Former Fairfield Mayor, Cabramatta MP Nick Lalich dies aged 79

A World War II migrant who became an electrician before embarking on a long political career as a southwest Sydney mayor and MP is being remembered for his “vast and long-lasting impact.’’

Cabramatta MP Nick Lalich has died. Picture: Joel Carrett

Former Labor Cabramatta MP and Fairfield Mayor Nick Lalich has died, aged 79, after a battle with throat cancer.

NSW Premier Chris Minns issued a statement paying tribute to Mr Lalich, who was born in an Egyptian refugee camp before his family fled Yugoslavia during World War II.

He migrated to Australia when he was three, before growing up in the southwest Sydney of Bonnyrigg and attended Liverpool Boys’ High School.

“His was a great Australian story,’’ Mr Minns said.

He became an apprentice electrician, joined his union and the Australian Labor Party, where he got to know the local member, Gough Whitlam, who would become his friend and mentor.

Mayor Nick Lalich served on Fairfield Council for decades.

After working for many years in his trade, Mr Lalich embarked upon a local government career and was first elected to Fairfield Council in 1987.

“Over the next 35 years, he served his community with a sense of passion, loyalty, and a deep belief in the fair go,’’ Mr Minns said.

He was the Cabramatta MP from 2008 to 2023.

He served as the deputy mayor, mayor and as the Cabramatta state Labor MP from 2008 until 2023. He also served as the party whip.

“Throughout his career, he was always conscious of the opportunities offered by life in Australia,’’ Mr Minns said.

During his maiden speech to parliament, Mr Lalich said he was bewildered what he had achieved as a migrant.

“As a migrant boy born in a refugee camp in Egypt, I could never have fathomed in my wildest dreams the prospect of becoming mayor of a city and a member of parliament,’’ he said.

Nick Lalich died on Wednesday morning. Picture: Ian Svegovic

Cabramatta state Labor MP Tri Vo, who succeeded Mr Lalich, last year praised his predecessor who knew what it was like to build a life in a new country.

“I believe that these experiences were Nick’s advantages as a politician, because he understood what it was like to start from humble beginnings,” Mr Vo said.

“During his time as Mayor of Fairfield and member for Cabramatta, Nick left a vast and long-lasting impact.’’

Prospect state Labor MP Hugh McDermott described the death of his close friend as “a great loss” and a “great shock” after he recovered from throat cancer.

“I’m gutted by it,’’ he said

“He was still bright, he was still witty.''

Mr Lalich is survived by his wife and former Fairfield councillor Del Bennett, three children and grandchildren.

Originally published as Former Fairfield Mayor, Cabramatta MP Nick Lalich dies aged 79