Funding for the Deniliquin stadium was secured during the council merger process. Deniliquin Sports Park Inc group manager John Arthur (third from left) is pictured at the funding announcement ceremony with Stronger Communities Major Projects Program assessment panel members Norm Brennan, Pat Fogarty and Ashley Hall.
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Contributed
Tributes have flowed in for Pat Fogarty on her formal retirement from local government service last week.
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Mrs Fogarty initially announced her retirement through the Pastoral Times in July, when she confirmed she would not be seeking re-election at the Edward River Council election in September.
The council meeting held Tuesday last week therefore officially triggered her departure from Edward River Council.
At the opening of the meeting Mrs Fogarty was presented with a box of flowers and a brief thank you by outgoing mayor Peta Betts.
During open council later in the meeting, Mrs Fogarty was overcome by emotion when saying her own thanks and outlining her top achievements on council.
“(I’d like to) take this time and opportunity to publicly say what an honour it has been to serve our community.
“Twenty-one years is a long time to have a commitment to the community and in that time there's been some fabulous achievements.
“I sincerely thank people that have been a part of the journey along the way. I've made an enormous number of friends and I particularly thank my husband Richard for being tolerant, supportive and understanding.
“I congratulate all of you candidates that have demonstrated commitment by putting themselves forward for the election and I wish them and the incoming council every success for the future.
“Back in 2001 or 2002 there was a story written about myself in one of the Creative Writers’ books, and using some of the words that were in there, I can be justifiably proud of my achievements and my commitment to my adopted community.”
Pat and Richard Fogarty.
Photo by
Abbey Flanagan
Among the top achievements listed by Mrs Fogarty was the town flood levee system, Deni Youth Council, Rotary Park and the stadium at Rotary Park, the initial skate park development, Peppin Heritage Centre and the Crossing Cafe, sewage realignment and the merger transition.
She also cited the town hall, Civic Plaza, Waring Gardens, Scott’s Park and Deniliquin Airport projects, particularly paying tribute to the late Norm Brennan - Edward River Council’s inaugural mayor after the merger - for his leadership in securing funding for each.
What could not be presented at the council meeting last week were messages of congratulations sent to Mrs Fogarty by our local parliamentary representatives.
Their messages have instead been provided to the Pastoral Times, and are provided below.
Federal Member for Farrer Susan Ley:
I write to congratulate you on your long-standing and remarkable productive tenure for both Deniliquin and Edward River councils, upon your retirement.
Across your cumulative 21 years of service since 1995, you have overseen many positive developments in the town of Deniliquin including the town levee system, Beach to Beach walk, skate park development, CBD and Waring Gardens projects and the Town Hall redevelopment.
“In my role as the Member for Farrer since 2001, I have had the great privilege of working with you and witnessing these achievements and challenges, including the 2016 merger - your efforts have helped contribute to today’s success.
This commitment to the community of Deniliquin through local government and your work at Vinnies, Intereach, the Boat Club and Lions is a commendable legacy.
I wish you all the best in retirement.
Federal Senator Perin Davey:
My warmest regards on your retirement from council.
Your many years of service, including time as mayor, has seen our community through some challenging times.
Drought, flood, council amalgamations - you have seen it all.
You have serviced with grace and humility and have been a role model to many.
I wish you all the best.
Office of NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
On behalf of Helen Dalton, we want to acknowledge Pat Fogarty of Deniliquin, whose 21 years of dedicated service on the Deniliquin and Edward River Councils have profoundly shaped our community.
Pat’s leadership in the successful amalgamation of the Conargo and Deniliquin councils and her commitment to youth engagement through the Deniliquin Youth Council are just a few examples of her lasting impact.
Helen will be honouring Pat's exceptional service with a verbal Community Recognition Statement in NSW Parliament during the next sitting week.
Thank you, Pat, for your remarkable contributions and invaluable leadership.
Julie McDonald, Robbie Sefton, Kate Christie and Pat Fogarty at a Thrive Riverina event.
Photo by
Olivia Duffey
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