When a Tarago publican first suggested standing for council to Denzil Sturgiss, his response was, "No hope."
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But then the then sheep and beef farmer decided it might be worth a crack, following on from his deep involvement with the Tarago Sporting Association, through which he'd got a taste for community improvement.
Helped along by letterbox drops and other campaigning strategies - "I thought, well, if I'm going to have a go I had better have a good go" - he ended up with 60 per cent of the primary votes.
That was in 1999, and the council back then was Mulwaree Council.
In the 22 years since then he has ridden the wave of amalgamation through Greater Argyle Council to the current Goulburn Mulwaree Council, and says he has loved doing it.
"I didn't have a clue what I was getting into," Cr Sturgiss told the Post, "but I've enjoyed every minute of it."
Cr Sturgiss is not re-contesting the next local government election, citing ill health and his age (he's 77).
"I've been somewhat sick - I've had a few problems over the last several months," he said.
"There's no way to stand again, and I'm too old.
"Some people say people shouldnt be on council after the age of 60, but it depends on the person - some people shouldn't be there after 30!"
He has considered himself the champion of rural residents in the shire, advocating for a number of projects to improve their lives.
"I believe I did a hell of a lot, particularly for rural people," he said, citing the Currawang Bridge (which was "a disgrace") and the Oallen Ford Bridge in particular.
"I took the (current) general manager around and pointed out all the things I thought should be done, and he did each and every one of them."
In fact, Mr Sturgiss has nothing but praise for both the present general manager and the mayor.
"Warwick Bennett and Bob Kirk run the best council in NSW - it's just fantastic," he said.
"So much has happened in the council in last five years, it's just unbelievable how far we've come."
He said it's been exciting to watch the region develop, especially in recent years.
"I personally concentrate on the rural people, but if you just look at the main street, with everyone around, and all the new people coming in, all the new DAs - there's going to have to be a lot of planning," said Cr Sturgiss, adding that he was glad he wouldn't be the one worrying about it now.
"It just goes to show that if you get the right environment, people will come."
Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Cr Bob Kirk had only good things to say about Cr Sturgiss as well.
"What do you say about someone who's given 22 years of service to his community?" Cr Kirk said.
"He's been a stalwart for the region, particularly Tarago.
"He's a true gentleman of the country, well supported by his wife Anne, and he's been a great contributor to local government in Goulburn Mulwaree.
"But time and health issues take a toll - otherwise I'm sure he'd be putting up his hand again!
"Good luck to him and we wish him well, and thank him for his service."
Mr Bennett added his words of praise as well.
"Council has lost its last remaining councillor of the Mulwaree Shire Council, as Cr Denzil Sturgiss has chosen not to stand for re-election," he said.
"Cr Sturgiss has been a councillor for 22 years, and helped to positively drive amalgamation of the Mulwaree Shire and Goulburn City Council.
"Denzil has been a strong advocate for rural issues, in particular roads, bridges and footpath infrastructure.
"As an active participant in the growth and development of Tarago and other villages Denzil has earnt much respect in the rural community, as well as amongst his peers on council.
"In his farewell speech to council, Denzil was very grateful for the support of the community, and his fellow councillors, and stated he would continue to be an active community participant as he knows the system well and thus will ensure rural issues remain high on the new council's agenda.
"On behalf of the Goulburn Mulwaree Council and community I wish Cr Denzil all the best for his retirement from local government, and thank him for his significant contribution."
These positive working relationships reflect what Cr Sturgiss said is the secret to the success of council in recent years: teamwork.
"Council needs to work together," he said.
"If one or two councillors are giving problems, it can upset things."
Cr Sturgiss said he plans to focus on his health, and also on the 4,300 trees that make up the truffiere he operates with his wife Anne.
"I've got that much work built up at home, because of my ill health, that I have to deal with," he said.
"I'm way behind, but I'll have more time to deal with it now."
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