Former mayor remembered as ‘true gentleman’

Former Geraldton mayor Ian Carpenter, who died yesterday aged 68 after a long battle with cancer, has been remembered for his humility and community service.

Mr Carpenter served as mayor for nine years and was named an Honorary Freeman of the City in 2016.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn offered the city’s condolences to the Carpenter family on the passing of “a true gentleman” and community icon.

“Ian made an extremely significant contribution to our community and his influence in Geraldton will be long remembered,” he said today.

“Ian’s passion for our community, his humbleness, humour and dedication will never be forgotten.”

Mr Carpenter was first elected to the City of Geraldton council in October 2003.

In 2006 he was appointed acting mayor and in April 2007 he voluntarily resigned, along with all councillors, ahead of the Geraldton-Greenough amalgamation.

In October 2007 he was re-elected as inaugural City of Geraldton-Greenough mayor.

In 2009 he was again re-elected as mayor then publicly elected as inaugural mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton on 15 October 2011.

He remained mayor until 2015.

Beneficiaries of Mr Carpenter’s community work over many decades include the Apex Club, Variety Club of Australia, Geraldton Sportsman’s Club and Geraldton Squash Rackets Association.

He also served on a wide range of public institutions, boards and committees, such as the Mid West Development Commission, Batavia Regional Organisation of Councils, Western Australia Regional Capital Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia.