Paul Tosi was never elected to Campbelltown Council, but at his farewell last night he was hailed as the most influential member of the south west region for the past 15 years.
Campbelltown becoming a regional city and winning funding for local infrastructure and facilities were all achievements that would not have been possible without the drive and passion of the council general manager since 2000, the function was told.
Main speaker, former NSW planning minister Craig Knowles, said Mr Tosi could have had just about any job he wanted and Campbelltown was fortunate that he had opted to stay local and work for improvements in his own town.
Earlier, Mayor Paul Lake also praised Mr Tosi, saying he had seen first hand how hard the departing general manager had worked to make Campbelltown a better place.
“I’d ring him up of a morning and I’d say where are you, and Paul would say, on the way into Sydney to see Minister X.
“The same day, I’d ring in the afternoon and he’d say he was on his way to Sydney again to see Mnister Y.
“He was that passionate about helping to make Campbelltown a better place,’’ Cr Lake told the very large gathering in the Campbelltown Arts Centre.
In addition to Mr Knowles, those who attended the final farewell for Mr Tosi included the region’s political, business and media leaders – past and present.
A notable presence was that of Gabrielle Kibble, the former administrator of Liverpool Council, who worked closely with Mr Tosi during her time there.
Former Olympics Minister Michael Knight was there, former Camden MP Geoff Corrigan, Werriwa and Fowler MPs Laurie Ferguson and Chris Hayes and Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell and Campbelltown councillors.
Jim Marsden was one of many business representatives there, as well as the editors of the local newspapers, Mandy Perrin and Jeff McGill.
Mr Tosi, who officially retires on September 30, made a short speech thanking all those who had turned up for his farewell.
He praised Ms Lindy Deitz, his replacement as Campbelltown Council general manager.
“Lindy will do a very good job,’’ Mr Tosi said.
Members of his family, including his wife Denise, also attended last night’s farewell function.
Paul Tosi was not only a wonderful advocate for Campbelltown, but he will be remembered for his passion and outstanding contribution to the city and people of Campbelltown. But above all he is a great bloke.