Wyndham council has paid tribute to former councillor and Victoria Police officer Peter Gibbons, who passed away last week.
Mayor Josh Gilligan spoke about Peter’s contribution to the Wyndham municipality, at a council meeting on Tuesday.
Cr Gilligan said that Peter and his wife Robyn moved to Wyndham in 1974, where they raised their children.
“A strong believer in community and family, Peter was committed to public service – having served 43 years in the police force, 10 of which were spent at the local Werribee Police Station,” Cr Gilligan said.
“For his exemplary service to the police force, Peter received the Australian Police Medal (APM) for distinguished service in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday honours list.”
Peter was elected to Wyndham council during the 2012-2016 term, representing the Iramoo Ward.
“Peter was the (council’s) inaugural portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, enabling him to champion a range of initiatives, setting the agenda for a more sustainable Wyndham,” Cr Gilligan said.
“He was out and about and involved in a range of activities from the inaugural Garage Sale Trail to the Compost Revolution worm farm to helping plant trees on National Tree Day.”
Cr Gilligan said that in addition, Peter served as chair of the council’s Community Safety Roundtable and on the Preventing Family Violence sub-committee.
In total, Peter served on more than 15 committees and working groups as a council representative, from the Mud on Roads (Werribee South) Committee to the Werribee River Association.
“He was fondly regarded by all committee members and council officers for his passion, commitment, and enthusiasm to improving the wellbeing and safety of the community,” Cr Gilligan said.
“Peter was highly regarded and well respected by the community he served.
“He’ll be fondly remembered for his passion, professionalism, his love to ‘chat’ and being in the mix of things that matter.
“On behalf of Wyndham residents and my fellow council colleagues we acknowledge the tremendous contribution Peter has made that has improved services and quality of life for all of us who live in Wyndham.
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Robyn, their four children and grandkids.”
Peter’s brother, Cr John Gibbons, is also Wyndham’s deputy mayor.
