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.
X086655