In a letter tabled at yesterday’s Parkes Shire Council meeting, Cr Wilson indicated his intention to resign as mayor on 15 July, 2008 – the date of the next scheduled council meeting.

His successor will be elected at that meeting.

Cr Wilson’s resignation will serve as the forerunner to his retirement from local government after 43 years of dedicated service to the Parkes Shire.

Cr Wilson (66) has stated previously that he will not seek re-election at the September council elections.

There are few, if any, in Local Government who can boast a record to equal that of Cr Wilson.

The Peak Hill farmer was first elected to Peak Hill Council in December, 1965.

In 1981 he was elected to Parkes Shire Council and four years later (1985) was voted in as President of the Parkes Shire. The terminology was later reversed back to the original title of Mayor – a position that Robert has made his own ever since.

Honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1997, the award came a year after he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Parkes Rotary Club.

In his letter to council of his intending retirement, Cr Wilson wrote that it had been ‘a great honour and privilege to have been afforded the support of the citizens of the Parkes Shire and my fellow councillors.

‘Over the years I have valued and enjoyed the support of many dedicated positive councillors which has meant a great deal to me.

‘I would particularly like to acknowledge the positive and constructive support I have received from all council staff over my 43 years.

‘The achievements of this council through its councillors and staff have been a wonderful example of Local Government at its very best.’

It is believed Cr Wilson decided to resign his mayoral position to give his successor ‘a couple of months to acclimatise.’

Deputy Mayor Cr Ken Keith has indicated he will put his name forward for the top spot.

Cr Keith is currently into his ninth term on council after being first elected in 1983. He has served 16 terms as Deputy Mayor.

Nomination forms are now available to those councillors wishing to nominate for Mayor.

Councillors also decided at yesterday’s meeting to address an appropriate tribute to Cr Wilson at a later date.

At yesterday’s meeting, Deputy Mayor Ken Keith paid a brief tribute to Mayor Wilson.

‘I’m sure there will be opportunity in the future to recognise your service to Peak Hill, Goobang and Parkes Shire Council over the past 43 in local government, Cr Keith said.

‘Congratulations on your wonderful term as mayor. Your leadership and mentoring of all the councillors has been most appreciated.

‘You’ve led a happy ship, and we all appreciate it,’ Cr Keith said.

Cr Wilson paid tribute to his councillors, and also extended encouragement for anyone considering standing for council.

‘We need younger leadership and younger people involved in local government,’ Cr Wilson said.

‘I hope everyone who takes it on gets the same satisfaction and enjoyment out of local government that I have,’ he said.

‘You take a bit of a hammering at times, but by and large, this is a terrific community to be part of.’