Whether it was in service to his country or his community, Paul Hawker always put everyone else first, state parliament has been told.
In a tribute to the former mayor and Vietnam veteran who passed away on Monday aged 74, Campbelltown MP Greg Warren said Paul Hawker was “a good man’’.
“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.
“He also supported and worked hard for amenity improvements at various parks, including Glenfield, Ruse, Macquarie Fields, Kentlyn and St Helens Park.
“On behalf of Campbelltown I offer my deepest sympathies to his darling and lovely wife, Sigrid; his children, Aaron and Daryl; and his grandchildren.
“We, as a city, are lesser without him. May you rest in peace, mate. You gave everything, and we thank you.’’
Paul Hawker’s funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Campbelltown next Thursday.
In the meantime, tributes continue to pour in for a man who served his country in war, then his town back home as councillor and mayor, as well as other major contributions, including president of the Rotary club.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Rotary club member and past president Paul Hawker who passed away yesterday after battling brain cancer,’’ said Campbelltown Rotary in a statement posted on social media.
“Paul spent his life in the service of Australia and his local community, from his days in the Army to the Mayor of Campbelltown and serving on countless community boards and service clubs. Our deepest condolences to his wife Sigrid and his entire family. This is a huge loss to our clubs and the Campbelltown community.’’
This Sunday, Campbelltown City Kangaroos will hold a minute’s silence to honour Paul Hawker before their first round match of the season – a local derby with the Campbelltown Collegians – at Fullwood Reserve.
The club said “Paul was a great friend of our club, his sons are juniors of the Campbelltown Collegians Club and he was a passionate rugby league supporter’’.
