FORMER Mayor of the Bass Coast Council and larger-than-life local character, Neville Goodwin OAM, has passed away at home with his family on Tuesday, February 18, aged 82.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the Wonthaggi Town Hall, McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi on Wednesday, February 26 commencing at 2pm.
However, the tributes have already started to flow with present-day Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead among the first to acknowledge his passing at Wednesday’s council meeting.
“I would like to speak to my report in relation to Vale address for Neville Goodwin, an Order of Australia medallist The bass Coast community has lost a dedicated leader, tireless advocate and true community champion with the passing of Neville Goodwin. Neville's legacy is one of unwavering service, generosity and commitment to the people and places he cared so deeply about. Neville played a pivotal role in shaping the Bass Coast we know today as a commissioner during the amalgamation of councils and later serving as a councillor for the shire between 1992 to 1994, that was at the Shire of Bass and the bass Coast Shire Council between 2003 and 2008 including multiple terms as mayor.
Neville was a passionate advocate for his community. He worked at every level to ensure residents were supported, infrastructure was improved, and the region continued to thrive. Beyond his work in local government, Neville's contributions to the community were vast. He was a driving force behind many important initiatives, serving as a board member of Bass Coast Health, a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, a leader within the Grandville Hall committee, and a long-standing board member of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.
Through these roles, he helped shape services, championed local projects and ensured countless community organizations had the support they needed to succeed at the time, Neville also served as chair of Ken Smith's election campaign while Ken was the Member for South Eastern Province,
Neville had an extraordinary ability to bring people together and make things happen. He was so well respected across all political parties that if there was a need, he could simply pick up the phone and things would move. That was the power he held through relationships he built and the respect he earned.
Just this morning, Ashley Lemus reflected on a moment that encapsulated Neville's influence during the COVID 19 pandemic. Ashley spoke to Neville about much-needed funding for the showgrounds. Without hesitation, Neville called the Minister for Health while the minister was on a plane and managed to secure the funding needed. That was the kind of respect Neville commanded at every levels, from grassroots community needs to the highest offices in the country. His ability to connect with people, advocate for causes and get things done was simply remarkable.
There are so many people who would turn to Neville when they needed help. His impact was immense, and his absence will leave a significant void. It's hard not to ask the question: Who do we call now when we need something done?
Neville was truly one of a kind, impressive, hard-working, deeply committed to his community. His success and dedication were also made possible through the incredible support of his wife, Lynn. Together, they were a formidable team. Lynn was often the quiet presence behind the scene but her unwavering support played a vital role in everything Neville achieved. Her loss will be profound, and our hearts go out to her To Lyn, Shelly, Wayne and Daniel, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences during this sad time. Neville's legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, the projects he championed and the community he helped build. Vale Neville Goodwin. Your contributions will never be forgotten. Thank you.”
The tribute at the start of Wednesday’s council meeting was warmly supported by acclamation around the council table.
