The passing of former Mayor Lyle Houlahan

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of our former Mayor Norman Lyle Houlahan OAM yesterday at the age of 89 in Kingscliff, NSW.

Lyle served as a Councillor from 1981 and was Mayor of Moree Plains from 1984-1989, spanning a long-served career of 27-years with Moree Plains Shire Council. Lyle did not stand for re-election in 1999 due to ill health which saw him and his wife Fan, move to Kingscliff to enjoy retirement.

In 1990, he was recognised and honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to Local Government.

Council’s Mayor Mark Johnson expressed his sadness at the former Mayor's passing.

"The Moree community lost a former respected and long-term leader in Mr Lyle Houlahan who passed away yesterday. Lyle committed many years of his life for the betterment of our Shire. He always contributed with dignity and intellect.  The Council Chamber was a better place for his presence. Our thoughts go out to Lyle's family."

Former Mayor Katrina Humphries stated, “Lyle was a dignified, gracious and generous man, whose passion for the Plains continued well into his retirement years".

Former Mayor and current Councillor Mike Montgomery shared his time with Lyle.

“Lyle Houlahan was one of those community leaders who, after the 1981 amalgamation, helped establish the Moree Plains Shire, and forged the position that this Council accepts regional responsibilities well beyond our local boundaries.

Lyle's leadership helped smooth the transition from small rural Shires to a Local Government that could imagine the enormous changes that came with the Copeton Dam Irrigation Schemes and can now adapt further with the massive development coming in the Special Activation Precinct.

Lyle mentored many Councillors here and away, and his legacy of leadership, vision and moral strength still has a presence in those who knew, admired, and aspired to be a little like him, as he was large.

A great man and we should be proud to have had the likes of him to give service to us”.

The naming of a public asset was also established in his honour, Lyle Houlahan Park located beside the Moree Visitor Information Centre. The two artillery pieces located in Moree's Lyle Houlahan Park commemorate Australians who have served in all wars.

As a mark of respect, and in recognition of his time, flags are being flown at half-mast until Friday 25 March 2022.

 Photograph: Former Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, Mr Lyle Houlahan.