City pays tribute to Ian Carpenter

Former Mayor Ian Carpenter.

The City of Greater Geraldton is deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor Ian Carpenter.

Mr Carpenter served as Mayor for nine years and was named an Honorary Freeman of the City in September 2016 along with a long list of achievements and accolades. His patronage spans widely through the Midwest region with service to many clubs, public institutions, boards and committees.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Van Styn has paid respect to Mr Carpenter and said he was a true Geraldton icon who would not be forgotten.

“On behalf of the City of Greater Geraldton community I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Carpenter family on the passing of a true gentleman,” he said.

“Ian made an extremely significant contribution to our community and his influence in Geraldton will be long remembered.

“Ian’s passion for our community, his humbleness, humour and dedication will never be forgotten.”

Mr Carpenter was first elected onto the Council of the City of Geraldton in October 2003. In 2006 he was appointed the position of Acting Mayor and in April 2007 he voluntarily resigned, as did all City Council, in preparation for the Geraldton/Greenough amalgamation.

In October 2007 Mr Carpenter was re-elected as the inaugural City of Geraldton-Greenough Mayor. In 2009 he was again re-elected as Mayor then publically elected as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton on 15 October 2011 and remained as Mayor until 2015.

When asked last year about his greatest achievements as Mayor, Mr Carpenter said, “It wasn’t just me, there were so many people involved in the big projects throughout my time on Council and the Mayor is a figurehead that ensures Council functions together to help our community get the best possible outcomes.”

“I was lucky enough to be on Council for the whole process of the Foreshore from the beginning of the public consultation, working out what amenities the community wanted on our Foreshore, right through to the new Geraldton Multipurpose Centre,” he said.

“It really is fantastic to see it completed and see what it has transformed into today.”

Mr Carpenter’s outstanding service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton for many decades includes significant community service to the Apex Club, Variety Club of Australia, Geraldton Sportsman’s Club and Geraldton Squash Rackets Association.

In addition to the above community service, Mr Carpenter’s served on a wide range of public institutions, boards and committees, such as Mid West Development Commission, Batavia Regional Organisation of Councils, Western Australia Regional Capital Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia.