Vale Alex Darling AM

On behalf of our community and colleagues, Wollongong City Council extends our sympathy to the family of former Councillor and Lord Mayor Alex Darling AM, who recently passed away.

Mr Darling served the community for three terms as a Councillor between 1987 and 2002, was Deputy Lord Mayor from 2001 to 2002 and as Lord Mayor from 2002 to 2008.

“I worked with Alex during my career at Council and always found him to be a passionate advocate for the community,’’ Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.

“He loved Wollongong and was proud to lead the Council as Lord Mayor for six years, and to be a Councillor for so many more, as he worked to deliver the best for the community.

“It was during his tenure that the strategic framework for the city centre, or the Revitalising Wollongong City Centre Plan, was developed. It was also when early planning and visioning work was done the Blue Mile precinct – an area which continues to develop and grow as a premier spot for people to socialise, exercise and relax.”

Mr Darling received the title of Emeritus Mayor and was awarded an Outstanding Service Award at the October 2007 Local Government Association Annual Conference.

“There was no question that Alex was dedicated to our community, and this was reflected in him receiving a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2007 which recognised his service to local government and the community,’’ Mr Doyle said.

“Today, we all will take a moment to reflect upon his man who worked to improve our city for the better through his range of business and commerce, industry and public infrastructure, arts and service projects.’’