Adam Marshall was also thanked for his almost nine years as a Gunnedah councillor and four years as mayor. Photo: Peter Lorimer
TWO former mayors of Moree and Gunnedah have won honourable mentions from the state association of shire councils for their service to local government.
And three of NSW’s most esteemed and respected councillors, who had served a combined total of 98 years in local government, have been honoured for their loyalty and commitment.
President of the Shires Association of NSW, Ray Donald, thanked long-serving and now retired councillors Bill Bott, Wal Mitchell and Mike Montgomery for their many years of dedication and hard work serving their communities.
Adam Marshall was also thanked for his almost nine years as a Gunnedah councillor and four years as mayor, noting his significant contribution to the Shires Association of NSW and the local government community.
Mr Donald said the councillors opted not to stand in the recent elections.
“These four highly motivated councillors have significantly contributed to building local government in NSW to what it is today. I thank each of them for their consistent support, not only for their councils, but also their years of dedication to Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA),” Cr Donald said.
“Whether it is lobbying the state government on important rural and regional matters, advocating Shire Association policies to their local areas, or donating their time to serve on the Shires Association board of executives, the four men have maintained a heavy involvement in the LGSA over many years, and I am extremely grateful.
“I felt it was important to acknowledge the years of fantastic achievements, valuable work, wisdom, passion and loyalty invested by these councillors into shaping their own councils, and indeed local government state-wide.
“Bill Bott served an outstanding 35 years with Corowa Council while Wal Mitchell served an exceptional 38 years on Bourke Shire Council.
“Mike Montgomery also represented the Shires Association as president for three years and was then elected president of the Australian Local Government Association until 2004.
“As the state’s youngest ever mayor, Adam Marshall served four years as mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council.”