Former mayor of Kyabram and first mayor of Campaspe Shire Mary Bowman has died, aged 93.
Well-known Kyabram resident Mary Bowman has died aged 93.
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Mrs Bowman is known in Kyabram and around the district for her significant contributions to the area as an influential community leader and fierce advocate for equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
As president of the local International Year of the Disabled Committee, she campaigned for accessibility improvements, securing vital upgrades like the Kyabram Post Office ramp.
Mrs Bowman was the first mayor of Campaspe Shire.
Mrs Bowman was the last mayor of the Town of Kyabram before council amalgamations in 1994, thereafter she was honoured with being the first mayor of the new Campaspe Shire.
“Council acknowledges the passing of Mary Bowman, a pioneering and highly respected local government leader,” Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said.
“Mary served as a councillor and mayor of the former Town of Kyabram and made history as the inaugural mayor of Campaspe Shire following its formation, guiding the new municipality with integrity, vision and strong community focus.
Campaspe Shire’s first mayor, Mrs Bowman was a highly respected local government leader and advocate.
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Kyabram Free Press
“Beyond council, she remained a dedicated advocate for Kyabram through the Kyabram Deakin Residents, Ratepayers and Development Group.
“Her legacy of service, leadership and community spirit will be long remembered and council extends its sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.’’
Mrs Bowman was instrumental in forming advocacy groups for the area of Kyabram, including the Kyabram Lancaster Advisory Group and later the Kyabram Residents and Ratepayers Action Group Incorporated, which were both created as a way of addressing the needs of the residents and ratepayers of the region.
Her commitment to community service was recognised with the 1982 Kyabram Australia Day citizenship award, making her the first woman in the town’s history to receive the honour.
Kyabram's Mary Bowman was not just known for her time on council, she was also heavily involved in other community groups.
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Contributed
The Kyabram Residents and Ratepayers Action Group acknowledged Mrs Bowman’s many years of hard, tireless work in looking after the local community and will miss her wisdom, advice and friendship.
Community groups have remembered Mrs Bowman on social media.
“On behalf of the community, we extend our sincere condolences to Mary’s family and friends. We thank them for sharing her with us for so many years,” the Kyabram Development Committee posted.
“Mary Bowman leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership and community spirit. Her contribution to Kyabram and the wider Campaspe region will be remembered with gratitude and respect.”
Community members also paid tribute to Mrs Bowman on social media.
KDRRADG members Val Mullholland and Nick Mionis, Kyabram resident Richie Baertschiger, KDRRADG member Cecil Holden and president Mary Bowman at the Lake Rd footpath.
Some shared stories and others sent their thoughts, prayers and condolences to Mrs Bowman’s family.
She was remembered as “an amazing, tireless, community-minded person”, “an outstanding advocate for people with disabilities”, “a wonderful friend and neighbour” and “such a kind person’’.
Mrs Bowman died at Kyabram Health on June 7. A funeral mass was held on Tuesday, June 16, at 11am, followed by interment at the Kyabram cemetery.
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