Most in the Eurobodalla will not have heard the name John Mobbs.
John was not a elite sportsman, nor was he a politician or social media identity.
The community, in general, would not have known that they were passing John in the street and fewer would be aware that they owed John a vote of thanks.
While others will celebrate the rich life that John led I would like to pay tribute to a man who did make a difference to the lives of each and all of us in the Eurobodalla.
For John was one of the band of people that Eurobodalla Council likes to refer to as the Usual Suspects.
Initially the Usual Suspects were scathingly labeled by councillors and staff to devalue any opinion they offered; dismissing them as the same voices. Alas for the councilors and Council's Leadership Team headed by the General Manager the Usual Suspects proved that they were a force to be reckoned with.
Through the tireless efforts of John and others, The Usual Suspects revealed, time and time again, the ineptitudes of the Council's Leadership team and the councillors in undertaking their duties, in meeting the requirements of the Local Government Act and complying with the guidelines and policies that were often diluted, ignored or repurposed to suit desired outcomes.
John's voice was that of authority. He was always well informed, so much so that when he presented to councillors during public forum he often left them wordless as he revealed, time and time again their short comings.
But John was not a callous man. He did not venture out to reveal the ineptitude, the inadequacy and the continued failures of those he presented to. He merely presented the facts in a clear and commanding tone that demanded the attention of those he addressed hoping that they might improve and act accordingly for the community rather than simply to kowtow to staff predilections.
John's passing is a loss to the Eurobodalla community as a whole as he was passionate that Council be measured, and, when weighed and found to be wanting, he took up the rare position to step forward and call council out.
His efforts over the past years have kept a spotlight firmly on the council. As such they knew John was watching, always.... which may well have vicariously brought them into line on matters they would have preferred to bend behind closed doors.
John was indeed an excellent 'watchdog' and dared to present for his community.
His even handedness, his sagacity and his passion to see council do as it should will not be forgotten by The Usual Suspects.
While he may not have held favour with those he addressed over their shortcomings hopefully those in Council who were duly addressed will remember him as firm, even handed and well informed, offering nothing more than his expectations and guidance.
Lei Parker – Editor of The Beagle
