Michael Reardon: Former Kyogle councillor and community stalwart remembered after tragic death

Members of the tight-knit town of Kyogle and the wider northern NSW community have spoken fondly about a former councillor and community stalwart following his tragic death.

Michael Reardon has been remembered as a no-nonsense fellow who was always willing to pitch in.

Members of the tight-knit little town of Kyogle are reeling following the sudden and tragic death of a farmer, community leader and former councillor.

Michael Reardon died on Thursday, February 23 at the age of 52. He has been remembered as a loving father and husband.

Mr Reardon has been described as a Kyogle stalwart, who was deeply committed to his community and the first to put his hand up to help others.

Dairy cows at The Risk, north of Kyogle. File image. Picture: Jamie Brown.

Mr Reardon was an independent local councillor from 2012 to 2016.

Kyogle Mayor Kylie Thomas said Mr Reardon left a legacy of “unwavering dedication to the land”.

She said Mr Reardon was “instrumental” in bringing about changes to rural land use regulations that determined how farmers could do their business and make use of their land.

“He understood what the land meant (to farmers), it wasn‘t just a business operation,” Cr Thomas said.

A dairy farm between Kyogle and Lismore.

Kyogle is known for having fifth and sixth generation farmers working the same land.

“His legacy in Kyogle Council is bringing about change in the Local Environmental Plan that benefited the farming community for generations to come,” Ms Thomas said.

Councillor Tom Cooper said he remembered Mr Reardon as a man who stood up for what he believed in.

“You’ve got to be brave to stand for public office,” he said.

Mr Cooper said his former counterpart’s death was “a great loss to the community”.

Mr Reardon came to Lismore and spent weeks helping businesses clean up after the floods.

Former Lismore City councillor and business owner Nancy Casson was one of the many Mr Reardon helped.

He helped to clear debris and brought a generator and fuel to help business and homeowners attempting to dry out their premises.

Mr Reardon was on the Kyogle Show committee and was known to attend every event he could.

“He saw the amount of effort that was needed around Lismore and was coming from Kyogle every day for weeks,” Ms Casson said.

“Just an amazing man.”

Mr Reardon was deeply involved in the Kyogle Show and agricultural scene and was known for his reliability – he was someone you could depend on.

Kyogle Show president Matthew Painter said: “He was a no frills action person.”

“If something had to get done or something had to happen, Michael was the person that always stepped forward,” he said.

Michael Reardon. Photo Contributed.

Kyogle showground caretaker Helen Goebel remembered Mr Reardon as a man with a “big heart” who would “help anybody”.

“An all around good bloke,” she said.

Page MP Kevin Hogan said Mr Reardon’s death was a blow to Kyogle.

“I knew Michael exceptionally well. He was a wonderful community minded person who helped others,” he said.

“I will miss him. My thoughts are with his wife Gaylene and children.”

Mr Reardon’s family have asked for privacy as they grieve.