mayor. Labor Party have increased their numbers with a possibility on a further seat in Ward 1,  with Shoalhaven Independents possibly losing one seat it could look like Shoalhaven Independents 4, Labor Party 3, Greens 3, Independent 1.

Further update 22/12/21: the results are as follows:

Shoalhaven Independents Group 4,Greens 4 including the Mayor, Labor 3, Independents 2

So, from the 2016 Council Election results, we can see that Shoalhaven Independents have a reduced seat on council by 1 to 4 Councilors, Labor Party have increased their seats on Council by 2 to 3 Councillors, Greens have maintained their seats on Council to 4 members and finally, Independents have lost 1 seat down to 2 seats on Council. Thus the pendulum swings here. So it is going to be interesting how deals will be made for the Deputy Mayor and how Council passes motions as a team in Council, unless the Greens and Shoalhaven Independents work together on motions, it won't be so much of a roller coaster. This is for the next three years and we will see how this works out.

Blacktown City Australia Day Awards Now Open For Nomination?

 

Join us as we officially open the Warrick Lane precinct! - Blacktown City Council

 

Be one of the first people to walk through this world-class facility, featuring the first multi-level car park with Darug language and first nations artworks throughout. The precinct also features 2 tree-lined public parks, children’s play equipment, street furniture, breakout spaces and a plaza. Date: Sunday 20 June 2021 Time: noon – 4 pm Location: Warrick Lane precinct, Main Street, Blacktown Cost: Free. Get your free ticket here. Celebrations will include a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome to country, food trucks, roving entertainment, family art workshops and an official opening by Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM. There are a number of spots available for exclusive artist tours with artists Blak Douglas and Skunk Control. These can be booked when reserving your tickets. Get in quick, as there are very limited spots. Parking on the day will be available in the Colo Lane car park, Colo Lane, Blacktown. Wet weather hotline: 9839 6577.

Blacktown City Council May 2021 e-Newsletter

 

Mayor's Message

Council delivers a balanced budget

Blacktown City Council has delivered a balanced $656 million draft budget for the 2021/22 financial year. This budget delivers on promises made to Blacktown City’s residents, businesses and Council’s loyal staff. Last year, at the height of the COVID-19, Council faced a projected $24 million revenue loss due to the pandemic. Council made a commitment to maintain services, preserve the health and wellbeing of our residents and Council staff, and to continue the transformation of Blacktown into a modern, sustainable city. Council maximised savings and cut non-essential expenses. I am proud to say Council maintained all our essential services, provided additional cleaning services, kept our childcare centres open and our staff employed. Now, through responsible financial management we can deliver a budget that includes a major capital works program of more than $150 million and delivers increased spending on service delivery. The transformation of Blacktown City continues at a rapid but sustainable pace. Students are now studying at ACU’s campus in Blacktown. Work is nearing completion on Council’s $80 million redevelopment of the Warrick Lane precinct in the CBD, featuring a massive underground carpark, a plaza and park, shops, restaurants and offices. Works will soon be underway on our $100 million International Centre of Training Excellence at the Blacktown International Sportspark and a world-class $30 million Animal Rehoming Centre at Glendenning. Environmentally, we have the biggest roof-top solar installation of any Council in Australia, we planted more than 33-thousand trees last year and we’re spending more than $56 million on parks, playgrounds and sporting fields. Blacktown City Council we remains committed to maintaining jobs, paying our creditors, and providing quality services, facilities and infrastructure for our residents and businesses. Tony Bleasdale OAM | Mayor of Blacktown City

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Transforming Blacktown – online Budget Forum

We invite you to attend our 2021 Budget Have Your Say Online Forum. Hear about how Council intends to deliver the future of Blacktown through our transformational strategy and plans. Learn more about our exciting projects from Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and hear from our outstanding guest speaker, Mr Richard Errington, Chief Executive Officer of West HQ Limited. You can pre-submit your questions to the Budget Have Your Say Online Forum here. The draft budget includes: a major capital works program of more than $150 million $25.3 million for Kids’ Early Learning Blacktown City $21.5 million for community facilities $10.1 million for our libraries $37.7 million for parks, reserves, playgrounds and sporting fields $72.3 million for roads, footpaths and bridges. You can view Council’s draft Delivery Program 2017-2022 and Operational Plan 2021/22 and $656 million budget for 2021/22 here. The plans and budget are on public exhibition from Wednesday 5 May until Tuesday 1 June 2021.

