Councillor Kevin Greene officially resigned at the Council meeting on Monday 31 October 2022.
Councillor, The Hon. Kevin Greene, a Peakhurst resident who has lived in the area for the past 56 years, is well known for his long-standing service to the Georges River community. He was a member of the NSW Parliament from 1999-2011 representing Georges River (1999-2007), and Oatley (2007-2011).
He was Minister for Community Services 2007-2008, Minister for Gaming, Racing and Sports 2008-2011 and Minister for Major Events 2010-2011.
The Australian Labor Party member was first elected to Georges River Council in September 2017 as Council's inaugural Mayor until 2021. His outstanding work with numerous organisations is well known.
- The first Honorary member of Lions Club of Lugarno, in recognition of his outstanding fund-raising activities
- Director of Club Central Hurstville (Illawarra Catholic Club)
- Past-President of the Illawarra Catholic Club Cricket Club, a post which he held for 37 years
- Patron of the ICC Cricket Club.
- Chair of the Hurstville Centenary Sports Committee and the Hurstville Bicentenary Committee
- An Area Director for the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal
- Patron of Mortdale RSL Sub-Branch
For more than 40 years, The Hon. Kevin Greene demonstrated an enduring dedication to community service and helping others, from his early career as a school teacher through to his roles in public office.
Mr Greene led a number of significant ongoing fund-raising activities to support medical research and community members in need through his work with St George District Cricket Club and the Lions Club of Lugarno.
During his time as Mayor, he led investment in infrastructure to maintain the area's natural treasures and create a harmonious atmosphere to raise children such as:
- Synthetics and sporting hub and sporting amenity buildings
- Re-establishing native habitats through innovative seawall design along the Carss Park foreshore
- Reinstating the creek and wetlands as well as harvesting stormwater for reuse at Gannons Park
- Creating a range of inclusive playgrounds, sporting and recreational spaces for people of all abilities in Oatley, Mortdale, Penshurst, Hurstville, and Carss Park.
His Notices of Motion included recognising the contributions of local sporting achievements, community members, and to congratulate local achievements.
He showed his commitment to a range of local issues and highlighted the extraordinary contributions of hardworking citizens. He advocated events and strategies for women's issues and women's rights, and also applauded an increase of women and girls in sports in our local area.
He would take the time to recognise significant community members and memorialise their contribution to the community through condolence motions, and recognised communities overseas, interstate and in other Councils were going through.
Mr Greene said he was most proud of being involved with the improvements to Council parks including playing surfaces, amenities blocks, and playgrounds, and making unfunded Kogarah and Hurstville plans a reality, including Harold Fraser amenities, Lower Gannons water treatment, Jubilee Park playground, and Oatley Bowling Club remediation.
He was also proud of Council infrastructure including the Stormwater project in lower Gannons Park due to its positive impact on the biodiversity for the whole LGA.
He said another highlight was working on Council events organised to connect our community like the food markets, outdoor events, cultural and international food events.
Mr Green said, "When I was Mayor, I was proud to work co-operatively across the political divide to negotiate significant Federal and State grants to fund projects for better outcomes in our community; and these projects were only possible due to the dedicated and committed staff who then brought these projects to fruition for the community.
"I would have liked to have seen the Jubilee Stadium project delivered. I am disappointed we were two weeks away from getting two million to upgrade Jubilee Stadium and add to it a new facility for the community group Kogarah Community Services plus a swimming complex with a 50 metre and 25 metre pool, and an indoor sports stadium. Behind the scenes political actions affected that at the eleventh hour."
Mayor Nick Katris said, "I warmly thank and congratulate Mr Greene for his dedication, hard work and achievements during his time on Council as Councillor and Mayor. I have enjoyed working alongside him.
"Mr Greene doesn't need a place on Council to make a fantastic contribution to the community as I'm sure he will continue to make positive changes in Georges River with his future endeavors."
Council will be contacting the Electoral Office regarding a countback election for a councillor to replace Clr Greene.
