Strathbogie Shire Council is mourning the loss of former Councillor, Alistair Thomson, whose body has today been located on the Northern Territory’s Larapinta Trail after the 64-year-old was reported missing while walking the trail last week.
NT Police say Mr Thomson (pictured), who was believed to be an experienced hiker, began his journey west of Alice Springs on 13 May and checked in with family seven days later.
A search was launched for the former councillor on 29 May after he failed to make further contact while hiking the 230 kilometre Larapinta Trail, which runs along the West MacDonnell Ranges.
“We are using all the resources available to us to conduct this search and urge members of the public with any information about the man’s whereabouts to get in contact,” Search Coordinator Acting Sergeant Christopher Grotherr said as the search got underway.
“This is a large coordinated response between a number of agencies and volunteers, and I want to acknowledge and thank the efforts of all involved so far as we continue our search. We are unable to conduct such operations without their invaluable assistance.”
Mr Thomson was a Councillor from 2016 and 2020 and served on the Council’s Audit and Risk Committee from 2020.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Alistair Thomson, a valued and respected member of the Audit and Risk Committee and a former Councillor at Strathbogie Shire Council,” said Council Administrator, Peter Stephenson.
“On behalf of the Strathbogie community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Alistair’s family and friends. His knowledge, experience and dedication have made a significant and lasting impact on the Strathbogie community.”
Mr Stephenson said that during Mr Thomson’s four years with the Council, he was involved in many decisions, projects and initiatives with roles on various committees including environment and sustainability development, planning and audit and risk. After leaving Council at the end of his term, he joined the Audit and Risk Committee as an independent community member.
“Working alongside Alistair on the Audit and Risk Committee was a privilege. His contributions, expertise, kindness and unwavering commitment to good governance and to putting the interests of the community first have left a lasting legacy for Strathbogie. He will be greatly missed,” he said.
Council CEO, Julie Salomon echoed the sentiments from Mr Stephenson and said Mr Thomson’s kindness, wisdom, and enquiring mind would be sorely missed.
“The Mayor and Councillors of the period when he served as Councillor also
extend their condolences to Alistair’s family and friends. He was an extraordinary Councillor
and represented the community with passion, good governance and integrity,” she said.
