To the Beagle Editor,
Within a week Eurobodalla Shire has lost two of its finest.
I had the privilege to be at Council’s meetings and watch these two men contribute so much to the Shire.
They truly listened and were there for the community.
Sometimes their views would diverge but would debate with civility and intelligence, realising it was the community that it was all about.
Richard Roberts with qualifications in Agricultural Science, Economics and the Law appreciated Pat Spiers and the Coastwatchers vision for a Regional Botanic Garden and championed its establishment through Council at times against strong opposition. Think Sydney without Hyde Park or the Domain, Richard saw the long term vision of the Gardens for the Shire and served on its management committee for 15years.
Chris Vardon always a gentleman, would conduct Council’s meetings fairly, often allowing and disarming the harshest critics with the calmest of voice. The community is entitled to its say he would conclude.
Chris was President and Mayor during the biggest expansion of the Shire’s assets. This period saw in after almost 100 years of the old, a new Local Government Act and significant structural change to local government.
Both 75 years old both gone in the same week.
Vale Richard and Chris.
Ross Hayward
(Shire Engineer 1988-1994)
