Albury City Council today acknowledged the passing of former Mayor and Australia’s longest serving female councillor, Patricia Gould, who died on Sunday evening.
In a statement, AlburyCity Mayor, Kylie King, described the former Mayor and councillor as a colleague and friend.
“First joining Council in 1974, Patricia made such a valuable contribution to Albury and our broader region. She represented and served our city over a career that spanned 42 years, retiring in 2016,” said Mayor King.
Ms Gould (pictured) was Australia’s longest serving female Councillor, and an inspiration to all those that worked with her, or had the honour of seeking her advice, the Mayor said.
She served as Mayor from 1996-1999, 2000-2004, and again in 2008-2009.
In June 2004, she was awarded an OAM in recognition of her service to local government and the Albury community.
“She also received recognition in honour of her terms as Mayor and her significant contribution to local government with a Local Government Association of NSW ‘Emeritus Mayor Award’, as well as being recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2016 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government,” said Mayor King.
“Patricia is also a recipient of a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’, awarded by the Rotary Foundation.”
During her time on Council, Ms Gould served on a number of committees both within Council and externally, including the Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation, the Trinity Anglican Board and as a member of the Mercy Health Services Board.
She was also instrumental in establishing Family Day Care in Albury, and dedicated many years to assisting the Upper Murray Regional Library.
“Our beautiful city would simply not be what it is today without Patricia’s leadership, determination and forward thinking, and we as a community have much to be thankful for.”
“In 2005, the Patricia Gould Reserve in West Albury was opened in her honour… a wonderful space to relax and reflect on the life of such a remarkable woman.
“My condolences, including those of my fellow Councillors and the AlburyCity team go to Patricia’s family and friends,” said Mayor King.
