Tributes flow for Mareeba Shire Council former councillor Alfredo (Fred) Cattarossi

The daughter of a Far North councillor who helped shape the community over his 34 years of service has described her late father as a hard-working family man and “hero”. Read the tributes here.

A Far North councillor who helped shape his community over 34 years has been remembered by his daughter as her “hero”.

Former Mareeba Shire Councillor Alfredo (Fred) Cattarossi, who served from 1973 to 2007, died at the age of 86 on September 13 from a stroke.

His daughter, Margaret Gurney said he was the best father to herself and her siblings Jenny, Chris and Greg.

“Dad was always our hero especially growing up he was hard-working but always found time for the four of us,” she said.

Fred Cattarossi, when he returned to his hometown of Dimbulah where Mareeba Shire Council named a bridge in his honour at Leadingham Creek Road.

“Even though he was working hard on the farm because tobacco farming was a big gig, he played sport himself and coached us and played a role in setting up junior soccer Dimbulah.”

Ms Gurney said her father cared a lot about the community.

“His passion and commitment to the local community was second to none and I think that’s why people had such respect for him,” she said.

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“He was a councillor for 34 years, I can remember him coming home after a long day on the tobacco farm,” she said.

“I remember him always on the phone to constituents, dad always had the patience to listen, he’d come and eat dinner after that.”

Tributes are pouring in for Mareeba Shire Councillor, Alfredo (Fred) Cattarossi. Mr Cattarossi and his wife Marjery. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Cattarossi and his wife Marjery Cattarossi moved from the region in 2007 to Brisbane to get access to healthcare.

“It was true love, they were best mates,” she said.

“When we lost mum four years ago, it was hard for dad.”

Tributes are pouring in for Mareeba Shire Councillor, Alfredo (Fred) Cattarossi. Picture: Supplied.

Despite retiring in 2007, Mr Cattarossi contributed significantly to the Mareeba Shire.

“Fred’s legacy lives on in many areas throughout our shire and most visibly in the bridge named after him,” Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin said.

Tributes are pouring in for Mareeba Shire Councillor, Alfredo (Fred) Cattarossi. Picture: Supplied.

“He advocated for an improved bridge on Leadingham Creek crossing in Dimbulah for many years as he was aware of the hardship placed on local farmers during the wet season.

“A more flood-resilient crossing was built in 2014.”

Cr Toppin said she acknowledged his life of service.

“He made an immense contribution to our shire and residents will reap the benefits of his dedication for years to come,” she said.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Mareeba Shire Council former councillor Alfredo (Fred) Cattarossi