Former mayor of Kyabram and first mayor of Campaspe Shire Council 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 last mayor of the Town of Kyabram before council amalgamations in 1994, thereafter Mrs Bowman was honoured with being the first mayor of the new Campaspe Shire Council.
“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.
Photo by
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 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.
Community groups and residents have remembered Mrs Bowman on social media, including Kyabram Development Committee, which posted, “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”.
“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.”
Mrs Bowman died on June 7, at Kyabram Health. A funeral mass will be held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Church St, Kyabram on Tuesday, June 16, at 11am followed by interment at the Kyabram cemetery.
More on Mrs Bowman in Wednesday’s edition of the Ky Free Press.
Four generations: Mary Bowman with her son Peter (right), Peter’s son Kerrod and Kerrod’s daughter Lilly Rose.
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