Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by
Councillor Worling –
It is resolved that:
(A)
Council
note:
(i)
the
recent passing of John William Fowler;
(ii)
John lived
a rich life marked by compassion, resilience, and a commitment to community. He
served as a Councillor and Mayor of South Sydney Council prior to the forced
merge with the City of Sydney in 2004 and he was a treasured member of the
local community;
(iii)
born in
1954, John spent his early years in Wallacia where his family ran the post
office and telephone exchange. After finishing high school, he completed an
arts degree and a teaching qualification. Drawing on a love of literature and
learning, John taught at Punchbowl Boys High and at Intensive English Centres
in Marrickville and Surry Hills;
(iv)
John
was elected as an independent Councillor for South Sydney Council in 1989. In
this role, John was a passionate advocate for transparency and community
representation. He was an outspoken critic of partisan local government and in
2000, with the support of a group of independents, he became the first and only
non-Labor Mayor in the Council’s history;
(v)
John
was also the state’s first openly gay Mayor and he played a pivotal role in
history by leading the first Australian Council to formally recognise gay and
lesbian relationships. John's personal advocacy and open support fostered an
environment of acceptance and inclusion and his unwavering commitment to
equality made a lasting impact on the lives of many within the queer community;
and
(vi)
fond
memories from friends and family speak of his unique character. His impact was
felt not only in the political sphere but also in personal relationships marked
by loyalty and enduring friendship. John is survived by his elder brother Ross
and he was a much-loved uncle to John, Gordon, and Alison and their children;
(B)
the
Lord Mayor be requested to write to John’s family expressing Council’s
condolences; and
(C)
all
persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute’s silence to
commemorate the life of John William Fowler.
Carried
unanimously.
X086653