Andrew Goldman: Moira Shire councillor killed in NSW helicopter crash

A beloved Moira Shire councillor tragically killed in a helicopter training flight last night in NSW has been remembered as a “great mate”.

Moira Shire councillor Andrew Goldman.

A newly appointed Moira Shire councillor has been identified as one of the victims of a tragic helicopter accident which killed two on Tuesday night.

Cr Andrew Goldman lived in the Moira Shire for nearly five decades and ran a successful excavation business for 18 years across Cobram and Yarrawonga in Northern Victoria.

Moira Shire Mayor Libra Mustica and chief executive Mark Henderson said the council was “devastated” in a joint statement.

“Cr Goldman was elected as a councillor for the 2020-24 term and was looking forward to contributing to the improvement and growth of our shire,” the statement said.

“On behalf of councillors and staff we extend our thoughts to his family at this difficult time.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Mark’s Equipment Deliveries Mark Denny remembered him as “a great mate taken too soon”.

“You‘ll be missed but will remain with me in my thoughts,” he wrote on Facebook.

Police said a 36-year-old man who was an experienced pilot, was training the 54-year-old when the helicopter went down in the rugged bushland.

The helicopter took off from the Goulburn Aerodrome and police are investigating if poor weather may have played a role.

“At about 12.30am this morning police from the Goulburn rescue squad identified the wreckage of a helicopter and unfortunately two bodies were located near the crash site,” Detective Chief Inspector Brendan Burnie said.

“The circumstances around the crash are still being investigated, it’s just too early to even hypothesise at this stage.”

Det Insp Burnie said the crash was in a fairly remote area.

“It took police several hours last night to find the crash site due to the remoteness of the location and the terrain.”

He said the younger man was from Goulburn and the older man was from Victoria.

“At this stage we are just looking at recovering the two deceased from the scene,” he said.

“Police have conducted the unfortunate task of letting the next of kin know.”

Authorities are now working to determine where the older man had been staying in NSW.

Emergency services were notified at 6.45pm of the missing aircraft last seen east of Marulan.

The search and rescue attempt was widespread with Hume Police Area Command, Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, NSW Police Ambulance Paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire Service all joining the operation.

They began the search in bushland near Tallong, only kilometres away from Badgerys Lookout, a destination known for its difficult hikes and walking tracks.

Investigations are ongoing and police will prepare a brief for the Coroner.

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