Register for updates

Medieval Fayre returning on 22 and 23 May!

Blacktown’s favourite event, the Medieval Fayre will transform Nurragingy Reserve back into the dark ages over two spectacular days. Immerse yourself in medieval culture with the Birds of Prey Show, medieval displays, combat artillery, handmade arts and crafts, free camel and pony rides and a working blacksmith hut. The jousting competition will be the highlight of the event with riders from all over the country fighting for the prestigious title. Visitors will experience the excitement of living history at its best and all spectators are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite medieval attire. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and in the interest of public health, tickets are now required for this event. Tickets are now available and cost $7 per person (children 12 months and under are free).

Purchase tickets

Blacktown City Festival has something for everyone From our Lots of Laughs Comedy Night, to Drag Bingo and Blacktown City Parkfest, there is something for everyone at this year's Blacktown City Festival.

View the full program

Restored vintage ‘Sunshine Harvester’ – a workers’ memorial

A restored 1907 harvesting machine will be installed in a workers’ memorial garden in Blacktown, as a commemoration of a pivotal moment in Australian industrial history, where one of the foundations of modern living standards was established. The Sunshine Harvester was unveiled in a ceremony marking International Day of Mourning on Tuesday 28 April, a day when gatherings around the world pause to commemorate workers who have died or been injured as a result of workplace incidents or occupational disease. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; ‘Not only did the Sunshine Harvester forever change agriculture in Australia, but it was at the heart of a test case that set the country's first minimum wage and set the standard for National Wage cases for many years.’ ‘The Harvester Decision in 1907 by the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Court (CCAC) changed the way wages were determined in Australia by setting a minimum wage for all Australian workers.’

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Be involved – informed - heard

You are invited to Blacktown City Council’s Ward 1 Pop-Up Community Information Session on Saturday 15 May at Riverstone Festival. Pop-up community information sessions are a chance to raise your concerns about important issues that affect you and hear about what’s happening in your neighbourhood. Blacktown City’s Ward 1 Councillors will be available from noon – 2 pm at Council’s information stall at the Riverstone Festival. When: Saturday 15 May 2021 Time: Noon – 2 pm Cost: Free Contact: forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au Location: Council’s information stall, Mill Street Park, corner of Mill Street and Riverstone Parade, Riverstone. Community forums are back! Watch this space every month for information on upcoming forums. For more information, email forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

What’s on this month

22 May - 19 June Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown MORE INFO   Songlines and Sightlines – Colouring in Blacktown Songlines and Sightlines – Colouring in Blacktown is an interactive gallery experience that invites visitors to colour in and draw directly on the walls of The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. Artist and Darug knowledge holder Leanne Mulgo Watson and artist Peter Rush have mapped sites of significance onto the gallery walls reflecting Darug song lines, plants, animals and the built environment for visitors to interact with, follow and be inspired by.

27 May 4 pm - 9 pm Village Green, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown MORE INFO   Sweet Indulgence Dessert Festival Oh sugar, it’s back! The dessert lover’s paradise ‘Sweet Indulgence’ is returning to Blacktown Festival! Sugar lovers will flock to the Village Green to satisfy their sweet-tooths with mouth-watering creations from some of Sydney’s top, hand-picked dessert vendors including KNAFEH and The Bearded Bakers! Donut miss out!

16 June Noon - 2 pm Online webinar. Registrations are essential. REGISTER   Composting and Worm Farming workshop Learn how to set up your organic recycling system to turn food scraps and garden 'waste' into a fantastic fertiliser and soil conditioner for your garden. You will learn the basics on how you can get started and the different options available including composting, worm farming and Bokashi systems. You will also get some great tips on how to reduce your waste at home.

