Three Cowra councillors have been farewelled after choosing not to contest the local government election on December 4.
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Councillors Kevin Wright, Ray Walsh and Bruce Miller have all served multiple terms on Cowra Council and were recognised for their service at their last council meeting on November 22.
Cowra Mayor, Cr Bill West paid tribute to all three men, as well as wishing good luck to the councillors who are seeking re-election.
"I'm very confident that history will be very kind to the contribution Kevin Wright has made to this chamber, but also to the community more broadly, particularly around Cowra Retirement Village and the work that's been done there," Cr West said.
"Thank you and I wish you good health as you move forward."
Cr West said Cr Walsh has left a legacy on council.
"Your effort has been, I think, immense, almost tireless from time to time," Cr West said.
"Your legacy will stand the test of time and your integrity and genuine nature is something I think has left a particular mark on this building."
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Speaking on Cr Miller's time on council, Cr West acknowledged his work on a local and state level, including 13 years as mayor.
"Someone who has spent 30 years in local government, who has been to the pinnacle in terms of local government," he said.
"A lot of restructuring, a lot of hassle, a lot of heartache, always dealt with a very firm but very fair open mind.
"The contribution you have made over your 31 years has been absolutely outstanding.
"The three of you will be missed. Your wisdom and your experience will be missed."
In response, Cr Walsh said he has enjoyed his time on council.
"It's been a privilege, it's also been a privilege to work with some wonderful people in our staff and with fellow councillors," he said.
Cr Miller thanked his family for their support and highlighted the work done by council staff.
"I thoroughly enjoyed most of my time within these walls," he said.
"Council is the most important business of any community.
"I would like to acknowledge our professional staff. They're at the forefront of everything that we do."
Cr Kevin Wright, who has experienced health issues for the past few years, thanked councillors for their support and looked forward to seeing a new council get to work.
"I'm not standing again but I'm 100 per cent sure we're starting a new council from a great position," he said.
"I look around the district and think how wonderful it looks and how good our facilities are, our roads, our parks, everything looks good and I think it's a wonderful position to start from.
"I'd like to personally say thank you [Cr West] for the leniency you've shown me with my inability to be able to attend every meeting. I very much appreciate your thoughts and care.
"I thank the councillors for their support and friendship."
Cr Kevin Wright, a former stock and station agent, was first elected to council in 2013 and is also Chairman of the Board for the Cowra Retirement Village.
He was also a member for the Australian Chapter of World Peace Bell Association, Cowra Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee, Friends of the Cowra Regional Art Gallery and the Cowra Community Grants Working Party.
Cr Ray Walsh was first elected to council in 2008 and previously worked as a farm owner and manager. From 1966 to 1968, he completed two years of National Service, serving in Malaya.
He was council's representative on the Natural Resource Management Advisory Committee, is Chair of the Board of Cowra Tourism Corporation and a member and Co Chair of the Australia Day Working Party and Cowra Heritage Month Working Party.
Outside of Council, Cr Walsh is an active community member, with a long standing involvement with Cowra Legacy, Cowra RSL, Chair of St Raphaels Parish Finance Committee and President of the Cowra Historical Society.
Cr Miller was first elected to council in 1991, served as Deputy Mayor from 1992-1994, then as Mayor for 14 years from 1994-2008.
He is a past President of the Shires Association of NSW, having served as President for four years from 2007-2011.
He has also served as a board member of Local Government NSW and the Australian Local Government Association.
He was Deputy Chair of the board of Directors for Active Super (formerly Local Government Super) and Chair of Council's Traffic Committee and Access Committee and is also a member of the Australia Day Working Party and Cowra Public Art Advisory Panel.
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