Darebin councillor Gaetano Greco loses battle with cancer, aged 65
Darebin councillor and community advocate Gaetano Greco has lost his battle with cancer, aged 65.
Victoria
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Veteran Darebin councillor Gaetano Greco has died, aged 65, after a long battle with cancer.
The beret-wearing Mr Greco was re-elected as an independent councillor for the northwest ward in Reservoir last October, winning almost 58 per cent of primary votes.
Mr Greco was a long-time community advocate and in recent years led a grassroots movement to save Preston Market.
He was first elected to council in 2008 and served as mayor in 2013-2014.
Mr Greco died with wife Susana at his bedside at the Olivia Newton John Centre in Heidelberg on Saturday morning.
Yarra mayor and long-time friend Stephen Jolly described Mr Greco as “the people’s champion’’.
“He was a great role model to me and many others.
“He knew how to be both principled and effective in politics, a rare feat.’’
Ged Kearney, federal Labor MP for Cooper, described Mr Greco as “one of the hearts and souls’’ of community life in Darebin’.
“His passing is a profound loss.
“Gaetano dedicated his life to social justice, always standing up for those who needed a voice.
I first met Gaetano when he was working at the Trades Hall in the ’90s, fighting for migrant worker rights -even then, his passion for fairness and his tireless commitment to others shone through.’’
In a statement, Darebin council said: “Throughout his long and dedicated career serving the people of Darebin, Cr Greco was a tireless advocate for social justice, community wellbeing, and inclusive governance.
“He was a driving force in active engagement and dialogue between cultures and fought for equity of community outcomes between the North and South of Darebin.
“Cr Greco always made time to listen and respond to requests or concerns from the community, and he championed decision making that was informed by community voices and views.’’
Originally published as Darebin councillor Gaetano Greco loses battle with cancer, aged 65
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