Tributes for former Mareeba mayor Mick Borzi

A former Mareeba mayor has been remembered as an accomplished leader and advocate. Read the touching tributes here.

Former Mareeba Shire Mayor and community leader, has been remembered for his staunch advocacy for the region following his death on November 26. PICTURE: Andrea Falvo

A former Far North Queensland mayor has been remembered as an accomplished leader and advocate.

Former mayor Micheli ‘Mick’ Borzi was born in Innisfail on July 24, 1933 to Italian immigrants Alfio and Concetta Borzi and died on Tuesday.

Mr Borzi served as the Chair of Mareeba Shire in 1961, aged 27, and held the position until 1973.

He was then served two terms as mayor from 2000 until 2008.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin acknowledged his ‘passionate advocacy’ and shared her condolences to Mr Borzi’s family.

“It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of the former Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council, Mick Borzi AM OBE,” Ms Toppin said.

Former Mareeba mayor Mick Borzi will be remembered for his efforts in supporting the development of commerce and industry in the Mareeba Shire. PICTURE: Andrea Falvo

“Mr Borzi was an incredibly accomplished leader and was recognised with a Centenary Medal in 2001 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005.”

He was credited as a major player in advocating for Mareeba Shire’s independence from Tablelands Regional Council, following the forced amalgamation in 2008.

“We thank Mr Borzi for his incredible contributions to our region and our thoughts are with Elza, his family and friends at this time,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

Mr Borzi was heavily involved in the Mareeba community, recognised as a Charter Member of the Mareeba Lions Club and friend of the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre, among other endeavours.

Taking to social media, Mareeba Heritage Museum Curator Mary Thompson described Mr Borzi’s death as ‘a big loss for the region.’

“Mick has been a part of every important development in this area for more than half a century,” Ms Thomspon said.

Mr Borzi is survived by his wife Elza and their three children.

Originally published as Tributes for former Mareeba mayor Mick Borzi