FDC pioneer Patricia Gould remembered for her work in the community and civic pride

Albury City Council has paid tribute to former Mayor and Australia’s longest serving female councillor, Patricia Gould, who passed away last weekend at the age of 87. 

Ms Gould is remembered as a “trailblazer” who served in local government for 42 years, and held the position of Mayor three times, and is lauded for her determination and forward thinking leadership. 

She was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2004 for services to local government, and was instrumental in establishing family day care (FDC) in Albury, supporting local families to have greater access to flexible early childhood education and care options. 

Current Albury Mayor Kylie King described Ms Gould as “an inspiration to many” noting that Albury “would simply not be what it is today without Patricia’s leadership, determination and forward-thinking, and we as a community have much to be thankful for.”

Of Australia’s 5,300 elected councillors, only 38 per cent are women, making the legacy and visibility of women such as Ms Gould all the more important. 

The Sector would like to extend condolences to Patricia’s five sons Anthony, Andrew, David, Jonathon and Simon, as well as her family, friends, and those whose lives she touched. 

To learn more about her achievements during her time in local government please see here.