12 June 2018
The late William Ronald Clegg MBE, OAM – five-term deputy mayor, former mayor (1969-80), State Emergency Service Namoi Division Controller, dedicated community member and decorated civil servant.
The Medal of the Order of Australia recipient’s memory has been honoured with a road name tribute in the nation’s capital. Clegg Lane has been identified and dedicated in the suburb of Strathnairn, Belconnen ACT.
Gunnedah Shire Council was contacted by the ACT Place Names Committee to review the proposal and put its support behind the commemoration.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said roads in Strathnairn are named in accordance with the theme ‘Primary Industry and Regional Service’.
“It is a fitting tribute to a community member and long-standing Councillor who has been remembered as a great figure in the history of not only Gunnedah but the north-west,” Mr Johns said.
Mr Clegg was elected to Gunnedah Municipal Council in 1956 and retired in 1999. He was the Namoi Division Controller for the SES in the 1970s, and helped found the North West Tourist Association in 1963. Mr Clegg also served on the executive of the NSW Council of Regional Tourist Associations.
He was awarded an OAM in 2003 for his service to Gunnedah through Local Government and the development of tourism in the area.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Mr Clegg’s legacy is marked across the Shire.
“There was hardly a local organisation that did not benefit from Mr Clegg’s energy, experience and enterprise – the war memorial pool, indoor heated pool and Remembrance Grove, to name a few,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Mr Clegg dedicated his life to serving the Gunnedah community, creating jobs and advancing the town – I am pleased to see this worthy commemoration take place.”
Photo Caption: The unveiling of the WR Clegg Emergency Services Centre in 2000. Pictured from left, former Mayor and current Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, William Ronald Clegg and former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson. Photo courtesy of Gunnedah Historical Society.
ENDS
Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.
