19th September, 2024.
Outgoing councillor Michael Banasik has been a steady and respected presence in Wollondilly for almost 30 years, and it is with gratitude that I farewell him from his role on the Wollondilly Shire Council. I am proud to have worked alongside him. I extend my heartfelt thanks to him for the integrity, passion and hard work he has demonstrated during his 29 years of service in the local government sector. He served as mayor and completed seven terms as a councillor, with three as deputy mayor. Michael is known for being the second longest serving councillor in Wollondilly, who always spoke on matters he believed in and did not shy away from a bad dad joke. Michael has always advocated for the community, and his lobbying has seen dozens of projects and improvements in Wollondilly, including the recently opened Picton to Tahmoor cycleway. He has protected the beautiful Thirlmere Lakes as a founding member of the Friends of Thirlmere Lakes and has lent his support and voice to the campaign for the Picton bypass. His departure marks the end of an era, but his contributions will continue to benefit the community for years to come.