TIMBER Towns Victoria (TTV) has paid tribute to the late Malcolm Hole, a Wellington Shire Council councillor and Timber Towns Victoria Founding Member, who was awarded a posthumous Order of Australia for his service to local government, and to the community as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.
TTV said the prestigious honour was a testament to Mr Hole’s dedication and contributions to not only the Wellington Shire, but the broader timber community, including his many years of commitment to Timber Towns Victoria as president and executive committee member.
Timber Towns Victoria president, councillor Karen Stephens, spoke fondly of Cr Hole.
“I am proud to have worked alongside Malcolm for many years and saw first-hand his dedication to his local community and the broader community, and above all else his family,” Cr Stephens said.
“I send a warmest congratulations to his family and friends, and the Wellington Shire Council community. This well-deserved prestigious award highlights the many achievements accomplished by Malcolm throughout his life.”
Cr Hole was a strong advocate for the timber industry, particularly across the Gippsland region for many years. He carried a depth of knowledge of the industry and had been at the forefront of advocacy to the government and campaigning at many levels to ensure jobs for communities.
Cr Hole was first elected to Wellington Shire Council in 2000, and went on to be re-elected at a further six elections.
He served two terms as mayor in 2002 and 2006, and one term as deputy mayor in 2019.
He died while serving his seventh term as councillor in 2021.
Late councillor Malcolm Hole was posthumously awarded an OAM.
