Blacktown City Council has farewelled Peter Filmer OAM, as he embarks on retirement after more than four decades working in local government.
Mr Filmer retires after an incredible 45 years of service to Local Government, of which 38 years were spent with Blacktown City Council.
Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM surprised Mr Filmer at Council’s recent meeting by presenting him with the Key to the City for his service.
“For decades, Peter has made an enormous contribution to the local community and Council through sport, events and fostering Sister Cities relationships – which has been underpinned by his unwavering enthusiasm and quick wit,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Peter first worked at Council in 1977, as a Voucher Clerk. He then spent the next 3½ years at Council in a variety of finance positions, before leaving in March 1981 to work at Penrith City Council.
“It wasn’t long before Peter returned to Blacktown City Council in 1988 as an Internal Audit Clerk, before becoming an Internal Auditor the following year.”
In 1995, Peter became Council’s Community Relations Officer/City Protocol Officer, a role he worked in for 16 years until he stepped into the position of Manager Community Events in 2011.
“During the past 11 years in this role, Peter has worked at the heart of the Blacktown City community, overseeing Council’s annual calendar of events, including community festivals, civic events, citizenship ceremonies and Council’s Sister Cities program,” the Mayor said.
“Peter was dedicated to Council and was involved in Sister Cities for more than 25 years. This program has led to the establishment and strengthening of relationships with other councils both in Australia and overseas.”
Mayor Bleasdale said Mr Filmer’s passion for Local Government had been demonstrated in his work in countless Local Government Elections and his involvement in enterprise agreement negotiations both prior and after the new 1993 Local Government Award.
“Peter is a Western Sydney lad through and through. He was born in Blacktown and attended Blacktown Central School before completing his high schooling at Blacktown Boys High,” the Mayor said.
“His leadership skills were clear at an early age, with a young Peter elected school captain of Blacktown Boys in 1977.
“Peter’s family has lived in the Blacktown area for many generations. His grandfather was the first butcher in Blacktown, with his two uncles involved in the family business.
“Peter married his wife at the Blacktown Anglican Church in 1981 and he is a proud father of 3 children and has 3 grandchildren.
“His passion for sport is unmatched and his love of sport extends across rugby league, cricket and golf.”
Mr Filmer was an NRL referee for 10 years, and during this time he refereed 30 first grade games and more than 100 reserve grade games.
He also later served as director and treasurer of the NSW Rugby League Referees Association.
“Peter is also a keen cricketer and at just 19 years of age, he was made president of Blacktown Cricket Club.”
“In 2014, Peter’s lifetime devotion and contribution to sport was recognised when he was awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia.
“He has also been a driving force behind the launch of the Blacktown City Relay for Life in 2003.
“Many who know Peter will be familiar with his sense of humour, charisma, and, most notably, his popular ‘dad jokes’.
“Peter leaves behind an enormous legacy at Blacktown City Council, and Councillors, management and staff all hold him in very high regard.
“On behalf of everyone at Council, I wish Peter all the very best as he enters retirement after an extraordinary career,” said Mayor Bleasdale.
