AlburyCity Council has acknowledged the passing of “trailblazing” former Mayor and Australia’s longest serving female councillor, Patricia Gould, 87, who died on Sunday evening.
In a statement, AlburyCity Mayor, Kylie King, described the former Mayor and councillor as a colleague and friend.
Born on Christmas Day in 1935, the mother of five sons first joined the 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.
Patricia 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, she 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.
In a post to Facebook, one of Patricia’s son’s, David Gould, described his mother as a “trailblazer”.
“… she has left an everlasting legacy on the Albury community, which we are tremendously proud of,” he wrote.
“Patricia is dearly loved by her sons Anthony, Andrew, David, Jonathon and Simon and their wives Yasuko, Sally, Allison, Cheryl and Merryn and her grandchildren and great grandchild.
“We would like to thank the management and staff at Lutheran Aged Care for the support and care they provided to our dear Mum.”
In lieu of flowers, the family instead opted for donations to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Trust Fund Inc, “a charity which was dear to our Mum’s heart”, David wrote.
Follow this link to make a donation.