Blacktown Arts - Future Proof, Blacktown City Council

 

FUTURE-PROOF The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre 9 April – 8 May 2021 Emmanuel Asante, Maher Al Khoury, Mariam Abbas, Mahnaz Giahparvar, Payam Gouya, Mehrdad Mehraeen, Raneen Shamon and Najmeh Shoara Settlement Services International in partnership with Blacktown Arts presents the Future-Proof showcase. The showcase is a unique interpretation from eight artists about the many facets of life reflecting on their personal backgrounds and experiences as recently arrived refugees in Australia. The Future-Proof showcase will be a month-long, multi-artform experience for audiences.   Future-Proof artists Mariam Abbas Growing up in a house of art, Mariam chooses paint instead of talk. For the visual artist, her work is a healing process and the place to go to in order to explore the emotional, the social and the political drawing on her unique insight. Informed by the ruptures her family experienced as a result of war and displacement, Mariam explores ideas of “not belonging” and “being an outsider” allowing her to look at events and frame them in a way that brings her truth to the fore. In 2019, Mariam won First prize for sculpture & other 3D work in the 22nd Annual Arts Exhibition at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Maher Al Khoury Art has long been in Maher’s world; a world where he can lose himself in the mastery of making visual objects that come to life from a place of beauty and creativity. When choosing a subject, Maher looks for the relationship between objects. As a professional artist, he challenges himself to see things anew, to allow objects and subjects to take on identities that throw a different light on how they appear to be. Images: Marcelo Geraldes (Highline Media) Learn more Autumn school holidays Workshop program The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre 7 - 16 April These Autumn school holidays, Blacktown Arts has an extensive school holiday workshop program on offer for children and families. Meet the talented artists of our Autumn school holidays program: Sima Alikhani, Dr Fan Dongwang, Daniela Cristallo, Irina Iris, Elaine Butler, Teresa Small and Nico Bauer. Meet the artists Easter long weekend Closed from Good Friday 2 April Reopening Tuesday 6 April The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre will be closed over the Easter long weekend. Our current exhibition, Eleni - Navigators of Polynesia will close Thursday 1 April. Visit us to see it before it closes.    Creative Arts Fund application deadline extended Applications due Tuesday 6 April We have extended the deadline for the Creative Arts Fund to midnight on Tuesday 6 April. Blacktown City-based artists, collectives and community organisations, apply for $2,000 to $3,000 in funding to develop or deliver an arts or cultural project, event or workshop in 2021 to 2022. Apply now Image: Sahar Nabinik, 2019 Creative Arts Fund recipient. Photograph by Joshua Morris. Stories from 2148 Saturday 17 April 2021 Free admission Stories from 2148 celebrates the sovereignty, diversity and creativity present in women artists who have grown up and reside within Blacktown city featuring Evelyn Araluen, Maryam Azam, Sarah Malik, and Joy Adan. Hosted by Tongan-Australian writer, editor and Mount Druitt local Winnie Dunn. Learn more Image: Courtesy of Maryam Azam Rekindling Youth program Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April 9.30 am to 2.30 pm  The Smith Family is providing the opportunity for high school students to take part in free workshops with Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s leading First Nations dance company. Learn more Image: Courtesy of Bangarra Dance Theatre Making your Mark with Daniela Cristallo Friday 9 April 10.30 am – 1.00 pm $15 per child Make your mark on the world in this experimental art workshop using found and recycled objects, collage and paint. Let your imaginative artistic mind run free to create unique artworks with contemporary abstract artist Daniela Cristallo. Book now Creative Roar – Mixed media wall sculpture workshop Thursday 15 April 10.30 am – 1.00 pm $15 per child Join talented artist facilitator Elaine Butler to create your own wild animal wall sculpture using simple textile, fabric and fur sculpting techniques and learn how to draw and paint your animal creations to make an illustrative picture book.  Book now Image: Gerrie Mifsud Our Creative City | Blacktown City Council Cultural Plan Creativity and culture make our cities and neighbourhoods great places to live and work. They spark our imagination, are good for our health, bring our communities together and boost our economy. Help us imagine the future of Our Creative City and have your say in the new cultural plan for Blacktown. Have your say Drawn to the West | Life Drawing Society Main Hall, 20 Sir Hercules Parade Bungarribee Drawn to the West is a traditional art school where students learn to draw people from life. With a diverse selection of models and high quality easels, this joyous practice is about to come to life in a beautiful location. Learn more Feature in our next e-news Are you a local artist or group or an organisation servicing the Blacktown community and want to be featured in our next e-news and/or on our social media? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your upcoming creative project or what you're doing in the community along with a short blurb, image, link and social media handles. Contact us Image: Spoken performance at Magnify 2019. Photograph by Gerrie Mifsud. 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