HONOURING THE COMMUNITY-MINDED PASSION OF CR ANITA GRACE
The Ngaarda Media team sends their deepest condolences to the family of the legendary Anita Grace.
The passing of Councillor Anita Grace has been met with sadness by everyone within the Shire of East Pilbara organisation.
Cr Grace first joined the Shire of East Pilbara Council in 1996 as a South Ward representative, and served her community with passion throughout.
Shire President Anthony Middleton said Cr Grace was a fixture on Council, and was someone who demonstrated the very best of what being a Councillor could mean for a community.
“On behalf of the Council and the staff at the Shire of East Pilbara, we extend our sincerest condolences to Anita’s family,” he said.
“She will forever be remembered as a force of nature who fought for her community and its future.
“She was a mentor and role model to all who came after her on Council and we cannot truly state the breadth of the impact she had on our team and our community.
“Anita was a champion for social justice, accountability and ensuring everyone had a “fair go”, and was an exemplary Councillor for all she represented.”
Throughout her 26-year tenure on Council, she served as Deputy President for seven years, and also served on many committees. Cr Grace was instrumental in the formation of the Newman Women’s Shelter and supported many local organisations.
Friend and Martu Elder Colin Peterson said all the local families were grieving and she had done a great deal for Aboriginal people.
“We loved her, so much, and the family,” Mr Peterson said.
“My tears went down when I heard that. I’ve been feeling no good for her, that she left us.”
Friend and Pastor John Wilmot said Ms Grace was a tireless advocate for her community.
“I remember her as someone who was just really an incredible person who lived a life of continual outreach in the most sincere way,” Mr Wilmot said.
“She had longevity. She was consistent. She wasn’t a fly-by-night person. She gave her life to this town and the people who lived in it.”