“The community has lost a good man” – veteran councillor Paul Rasmussen passed away last night

Former Hawkesbury councillor Paul Rasmussen passed away peacefully at home last night after a short period of illness and this morning he’s been fondly remembered by colleagues who have praised his service to the community and his friendship.

Mr Rasmussen was a Hawkesbury councillor for more than 20 years and also spent 30 years with the RAAF, five of them as Base Commander at Richmond. He lived with his family at Yarramundi and didn’t stand for Council again at the elections in December due to poor health.

Christine Paine, herself a long-serving Hawkesbury councillor who worked alongside Mr Rasmussen for over 20 years told the Post “he was a good bloke.”

“He was a delightful man who gave all to the community,” added Ms Paine.

“One of his favourite sayings was ‘mums and dads of the Hawkesbury’ and he was a very good councillor who was there for the right reasons.

“It’s sad, and the community has lost a good man.”

Cllr Nathan Zamprogno, who said he’d known Mr Rasmussen for most of his adult life, recalled his lengthy service to the community and said he would be sorely missed.

Mr Rasmussen served on the Council for 22 years.

I had the pleasure of serving with him from 2016 to 2021,” Cllr Zamprogno said.

Cllr Paul Rasmussen with councillors Nathan Zamprogno and Danielle Wheeler

Mr Rasmussen served on many community groups and committees including Chairman of the Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Community, Chairman of Hawkesbury Community Radio, and as a member of the Kurrajong Community Forum, and Hawkesbury Sports Council.

“Paul represented a huge well of wisdom and shared memory about the Hawkesbury community,” Cllr Zamprogno said.

“Ill-health precluded him standing for Council at the recent elections and my sympathies are with Paul’s family. He will be sorely missed.

Cllr Mary Lyons-Buckett said, “Paul was the epitome of an independent representative. He acted always with the community at the forefront of his mind and his decision-making.

“He had served our country for many years in the RAAF then continued serving our community through his multiple terms as a councillor.”

“Paul was a true gentleman and great mentor for new councillors.

“He had so much knowledge and wisdom on so many things. He understood how things worked and he had a deep love of the Hawkesbury and its people,” Cllr Lyons-Buckett said.

“He was a huge supporter of the arts, tourism and agriculture. He saw the potential of our area to grow sustainably and positively.

Personally, he was a great mentor and support to me as a colleague but most of all as a friend. Like many others, I will miss him very much.”

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