Former lord mayor honoured

The unveiling.

The pavilion at John Curtin Reserve, Winston Hills has been renamed in memory of former City of Parramatta Lord Mayor and Councillor, Paul Barber with a plaque also unveiled as part of the ceremony late last month.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber was joined by fellow Councillors, State and Federal MPs and family and friends of Mr Barber to commemorate his achievements and service to the community and Council.

City of Parramatta’s CEO Gail Connolly PSM said it was a fitting tribute for a valued former member of the council.

“Paul Barber has left a lasting legacy having made significant contributions to the community over many decades, including as a Councillor from 2001-13 and Lord Mayor from 2007-08,” she said.

“He was instrumental in lobbying for local government to have a greater role with State and Federal governments and became a long-serving member of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

“Other highlights during his terms on Council included his involvement in the creation of our much-loved Parramatta Artists Studio, restoration of the old Parramatta War Memorial Pool, introduction of the free City centre shuttle bus in 2008, delivery of the first Sustainability Expo in 2007 and the successful delivery of Social Enterprise Grants for the unemployed.”

Attendees included: City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber, City of Parramatta Councillors: Georgina Valjak, Lorraine Wearne and Deputy Lord Mayor Patricia Prociv, Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta, Mark Taylor MP, State Member for Winston Hills, David Borger, Former Lord Mayor and Executive Director, Business Western Sydney and family and close friends Paul Barber.