The State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali has stepped down from the position of Blacktown City Mayor after 5 years in the role.

Under the Local Government Act, Mayors and Councillors can only continue in the office for 2 years after being elected to the NSW Parliament.

Mayor Bali was elected to Parliament at the 14 October 2017 by-election for the seat of Blacktown triggered by the resignation of former NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson.

Mayor Bali stepped down from office at an Extraordinary Meeting of Blacktown City Council on Wednesday (9 October). His resignation from Council will take effect from Monday (14 October).
Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM was elected Mayor unopposed and Councillor Julie Griffiths was elected Deputy Mayor, also unopposed.

Councillor Stephen Bali was first elected to Blacktown City Council in March 2004. He was Deputy Mayor from 2009 to 2010 and was elected Mayor in September 2015.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the people of Blacktown as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor."

“I thank my Council colleagues, Council’s staff and most importantly the people of Blacktown for their support and belief in our City and for giving so much of their time and effort in seeking to make a difference,” Cr Bali said.
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Councillor Bali paid tribute to those on Council who paved the way for him including former Mayors the Hon. John Aquilina, the late Jim Lynch, the late Leo Kelly and his late father and former Deputy Mayor, Charlie Bali.

After a season away the A-League & W-League make their return to SWR Sport for the 2019/20 season with an agreement reached between SWR Sport & Football Nation to team up for the upcoming summer of football.
The new deal is a win for football fans on both sides of the harbour as an expanded rights deal sees both Western Sydney Wanderers & Sydney FC A-League & W-League matches being broadcast across the platforms of SWR this season.
The 2019/20 commentary team will be led by SWR Sport founder & Football Nation commentator Julian Daw alongside a wealth of commentary talent including Football NSW commentator Will Gotsis, longtime SWR Sport voice Jon Gallo, Fox Sports & SWR commentator Robbie Feldmann & SWR Sport's Jack Clifton.
This season promises to be the best in many years with the Wanderers returning home to Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium, Sydney FC defending both the A-League & W-League championships plus a new club joining the league in Western United.
To catch all the action this summer log onto swr999.com.au/ss1 for broadcast details and live action!

Round 1 Broadcast Schedule
Friday 7pm - Adelaide United vs Sydney FC
Saturday 4pm - Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners

Woodcroft Festival on 21 September 2019 has been cancelled due to wet weather

Attention Motorsport lovers!

SWR 99.9 FM has teamed up with the Australian Racing Drivers Club to offer an exclusive discount on ARDC membership.

For a limited time - and just in time for Fathers Day! - become an ARDC 'Enthusiast Adult' member for just $70 (save $20!).

Save hundreds on racing & riding experiences plus FREE entry to race meets at Sydney Motorsport Park and much more!

Click here for a full list of membership privileges.

TO CLAIM THIS OFFER - simply ring the ARDC on (02) 9672 1000 and mention SWR 99.9 FM! That's it!

This year’s fundraising goal of $80,000 will support Vinnies programs, including Community Hubs, which provide advocacy and advice for those in need; Vinnies Conferences, which provide emergency relief and compassion to those doing it tough in our community; and Social Justice activities.

When: Friday 30 August to Saturday 31 August
Where: Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus (Rydalmere)​

The award winning Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is back in 2019, bringing you a festival all about food, flowers and feeling good.

The 2019 Sydney Blossom Festival will be held across 9 days commencing on Saturday 17 August and continuing to Sunday 25 August 2019. 

Auburn Botanic Gardens open from 9am - 5pm.

There are different themes and entertainment for weekends and weekdays so be sure to pick a day that's best for you.

For further information, visit Cumberland City Councils website here.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali said; “It's really important that any artist whether you're a local established artist... or if you're an emerging artist... just jump on; it's an expression of interest, let us know that you're out there.”

Blacktown City Council has developed the Warrick Lane Public Art Plan and is calling for expressions of interest from artists to undertake public art projects within the Warrick Lane precinct.

For more information about how to express your interest, go to Blacktown City Councils website.

Sydney Wildlife is an organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned native animals. In order to do this, they require more volunteers to care for Sydney's Wildlife, especially carers in Western Sydney, where more volunteers are required.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, why not have a look at attending Sydney Wildlife's next training session, held on the 10th and 11th August, from 8:30am to 4:30pm, in Londonderry. Following your training, you will become licensed by National Parks and Wildlife to care for the wildlife, and you will be fully insured. 

The cost of training covers the cost of equipment you will need.

Sydney Wildlife receive over 13, 000 calls for help each year, and they need your help to care for Sydney's Wildlife. If you're looking for more information, visit their website, email training@sydneywildlife.org.au or call 02 9413 4300. 

The traffic free marathon circuit makes it one the world’s most unique. The Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km and 5 km events will be run on the Westlink M7 Shared Pathway and IAAF/AIMS Certified Accurate and member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). 

For more information about the event and registration details, visit Blacktown City Council's website.