By Kath Gannaway
Badger Creek Hall was filled with chatter and song on Sunday, 12 August, for a community farewell to former Healesville and Yarra Ranges councillor and community member Di Moore.
Di will leave Healesville after 40 years in September, to be closer to her daughters and their families.
She represented Healesville ratepayers on the Healesville Council from 1988 until 1994 and returned as one of the first councillors on the Yarra Ranges Council in 1997 after the amalgamation, retiring in 2005.
She was mayor in 2000 and played a major role in Bicentennial celebrations, including welcoming the Sydney Olympics torch in Healesville.
Representatives of many groups she has been involved in over the years including the Healesville Adult Day Care Centre in the ’80s to the Healesville Tennis Club, Mountain Views newspaper, the Wise Women’s Group, the post-2009 bushfire women’s group, and the Rocky Road Choir, former council staff and a broad church of community members with no particular affiliation filled the hall.
Joining her Rocky Road Choir friends for a few songs, Di starred with her solo, modern take on the old classic “A bicycle built for two”.
A photo album presented to Di was filled with tributes which spoke of her dedication, integrity, friendship, resilience and enjoyment of life.
Cr Len Cox, a colleague and friend, paid tribute saying she was one of the most caring and hard-working councillors he had worked with.
“She had a genuine interest in the people she represented and made many sound decisions over the years.
“I don’t think I have met anybody before with as much integrity,” he said.
On the highlights of being on council, Di said it was the whole experience.
“It was a huge learning experience and there were many wonderful times and wonderful people,” she said.
