From humble beginnings, to greatness was the way Boree Creek's favorite son, Tim Fischer, AC was remembered by the hundreds who flocked to witness the unveiling of his memorial sculpture at the Tim Fischer Community Park in Boree Creek on Sunday.
Urana artist Andrew Whitehead's found-metal likeness of Mr Fischer, titled 'The Last Train from Boree', was completed in June 2020 to much online acclaim.
However the planned installation and unveiling of the sculpture - scheduled to coincide with the first anniversary of Mr Fischer's death in August 2020 - was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Several notable Australian leaders joined Federation Council, Judy Brewer and the Fischer family at the event, including the NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, former Ambassador to the Holy See Melissa Hitchman, Member for Albury Justin Clancy, Member for Farrer Susan Ley, Major Sarah Winter and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Patrick Bourke said it was a great honour to host the memorial event and unveil the Tim Fischer Memorial Sculpture, which is an amazing piece of artwork that will forever honour Mr Fischer's passion for both trains and that of Boree Creek.
"Tim is affectionately referred to as Boree Creek's favourite son," he said.
"This is where life started for Tim, and throughout his life, and his many achievements, somehow and some way he always found his way back here. That is why it brings me great pleasure, as the Mayor of Federation Council to have commissioned this statue to ensure that Tim's unwavering commitment and dedication to this community will forever stand the sands of time and be a constant reminder of his passion to our people, whether they had been the people of Boree Creek or that of our entire country."
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley spoke to the crowd about the sense of belonging and pride that Tim had for the Boree Creek area, and the honour it was to be involved in the unveiling.
Political figures in the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormick, Member for Farrer Susan Ley and Member for Albury Justin Clancy all spoke to the impact Tim's life had on the democratic achievements of this country, and also the way in which he mentored political leaders – resulting in a highly respected and honourable legacy.
Mayor Bourke said he knew Tim would be humbled by everyone's efforts to come together the way everyone had to honour his life.
"Tim is certainly missed beyond measure, and I hope this sculpture acts as a magnificent reminder of the great man that the honourable Tim Fischer was," he said.
"I hope it also inspires our many young Australians who will visit the sculpture in the years to come to understand the history and legacy of the great Tim Fischer – and most importantly, in that from humble beginnings in places like Boree Creek, greatness can really be achieved."
Federation Council commissioned the $40,000 artwork through the NSW Federal Government's Community Drought Funding Program.
