Town Talk | Geoff Dobson retires: A legacy of wisdom and leadership

By Marnie

Oct 14, 2024

What wisdom did Geoff Dobson share during his time on council? Photo by Rechelle Zammit

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Even as we age and the decades fly by, there are no guarantees that wisdom will result. However, experience — with its highs and lows, its joys and dramas, its opportunities for growth — frequently results in a calm, wise approach to work and to life.

During this year, as I have met and talked with councillors and council management, Geoff Dobson’s name kept coming up, particularly his mentoring of less experienced councillors. And the word ‘wisdom’ came into the conversation.

In addition, I had read a report of a council meeting concerning a controversial matter and remembered a comment Geoff had made. It went like this: “I think a change should be made, but it’s not the council’s place to make it. We should wait for a decision to be made by the prime minister.” To my mind, it was wisdom in action, preventing unnecessary blame on the council.

Now Geoff has retired, and I called him to say thank you. It was initially a personal call, but as we spoke, I realised it should be more than that, and I asked if he would meet me for a chat.

GEOFF — COUNCILLOR AND MAYOR

Geoff was born in 1945. He was on council from 2008 to 2012; mayor of the city for three of those years. He returned in 2020. He admitted to a sadness associated with his retirement. He has a feeling of unfinished business; he will miss the challenges and camaraderie. Working with a younger cohort was a lively and rewarding experience; being a councillor was a privilege.

He pointed out that many of the decisions made by council were important ones and could affect the lives of 70,000 people. The council is a great deal more than ‘rates, roads and rubbish’ and, in fact, offers more than 100 services to the people of Greater Shepparton. These include assistance to community and sporting groups, the Australian Botanic Gardens, community houses and much more. Geoff talked about the need to provide a welcoming, safe and secure community for people coming from other countries — many other countries.

Somewhere here, I took the opportunity to preach to the converted, regarding the method we are forced to use to elect our council. There are three people I think Shepparton needs, and I can’t vote for any of them. Is that democracy? We’ve been here before! As if something that happens in one ward doesn’t affect everyone. Two people are joining council without any opposition and without a vote being counted. Is that democracy?

OUR FUTURE

Geoff emphasised the importance of council management, and how effective that management was. Fiona Le Gassick is a strong leader and her team is outstanding. He says that Fiona’s door is always open to councillors and that, before a difficult discussion, she offers a few ideas. He is adamant Shepparton’s future is bright because of the strength of its management. And because council has formulated a plan to encourage industry, employment and to protect irrigation water. Geoff is very positive about Greater Shepparton’s future.

In fact, council has expansive plans for the next 25 years and all sectors will benefit.

I asked what he thought was council’s greatest challenge, and he replied promptly “land, residential and industrial”. Shepparton is surrounded by productive agricultural land — and a river.

I told him that in the ‘good times’ just before COVID-19, I had seen evidence of 700 families applying for 40 blocks of land. If even half of those people had been able to build the homes they wanted – and sold or rented existing properties — and the first-home buyers had moved out of rentals, our current situation would be much improved. Geoff agreed but, of course, the accommodation shortage is everywhere.

He said the lack of a freeway from north to south was also a handicap, and he mentioned the difficulties of working with a state government that had no money.

My comment: I can’t see this improving quickly. In May of this year, our treasurer said that by 2028, our state debt would reach $187.8 billion. We are currently paying $6.5 billion in annual interest, but he expects that to rise to over $9 billion by 2028.

GEOFF’S FUTURE?

Of course, Geoff has plans. He pointed out that there was no record to be found of Greater Shepparton’s past mayors, and said he planned to research and provide the council with details. Unsurprisingly, I agreed this would be beneficial. There is no history, at all, on council’s website and I frequently need it. If he needs help with this, I’m here.

“What else, Geoff?” I asked. Well, he has plans for a new caravan and a trip to the west. Also on the drawing board is a trip to London to catch up with family.

FAREWELL

To be perfectly honest with you, I am very sad we are losing Geoff — and his wisdom. We caught up briefly at a function, during the year, and I said “Please stand for election.” His reply was “I’m nearly 79 years of age.”

“So what?” was all I had time to say.

However, I wish him well, and I’m sure you join me in this. I hope that he and his wife, Prue, have a wonderful retirement. God Bless, mate — and thank you.

Note: As with my conversation with Fiona Le Gassick, I had found the chat with Geoff so interesting that — once again — I forgot to drink my coffee.

BRING YOUR MEMORIES TO CAROLS

Recently I received an email about Carols by Candlelight; 2024 is Shepp’s 50th anniversary of this wonderful community event.

Our council, together with the Carols by Candlelight committee, is inviting everyone to share their photos or videos — and they could be a part of a slide show to be shown on this very special night. It is an opportunity to celebrate the people who have contributed to our enjoyment over the years. Perhaps you have photos of some of the performers from the past? It would be fantastic if you could share them. Rob Robson and his ‘interesting’ jacket? The Kilgour Twins?

Now, I know what happens when you get out your albums and boxes of photos. You start going through them, looking for something in particular — and keep getting distracted with other memories — it’s fun but takes a long time. So, please do it soon; they need them by Friday, November 1.

I know I haven’t any photos, but there is a heap of memories. (There is also a bundle of programs — collected over many years — which my family uses for carolling around the neighbourhood or at home.) Come sun or rain, come hell or high water, we went to carols — for a number of years with our friends from Shepparton Theatre Arts Group. There was one occasion when we had all been for a long picnic by the river, somewhere between here and Murchison, and were all sunburnt. That didn’t stop us singing, but there was a lot of groaning between songs. And I remember a year, perhaps a decade later, when we took two grandchildren with us, aged two and 6. The six-year-old sat dutifully listening and singing when he could — but the two-year-old repeatedly ran to the stage. After I’d returned him to our rug a couple of times, our federal member Sharman Stone (in the front row) said “Don’t worry, I’ll watch him.” She did, and that’s what community is all about.

I hope you have more than memories. I really hope you have some photos that will stir the gratitude and joy in us all.

Now if you are comfortable with the computer, you can fill out a submission form on council’s website, go to shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/carols50 and upload your pics. Or you can visit customer service at the council offices, 90 Welsford St, Shepparton. There will be people to assist you — and turn your pics into digital versions. You’ll be able to take your pics home with you. But please, please, do it soon — by November 1. If you are reading this on Tuesday, October 15, you have a little over two weeks.

PHOTOS

You might remember that last week I told you about our Christmas shop, Sabac Giftware. I wrote that article because Tracy Heyward is succeeding in bringing customers from well out of Greater Shepparton — which, of course, is of benefit to others. And because I wanted to show you how beautiful it is.

It didn’t quite work out as I planned; there was some advertising on the page, which left little space for the photos. My apologies to you — and to Tracy. I’m making up for it this week.