Macedon Ranges councillors have marked the first council meeting without one of their own.
At the August 27 council meeting, standing orders were suspended to allow the evening to start with tributes to Cr Christine Walker, who suddenly died on August 1.
Council invited Andrew Walker, Christine’s husband to the meeting, to deliver tributes to the family.
All councillors present at the meeting spoke of their time shared with their fellow councillor, reflecting on their personal experiences, fond memories, and a life who will be dearly missed by the community.
Mayor Dom Bonanno and fellow South Ward councillor teared up as he addressed the chamber and Mr Walker.
“Personally, I valued Christine’s warmth, support, insight and humour,” he said.
Cr Bonanno spoke on his memories of his last meeting with Christine on a trip to Canberra, and said her loss will be felt across the community.
Cr Andrew Scanlon reflected on the short time he knew Christine, and said she will leave a huge gap.
Cr Kate Kendall said she looked back to her old conversations with Christine after her passing.
“It was evident that she showed up for people and her commitments and this is reflected in the sheer number of people who are grieving her loss,” she said.
Cr Jennifer Anderson reflected on her time knowing her for the past two years, finding out she knew her better than she thought.
“I didn’t think I knew Christine that well, but at the funeral, the stories of what she’s done, she actually shared them … it was really nice to know that I had known a lot of the whole Christine, not just the Christine in here,” she said.
Cr Daniel Young said she was someone absolutely worth knowing, and Cr Alison Joseph reflected on her last time seeing Christine, talking about horse riding in Tylden.
Cr Cassy Borthwick said she felt really blessed to know Christine, and said she always helped her improve as a councillor.
Chief executive officer Bernie O’Sullivan also passed along condolences to the family on behalf of council.
The meeting resumed with a motion of condolence, passed unanimously.
