SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council has joined with community members to express sadness following the passing of former Councillor and friend, Greg McAdam, who died on Saturday after battling ill health for some time.

Mr McAdam tendered his resignation from Council in April this year after serving for six years, first elected in 2016 and subsequently re-elected for a second term in 2020.

He said at the time that it was with regret that he had decided to resign but that he could no longer serve to the capacity he would have liked, nor to that which he believed the community deserved from a Councillor.

On Sunday, Council released a statement that said Mr McAdam would be very much missed by his fellow Councillors, Council Staff, and our entire community.

“Greg was highly respected by both the community and the organisation and always acted in the best interests of the Southern Grampians community. He performed his role as Councillor with passion, fairness, integrity, and kindness. His commitment in particular, to the future direction, growth and success of the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange is a wonderful legacy to leave and we know one that Greg would be proud of.”

In mayor David Robertson’s absence, Cr Mary-Ann Brown conveyed the sentiment of SGSC and said, “Greg was a man of integrity and was a great contributor to the community”.

“He was especially committed to the Cavendish community but also to the broader community through his work on Council”.

“He was a pretty straight talker, but he was kind and generous with it.”

Cr Brown said there were many contributions Mr McAdam had made to the community that were known publicly, but there were also things he had done that were less well known.

“He was part of the group that helped resurrect the Bunyip Hotel in Cavendish and we know how successful that has been,” she said.

“He also had a great love for Mooralla and was very interested in history.

“He will be sadly missed in the community and by everyone on Council.”

Mr McAdam’s voluntary involvement in the community was extensive, including 50 years with the Country Fire Authority, 31 years, with Lions International and 35 years with the Cavendish Cricket Club (life member).

Southern Grampians Shire Council conveyed thoughts and prayers to Mr McAdam’s family, his children and grandchildren during this difficult time, and especially his wife, Jan, with whom he recently celebrated a Golden wedding anniversary in May.