FORMER mayor and state member for Bendigo, Daryl McClure, has been remembered as a passionate Bendigonian who worked hard to improve the quality of life for others.
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Tributes have flowed for the man who offered a strong voice for Bendigo, but lost his fight on Sunday after a long illness, aged 68.
Mr McClure was a member of state parliament for the seat of Bendigo from 1973 until 1982.
He was also a Bendigo city councillor from 1969 until 1970 and from 1993 until 1994. He was a Greater Bendigo city councillor from 1996 until 2004 and served as mayor from 1999 until 2000.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Peter Cox described Mr McClure as a 'passionate Bendigonian who worked hard to improve the quality of life of residents'.
Cr Cox described Mr McClure as a 'passionate Bendigonian who worked hard to improve the quality of life of residents'.
“Daryl was a highly respected man who always had Bendigo at his heart and would strive to improve the city in every way he could,” he said.
“He had a lot of common sense in him. In his inaugural speech to the Victorian Parliament, Daryl spoke glowingly about Bendigo's 'old world charm' and he worked diligently throughout his life to ensure that our magnificent heritage was protected for future generations to enjoy.
“He was a fierce advocate for the protection of Rosalind Park.''
Cr Cox said Mr McClure's interest in local government never waned and he never shied away from letting the council know if he felt it was on the wrong track.
“Daryl worked hard for the community and he will be missed by many,” he said.
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell also remembered Mr McClure as a highly-respected member of the Bendigo community who devoted his life to public service, in both state and local government, for many years.
"Daryl will be sadly missed, and I extend my condolences to his family and friends," she said.
State Labor MPs have also paid tribute to the life and service of Mr McClure.
Jacinta Allan, Maree Edwards and former members, David Kennedy and Bob Cameron said Mr McClure's passing was a great loss to Bendigo.
They noted his efforts when driving the project for the Shamrock Hotel renovation as a
significant Bendigo building and for working closely with the council and businesses to secure Bendigo’s multi-storey car park opposite the library.
In a joint statement, the Labor members wrote that Mr McClure 'always had a vision for Bendigo’s growth'.
'He worked with many groups and was a keen advocate of Bendigo’s history and Bendigo’s future.'
Mr McClure is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.
