Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tim Overall has paid tribute to Cr Peter Bray AM for his dedication and service to the community over the past 12 years following his retirement from Council due to ill health.
Cr Bray was first elected to Queanbeyan City Council in 2008 and was subsequently elected to represent the Queanbeyan and Queanbeyan-Palerang communities in 2012 and 2017.
Cr Bray was elected Deputy Mayor for four consecutive one-year terms and also served on the Local Representation Committee while QPRC was under administration.
"Cr Bray has been a committed and active member of Council for 12 years, participating in many Council committees during this time and also lending a hand at many community and charity events
"Cr Bray has been a strong advocate for the community on a range of matters, especially disability and access issues which are close to his heart.
"I would like to congratulate Cr Bray on his career as a councillor and wish him the best for his retirement," Cr Overall said.
In reluctantly submitting his letter of retirement on 22 July 2020, Peter stated he has "thoroughly enjoyed playing a constructive part in the achievements of the former Queanbeyan City Council and the wonderfully successful Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. I extend my best wishes to the Mayor, my fellow Councillors and to all the staff and wish everyone all success in delivering on our many community based priorities and programs and in continuing to prevail over the ever present challenges that will inevitably lie ahead."
As the next local government election is scheduled for September 2021, there is no requirement for a by-election to fill Cr Bray's position. QPRC will operate with 10 councillors between now and the next election.
Background
Cr Peter Bray was elected to Queanbeyan City Council in September 2008. He and his family moved from the ACT to Jerrabomberra in 1996.
Cr Bray served in the Regular Army for some 40 years, retiring in 1996. While in the Army he specialised in supply management and logistics, including inventory management, warehousing, contracting and financial programming. Senior appointments included Director General Supply-Army, Commander Fourth Military District South Australia and Deputy Chief Personnel-Army. Whilst in South Australia he served on the Divisional Council of the Red Cross and was a member of the State Multicultural Forum. In 1995 he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.
Following his military career Cr Bray became increasingly involved in the disability sector at community and State levels. He was CEO of Hartley Lifecare (formally The ACT Society for the Physically Handicapped) for six years, undertook many formal reviews of not-for-profit organisations and remains a community advocate for those with disability. He has held appointments of Vice President Queanbeyan Special Needs Group Inc. and President Meals on Wheels Queanbeyan Inc. He continues to fundraise for local charitable purposes.
Cr Bray's vision for Queanbeyan is to see area grow into a mature and vibrant place for people to live; a place that is safe and environmentally sustainable in a rural setting.
During his time on Council, Cr Bray served on the following committees:
- Delegate and Chair, QCC Aboriginal Consultative Committee
- Delegate and Chair, The Q Advisory Board
- Delegate and Chair, Cultural Development Council
- Delegate and Chair, Public Art Advisory Panel
- Delegate and Chair, Access and Equity Committee – (Disability Action Plan)
- Delegate, Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel
- Delegate and Chair, Access Committee
- Delegate, Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel
- Delegate and Chair, QPRC Access Committee
