Long-serving Ravensthorpe community leader Ian Goldfinch dies

Long-serving Ravensthorpe community leader Ian Goldfinch has died The Shire of Ravensthorpe this week said it was deeply saddened by the death of the former shire president and honorary freeman, and offered its sincere condolences to his wife Chenda and their children, family and friends. The shire said Mr Goldfinch was a generous, dedicated and hardworking man whose passion for the region was evident to all who worked alongside him during his 30 years as an elected member, which included stints as shire president and deputy president. Shire president Tom Major said Mr Goldfinch dedicated a large part of his life to leadership and service, and he did so with great integrity and empathy. “As we bid farewell, we should celebrate his life and the great contribution he made to our community over many years,” Cr Major said. After moving to the region in 1966, Mr Goldfinch became steadfastly involved in helping shape community groups and networks. He was heavily involved in setting up the Ravensthorpe Community Centre; was a volunteer with the Jerdacuttup Bush Fire Brigade from 1966-2018; served on the Grains Executive Council; was a committee member of several sporting and social clubs, including the Jerdacuttup Players from 1972-2006; and he was instrumental in establishing the telephone service in the region, which became the Jerdacuttup Telephone Exchange. Mr Goldfinch served on the Ravensthorpe shire council from 1987-2021, and was president from 2009-2016. In 2023 he received the honorary title of freeman of the shire, and in January he received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the Ravensthorpe community. Cr Major said Mr Goldfinch was a great mentor to him during his early years on the council. “Knowing little about my new role then, it was comforting to have someone of his calibre next to me to give me guidance as I learned the ropes,” he said. “He was well-spoken and went about his council duties with wisdom and confidence. “He was a wealth of knowledge for all things local government, and there wasn’t much he didn’t know about the Ravensthorpe region. “It was a privilege to have served with Goldy on council and on behalf of the community. Rest in peace, mate.”