Former Albury Mayor Patricia Gould remembered as a ‘trailblazer’ as put to rest

The city of Albury gathered to farewell a former mayor, who served the city for more than 40 years. Read the tributes.

Patricia Gould, the longest-serving female councillor in Australia passed away peacefully on 29th January peacefully at her aged care.

Family, friends and the greater Albury community have farewelled Australia’s longest serving female councillor in a moving funeral service.
Patricia Gould, who was born in Yarrawonga, sat on the Albury council for 42 years.

Son Andrew Gould, one of five children, said she was elected in 1974 and retired in 2016.

She served three terms as mayor of Albury.

“Mum managed to bring up the five of us, look after dad’s business accounts as well as contribute to Albury community,” Mr Gould said.

“Mum’s passion and dedication to the community and local government was an inspirational and made us all feel very proud.

Patricia Gould was remembered as a “trailblazer”. Picture: Supplied.

“She was a very loving parent who was passionate, energetic, caring and generous with her time,”

“Mum, you’ve taught your sons the importance of integrity, honesty, generosity, respect for others and most importantly communicating and connecting with people from all walks of life.”

Current Albury Mayor Kylie King said Ms Gould was the epitome of one word.

“As a female councillor, elected in the 70s, an era we know very much dominated by male representation, the term trailblazer immediately comes to mind,” Mayor King said.
“Patricia was not only brave enough to put her hand up for a seat on the table for decision making but she was determined and committed enough to see it through for four decades.

“People who worked with her on council described her as tenacious, fearless and frank: the exact qualities needed to get things done.”

Ms Gould passed away peacefully West Albury‘s Lutheran Aged Care on January 29.

She was farewelled at a service at St Matthew’s Church on Thursday, her casket stripped with marrow chains.

“Wearing robes and chains was very special to Patricia — she always wore it with such pride and was very much proud to represent us,” Ms King said.

“To her family — thank you for sharing her with us. She is forever woven into the fabric of Albury’s history and our community has much to thank her for.”