FORMER Hills Shire president Bernie Mullane was farewelled last Friday at a funeral that celebrated a life of service to the community, local government and his family.
Mr Mullane died on February 4. He was 86.
His long-time friend Peter Ferguson spoke of Mr Mullane’s devotion to his faith, public achievements and recreational pastimes, including at the races.
‘‘When we had a win we’d celebrate, when we had a loss we’d come home,’’ Dr Ferguson said in his eulogy.
He hoped God would take care of his dear friend who had taken care of so many others throughout his life.
In 1953 Mr Mullane moved to Baulkham Hills and was the first to establish a pharmacy in Baulkham Hills.
In 1959 he was elected to the Baulkham Hills Council.
A council spokeswoman said he was often referred to as the ‘father of the shire’ due to his long run as shire president from 1963 to 1983 and again from 1987 to 1991.
In 1968 he was elected to the executive of the Local Government Association and served on state and commonwealth government committees including the State Pollution Control Commission from 1976 and the Department of Environment and Planning’s Local Government Liaison Committee from 1978.
He was awarded an MBE for services to local government in 1972 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 1985.
The Bernie Mullane Sports Complex in Kellyville was named after him in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the community.
Mr Mullane’s wife Margaret passed away six years ago.
They had seven children (two are deceased), and 10 grandchildren.
Mr Mullane passed away at Lewisham Nursing Home, a former convent whom his father had worked with.
His daughter Susie Mullane said his window had overlooked where he had grown up, his home and where he went to school.
''He loved being there - it was almost like he had gone home,'' Ms Mullane said.
She thanked the nursing home staff for taking such good care of her father.
''They were wonderful, we can only say thank you,'' Ms Mullane said.
Hills mayor Greg Burnett told the News Mr Mullane played a great part in helping shape the dynamic, prosperous and vibrant community of The Hills.
‘‘We can see from his many achievements that he was a man who dedicated himself to his community, to his family and to local government,’’ Cr Burnett said.
‘‘Bernie was known as a man who was generous and hard working with a determined fighting spirit and fierce negotiating skills whose commitment to his work extended beyond The Hills.’’
“Friends, family, leaders and community members will all fondly remember this great man whose many achievements and the stamp that he left on the Sydney Hills will stand the test of time.”
Email a friend