FORMER long-serving local mayor Ian Macintosh was honoured for his contribution to Bathurst in a special ceremony in the city yesterday.
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The theatre in the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) was named after Mr Macintosh, who led the region as mayor from 1996 to 2004.
Mr Macintosh died suddenly after suffering a heart attack in September 2012. He was 79 years old.
A function held at BMEC to mark the occasion included members of the Macintosh family as well as community leaders and former councillors Paul Welsh, Kaye Stapleton, Lyle Orreal and Norm Nightingale, who served under the leadership of Mr Macintosh.
An interpretive sign was unveiled during the special ceremony detailing Mr Macintosh’s contributions during his time leading council.
Under his leadership, council brought to fruition several major infrastructure projects that have had a long-lasting impact on the Bathurst community.
The Chifley Dam wall was raised on the eve of the worst drought in living memory, a $20 million upgrade to the Pit Complex at Mount Panorama was finished, which ensured the circuit retained its world class status, and the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre was completed.
Current mayor Gary Rush said other notable events during Mr Macintosh’s time in local government included gathering the marching bands in the city to practice for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the drive towards the new aquatic centre and the establishment of the Somerville Collection.
“He was one of the few mayors who has been able to have such an impact in Canberra and Macquarie Street,” Cr Rush said.
Mr Macintosh’s son Alec said his father had a great passion for Bathurst and would have been greatly appreciative of yesterday’s honour.
Mr Macintosh was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006.
He also worked with Charles Sturt University in various roles for 10 years.
As one of CSU’s greatest supporters, Mr Macintosh was a member of the University Council for eight years (including four years as deputy chancellor), was pro chancellor from 2008 to 2010 and was made a Companion of CSU in December 2011.
Mr Macintosh spent six years as a member of the Central West Regional Development Board due to his wealth of knowledge, and was also a member of the NSW Premier’s Regional Investment Taskforce.
The current Bathurst Regional Council’s decision to name the theatre in Mr Macintosh’s honour is considered a fitting tribute to his memory.
