Swan Hill Rural City Council and Swan Hill Town Hall PACC are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed former colleague, John Fowler.
Director Community and Cultural Services, Bruce Myers said John was a visionary figure whose contributions to the performing arts landscape in our region were invaluable.
"In the early 1990s, John spearheaded the establishment of our performing arts program in Robinvale, laying the foundation for a thriving cultural community. Additionally, he was instrumental in creating the Fairfax Youth Theatre program, providing countless young talents with opportunities to flourish in the arts," Mr Myer said.
Mr Myers said John recognised the importance of collaboration and he championed partnerships with organisations such as Regional Arts Victoria.
"A credit to his collaboration efforts was Council becoming the first Local Government Authority (LGA) to share a Regional Arts Development Officer, a partnership that has endured since 2004 and serves as a model for similar initiatives across the state.
"John brought with him a wealth of experience, having enjoyed a distinguished career at GTV9 and played a pivotal role in the inception of the iconic Sunbury music events in the early 1970s.
"Upon his retirement around 2007, John dedicated himself to nurturing scientific curiosity by establishing the Lake Boga observatory before settling into retirement by the shores of the lake," he said.
Mr Myers said that while we mourn his passing, John's legacy will continue to inspire and uplift our community and his wife, Maryanne, who remains an integral part of the Pioneer Settlement, carries forward his spirit of dedication and passion.
"In honor of John's remarkable life and contributions, we invite you to join us in commemorating his memory at his funeral service, which will be live-streamed at Mully's Place at 2 pm on Friday, 1 March.
"Let us come together to pay our respects to one of Swan Hill's leading lights in the performing arts and raise a toast at the bar to celebrate his enduring legacy," he added.
