February 20, 2018
The memorial service for Bill Roberts – “a Murgon man through and through” – attracted a large crowd of family members, friends and former council and political colleagues to Murgon Town Hall on Monday.
The former Murgon Shire mayor and Country Party stalwart was laid to rest at Murgon Cemetery earlier in the day in a private ceremony.
The public memorial service which followed was an opportunity for Bill’s three children – Scott, Swain and Kay – to share their family memories with Bill’s friends and colleagues, and for tributes to Bill to be presented by long-time friends, former Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss (see audio link, below) and current South Burnett Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff.
Unfortunately, Bill’s widow Mary – also a resident at Castra – was too ill to attend the memorial service.
Mr Truss described Bill as “truly Mr Murgon”.
“He was the face and voice of the town. He was a committed and powerful advocate for Murgon and worked tirelessly for the facilities and services that a strong town and community needed,” Mr Truss said.
In her tribute, Cr Duff listed Bill’s many community activities and then referred to his love of alliteration in his long-running newspaper column, Hub Rattles.
She summed up his achievements in Hub Rattles style:
The End Of An Era For Murgon
Bill has been a battler for the bush, a mentor for many, a magnet for Murgon and he will be missed by the multitude.
Community, co-operation, consideration and charity made up his character.
He was a remarkable, recognisable rock for our region.
He was a statesman, a gentleman, and a role model for Murgon.
The legacy he leaves behind is legendary of a life well-lived.
Rest In Peace Bill Roberts, OBE
The Hub has been rattled, your race has been run, but you will never be forgotten for what you have done.
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LNP Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington was an apology for the Memorial Service but she passed on the following tribute:
Bill Roberts spent his whole life working diligently for Murgon, Cherbourg and the South Burnett. He and his wife Mary were dedicated to the development of our region. We should feel truly blessed to have had such a remarkable community member who made such an impact across all of his community and professional achievements. My sincerest condolences to the Roberts family.
- Related article: South Burnett Loses Another Legend
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