Former Gawler mayor and Liberal leader Bruce Eastick dies aged 98

The former Liberal leader and Gawler mayor who dedicated over 40 years to public service, has been remembered after his death at 98.

Dr Bruce Eastick has been remembered for a life of dedication to politics after his death on Friday, aged 98.

Renowned state Liberal leader and former Mayor of Gawler Dr Bruce Eastick, has been acknowledged as a “giant in the community” after dying, aged 98.

A veterinarian by trade, Dr Eastick pioneered rural veterinary practice in Gawler, becoming the first self-employed veterinarian and the state president of the Australian Veterinary Association in 1961 and federal president in 1966.

The new Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr Bruce Eastick, in the Speaker's chair after his election in a shock vote over the new Liberal Government nomination, Keith Russack, 11 Oct 1979.

After being elected to Gawler Council in 1963, he began a life in public office that spanned more than 40 years.

Dr Eastick served as the Gawler mayor from 1968-72, before taking up the role once again in 1993-2000.

In that time, he was also elected Member for Light in 1970, followed by becoming opposition leader in 1972, and achieving the role of Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1979 to 1982.

Mayor of Gawler, Dr Bruce Eastick, veterinarian, politician, made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to government in SA and for his tireless community work in the 1996 Australia Day Honours. Pictured in Murray Street, Gawler, Jan 1996.

Known by many as a gentleman and for his dedication to the Gawler community, Dr Eastick continued his involvement in many local community groups even in after his public life came to an end.

Gawler Council took to Facebook to pay tribute to the its former mayor: “It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Bruce Eastick AM late (on Friday).”

Ousted SA Opposition Leader, Dr Bruce Eastick, talking to the media after being defeated by Dr David Tonkin for the leadership of the Liberal Party in a two-hour meeting of the Liberal Party Assembly MPs at Parliament House, Adelaide, 25 Jul 1975.

The post continued, “Dr Eastick was a giant of our community. A man whose leadership, wisdom and service shaped Gawler and South Australia for generations.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to Dr Eastick’s family, friends and all who knew him.

“His legacy, contribution and commitment to our community will be long remembered. Vale Dr Bruce Eastick AM.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas also conveyed his condolences in an X post, outlining his political legacy.

“On behalf of the Government of South Australia, I want to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of former Liberal leader Bruce Eastick who died aged 98,” the post read.

“Mr Eastick served in the parliament for 23 years as the Member for Light. He was Opposition Leader from 1972 to 1975 and Speaker during the Tonkin Government.

“In his later years, he continued to serve the community as Mayor of Gawler. Vale, Bruce.”

Originally published as Former Gawler mayor and Liberal leader Bruce Eastick dies aged 98