17 March 2020
Blacktown City Council is embarking on a series of measures
and actions in the interests of the health and wellbeing of
residents in response to the global COVID-19 (coronavirus)
pandemic.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Council
has a duty of care to the community and our staff and we are
“Based on the lessons we've learned from overseas, we
must act quickly and decisively, or many lives will be lost.
“We need to slow the infection rate and the most effective
approach is through ‘social distancing’ which includes
avoiding crowds, meetings and gatherings, staying home if
you are sick, working from home, giving people ‘space’ and
most importantly practising good personal hygiene.
“Under this approach, the pandemic will last longer, but
health outcomes will be far better.
“While Government restrictions apply to public gatherings of
500 or more people, Council has decided to recommend that
all non-essential large gatherings, meetings and events in
Blacktown City be cancelled or postponed.
“Council will take the lead in this by cancelling or postponing
all non-essential gatherings, events and meetings that come
under Council control,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Council will cancel the Citizenship ceremony scheduled for
Thursday 19 March in Bowman Hall in Blacktown and
postpone the Community Forum planned for Marsden Park
this Saturday, 21st March in the Elara estate.
“While halting these events is a big disappointment for
residents and Council alike, the health and wellbeing of the
community must be our number one priority during these
difficult times,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
The Community Forum had been planned to spotlight major
transport, health and education infrastructure deficiencies
that have impacted Marsden Park and surrounding suburbs.
“While we are totally behind the residents with their justified
concerns it would be irresponsible for Council to go ahead
with a large public gathering at this time,” Mayor Bleasdale
said.
Council has also cancelled the Blacktown Night Markets
Friday 27th March, the Seven Hills Festival Saturday 28
March and the ‘design-a-park’ meeting Saturday 21 March at
the corner of Fourth avenue and Prince Street, Blacktown.
Mayor Bleasdale is recommending that all large, non-
essential gatherings, events and meetings should be
cancelled or postponed.
“We will be cancelling or postponing all bookings for
Bowman Hall for the next two months.
“We are also urging residents and businesses to adopt
‘social distancing’ in their day-to-day activities. That is, make
some space in restaurants, shops and entrainment venues,
avoid crowds and, where possible, crowded public
transport.”
Blacktown City Council is also taking preventative measures
within Council operations to safeguard staff and the general
public.
Council staff will be encouraged, where practicable, to work
from home and non-essential meetings will be cancelled or
held online or by phone.
Council staff are being told that they should not attend work
and seek immediate medical advice if they have symptoms
of cold or flu.
“We advise all businesses, where possible, to adopt similar
practices,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Council will embark on an extensive public health campaign
at all its venues, offices, on its website and on social media
emphasising the importance of personal hygiene and
advising people of the actions they should take to protect
themselves and to help slow the spread of the virus.
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