Published on Thursday, 16 May 2024 at 8:41:04 AM
Pictured: Ian Goldfinch speaking at the official opening of the Ravensthorpe Cultural Precinct in September 2023. This was a project he was involved in during his time on Council and he said he was immensely proud of it.
The Shire of Ravensthorpe is deeply saddened by the passing of former Shire President and Honorary Freeman of the Shire Ian Goldfinch, OAM. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Chenda, their children, family and friends.
Ian was a generous, dedicated and hardworking man whose passion for the region was evident to all who worked alongside him during his 30 years as an elected member with the Shire of Ravensthorpe, which included stints as Shire President and Deputy President.
Current Shire President Tom Major paid tribute to Ian by recognising his willingness to serve the community over many decades.
“He dedicated a large portion of his life to leadership and service, and he did so with great integrity and empathy,” he said.
“As we bid farewell, we should celebrate his life and the great contribution he made to our community over many years.”
Picture: Ian and Chenda Goldfinch cutting the cake on Australia Day 2024.
After moving to the region in 1966 Ian steadfastly became involved in helping to shape community groups and networks. He was heavily involved in setting up the Ravensthorpe Community Centre; was a volunteer with the Jerdacuttup Bush Fire Brigade from 1966 – 2018; served on the Grains Executive Council; was a committee member of several sporting and social clubs including the Jerdacuttup Players from 1972 - 2006; and he was instrumental in establishing the telephone service in the region, which became the Jerdacuttup Telephone Exchange.
Ian served on the Ravensthorpe Shire Council from 1987-2021 and was Shire President from 2009-2015. In 2023 Ian received the honorary title of Freeman of the Shire and in January 2024 he received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the Ravensthorpe community.
Shire President Tom Major said Ian was a great mentor to him during his early years on Council.
“Knowing little about my new role then, it was comforting to have someone of his calibre next to me to give me guidance as I learned the ropes,” he said.
“He was well spoken and went about his council duties with wisdom and confidence. He was a wealth of knowledge for all things local government and there wasn’t much he didn’t know about the Ravensthorpe region.
“It was a privilege to have served with Goldy on Council and on behalf of the community, rest in peace mate. “
Funeral details:
With permission from the Goldfinch family, we advise the funeral service will be held at the Hopetoun Golf Club at 2pm on Thursday 23 May 2024.
Pictured: Keith Rowe and Ian Goldfinch on the day they were both announced as Honorary Freeman of the Shire, January 26 2023.
Back to All News