Bankstown MP Doug Shedden remembered for his kind, helpful ways
The legacy of former Bankstown MP Doug Shedden will live on as his family and friends remember a kind, friendly man who was always ready to help.
The Express
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Former Bankstown Labor state MP and deputy mayor Doug Shedden is being remembered as an old school politician who was ever ready to lend a helping hand.
Mr Shedden, who served as Bankstown MP from 1987 to 1999, died suddenly on Monday, January 13, according to his daughter Leanne Shedden. He celebrated his 82nd birthday on December 17.
Mr Shedden, the youngest of eight children, married Patricia on October 7, 1961. His wife died in June 2014, a blow he never fully recovered from, said his daughter.
“My Dad was always willing to help his community and anyone who needed help,” Ms Shedden said.
“Being involved with politics meant we didn’t see much of him but we always went for a yearly holiday which we all enjoyed.
“Dad was very active in the community and was patron of several organisations.”
Mr Shedden, who lived at the Gillawarna Village, Georges Hall, had been ailing for some time.
“Dad was never the same after Mum’s death and his health deteriorated,” Ms Shedden said. “But his death came as a shock to us.”
Mr Shedden served on Bankstown Council from 1977 to 1987, being deputy mayor from 1980-83.
He was first elected as Bankstown MP in 1987 when Labor’s Ric Mochalski resigned.
Mr Shedden served as a director of Bankstown Sports Club from 2000-2014, having been a member since 1973.
“Doug was very supportive of the club and the management,” Bankstown CEO Mark Condi said. “He supported the community of Bankstown all his life.”
His death follows that of another Bankstown Sports director Alex Fulcher who died at the weekend.
Blaxland federal Labor MP Jason Clare said he was saddened by Mr Shedden’s death.
“Doug was a beautiful and very kind man and a gentleman in every sense of the word,” Mr Clare said.Present Bankstown Labor MP Tania Mihailuk remembered Mr Shedden as a great mentor and said one of his main achievements was the rebuilding of the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in 1988.
“Doug was an old school politician who believed in grass roots politics,” Ms Mihailuk said.
“He was engaging, friendly and would always offer a handshake or a peck on the cheek.
“His gentle demeanour, humble beginnings and good nature made him a joy to be around.”
“Doug’s passing marks the end of an era for Bankstown.”
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said he is deeply saddened to hear of Mr Sheeden’s death.
“Doug was part of a number of great initiatives within Bankstown Council and worked towards making the area a better place,” Cr Asfour said.
“In his decades of leadership, Doug made a lasting impact on our community and we are forever grateful for his hard work and commitment to the area.”
Mr Shedden is survived by his daughter Leanne, her partner Toby, and brother Rupert.
■ The funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 21 at St Brendan Catholic Church, 54 Northam Ave, Bankstown.