Parramatta councillor Paul Han dies less than a year after cancer diagnosis
Colleagues, from Labor leader Jodi McKay to Parramatta councillors, have paid tribute to Paul Han who died less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer.
Parramatta
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Parramatta councillor Paul Han has died less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Parramatta Labor councillor and Carlingford resident, who represented the North Rocks ward, died on Saturday, aged 58, after living with cancer since July.
The married father of three was elected on to the council in 2017 and resigned from the council this month.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the council was saddened by the loss of a friend and colleague.
“We are forever grateful for his contributions to the City of Parramatta, particularly his advocacy for the people of the North Rocks ward, and his commitment to making our city a better place,’’ he said. “He will be greatly missed.”
NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay praised Mr Han as a “great advocate” who ensured the community’s voice was heard.
“Paul was well-known for his passion for the arts and local libraries,’’ Ms McKay said.
“As a member of the Metropolitan Public Libraries’ Association, he pushed strongly for increased State Government funding.’’
Ms McKay said, as a Chinese Australian, Mr Han reflected the diversity of the Labor Party and its commitment to multicultural representation.
“Most of all, Paul took a very strong pride in family.’’
Councillor Pierre Esber acknowledged Mr Han’s contribution to the council, albeit for a short stint.
“I found him to be distinguished person,’’ he said. “He was a man of his word, he was honourable and he took local government seriously and he wanted to make a contribution to the City of Parramatta.’’
Councillor Donna Davis said Mr Han represented his community with pride.
“Paul represented the North Rocks ward with pride and was particularly passionate about improving council’s library facilities, the arts, road safety and advocating for the whole community,” she said.
Mr Han’s election to the council in 2017 made headlines because of his links to former Labor senator Sam Dastyari. Mr Han was the director of the Australian Fellowship of Guangdong Association that paid for Dastyari’s 2015 controversial trip to China.
Mr Han is survived by his wife Shirley, two sons and a daughter.