Former Councillors honoured for contribution to public libraries

14 December 2015

For immediate release

Former Councillors honoured for contribution to public libraries

Two former Wagga Wagga Councillors will tonight be presented with a Life Membership for the New South Wales Public Libraries Association.

In receiving this award, Mary Kidson and Bob Osborne are being recognised for their distinguished service to public libraries and exceptional level of contribution to the Association during their time as Councillors.

The Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Rod Kendall, will present the awards at the December Council Meeting tonight.

“Libraries are an essential part of regional communities and the passion and dedication of Mark Kidson and Bob Osborne in championing the cause of country libraries over many years is appreciated not only here in Wagga Wagga, but across New South Wales,” Cr Kendall said.

Background - Mary Kidson

Mary Kidson served as a Councillor on the Wagga Wagga City Council from 1977 to 1999, the longest serving woman in Council’s history. One of Mary’s passions was public libraries, and she was a delegate to the Riverina Community Library Service (now Riverina Regional Library) Committee for the entirety of her time as a Councillor, including holding the role of Chairperson from 1991 to 1998. As well as supporting the establishment of the NSW Country Public Libraries Association in 1989, Mary held the role of Association Chairperson from 1995 to 1997, and Chairperson of the Association’s South-West Zone from 1996 to 1998.

Background - Bob Osborne

A Councillor on the Wagga Wagga City Council from 1980 to 1995, Bob Osborne, served on the Riverina Community Library Service Committee from 1982 to 1995, where he held the role of Chairperson from 1986 to 1991. Bob was a strong supporter of libraries, and instigated a lobbying campaign for improved state funding for country libraries with a delegation to the Minister for the Arts in April 1989. Shortly afterwards, on 21-22 June 1989, Bob joined 120 Local Government representatives in Parkes to form the NSW Country Public Libraries Association. Minister for the Arts, Peter Collins, attended the meeting and offered $1m extra funding for country libraries. In addition to his role in establishing the Association, Bob held the position of Chairperson from 1991 to 1992.

Photo opportunity

What: Presentation of Life Membership Awards for the New South Wales Public Libraries Association to Mary Kidson and Bob Osborne

When: 6.00pm on Monday 14 December 2015, prior to December Council Meeting

Where: Wagga Wagga City Council Meeting Room, Civic Centre

Who: Mayor Rod Kendall, Mary Kidson, Bob Osborne

-Ends-

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Contact Lauren Pezet on 6926 9197.0409 079 663 or media@wagga.nsw.gov.au or follow us on Twitter - @WaggaCouncil