Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) –

It is resolved:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         Peter Woods was born in New Zealand before migrating to Australia in 1967 and continuing his academic studies. He had dual citizenship. With degrees in Sociology and Education, he was an elected Councillor for over 26 years, 10 years of which he was Mayor of Concord Council. He also presided over the Local Government Association that preceded the formation of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) between 1991-2002;

(ii)        those who knew Peter will always remember not only his commitment to the local government sector, but for his ability to think creatively and provide new and unexplored ideas to the benefit of local councils everywhere;

(iii)      during his time, Peter served as President of the Local Government Association of New South Wales for 12 years and President and Board Member for over 14 years of the Australian Local Government Association. Peter was also a Board Member of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum for 10 years;

(iv)      Peter was also actively involved as the Executive Vice President and President of the International Union of Local Authorities (Asia Pacific) and World Vice President of the International Union of Local Authorities;

(v)       Peter was appointed Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments (Asia Pacific) following his political retirement in 2004 and served until December 2010 when he was appointed as Ambassador for United Cities of Local Government Asia-Pacific;

(vi)      Peter also spent nine years as chairman of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme as well as holding the position of chairman of FuturePlus;

(vii)     Peter was the person who instigated the creation of a superannuation scheme for local government, was the originator of the special insurer of councils known as StateCover as well as being instrumental in the purchase of the LGNSW building at 28 Margaret Street, Sydney;

(viii)    that to remember his extraordinary contributions and excellent level of service to the local government sector, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal, the Outstanding Service Medal and the title of Emeritus Mayor;

(ix)      Peter lived a wonderful life and made many powerful contributions in his time and we appreciate and remember him for his zest for life, local government and for the great impact he made on our sector;

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Peter Woods’ family to extend the City of Sydney’s condolences for his passing; and

(C)      all persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute of silence to commemorate the life of Peter Woods OAM and his significant contribution to the Local Government sector within Australia.

Carried unanimously.

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