Two former Goulburn Mulwaree councillors have been recognised for their service to the community.
Margaret O’Neill, OAM, served 38 years consecutive service within local government after being first elected to Goulburn City Council in 1983.
She was then re-elected to Greater Argyle Council, later to become Goulburn Mulwaree Council, in 2004 before being further re-elected in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Ms O’Neill also served as Mayor of Goulburn City Council from 1993 to 1999.
Mrs O’Neill has been a passionate advocate for sporting organisations and athletes in our region. She established the Ray Harvey Sports Foundation, and is patron for 10 organisations, Council said in a statement today.
She was NSW’s longest serving female Councillor in Local Government, and received an Order of Australia in 2016.
Leah Ferrara served as a Councillor for five years with Goulburn Mulwaree. Council says she had a strong focus on creating more green space throughout the region, and improving sustainability outcomes.
Ms Ferrara was a member of the Bungonia discretionary fund working party, Rocky Hill Museum Working Party & St Clair Working Party, was instrumental in the rebranding of the Goulburn Mulwaree Animal Shelter and was involved in a number of projects during her time on Council between 2016 and December 2021.
“Both Margaret & Leah deserved to be publically recognised for their wonderful service to this region as Councillors,” said Mayor, Peter Walker.
“Leah Ferrara is an outstanding, passionate young woman with enormous leadership potential, and I am sure she will continue to contribute to our community for a number of years.”
“Margaret O’Neill has done it all, giving her life to this City and region. She has been a stalwart of Local Government and is well respected throughout NSW. Her contribution in particular to sport and sports facilities in Goulburn will live for decades to come,” he said.
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, both former councillors were presented with a plaque in recognition of their service to the Goulburn Mulwaree community.
