Just after former Campbelltown mayor Paul Hawker passed away earlier this year, local MP Greg Warren stood up in state parliament and delivered a beautiful eulogy.
It is worth noting that this was a Labor politician in generous praise of a Liberal mayor.
But with a few exceptions, that’s how we do things in Campbelltown.
Paul Hawker, the first Liberal mayor of Campbelltown for 50 years, passed away on Monday, February 21, after a short battle with cancer.
“We, as a city, are lesser without him. May you rest in peace, mate. You gave everything, and we thank you,’’ Mr Warren told the parliament.
While he and Mr Hawker were on different sides of the political spectrum, they shared something arguably more important: serving their country through the defence force.
Mr Hawker was a good man, Mr Warren said in his tribute.
“He was not just someone who loved Campbelltown; he loved his family. He was passionate about what we needed in our area, and he remained as such,’’ Mr Warren said.
“He served as mayor for one year and was very passionate and did so many things. As the local member for Campbelltown, I was delighted and welcomed the opportunity to work with Paul, who I know had a passion to see better outcomes for our city and our town.
“When Paul arrived on council, he helped secure Campbelltown’s push to become a regional city and did a great job. He helped facilitate upgrades at Macarthur Square to the tune of $240 million – a fantastic place that has done so much.’’
That eulogy, including the official seal of the State Government, is now framed, thanks to another great Campbelltown resident, Patrick Duffy, pictured above, left, with Mrs Hawker and Campbelltown mayor George Greiss.
Earlier today, Mr Duffy, representing Greg Warren, presented the framed eulogy to Mr Hawker’s widow, Sigrid.
Mayor George Greiss, the current Liberal Campbelltown mayor and former party colleague of Mr Hawker, took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to attend the presentation.
Mrs Hawker accepted the eulogy and said all the beautiful words about her late husband immediately following his passing had made a real difference in coping with his loss.
“To hear all the wonderful things said about Paul made it all a little bit easier,’’ she said.
