RIP Peter Binny

DERWENT Valley, its community and Council lost a core member and longtime contributor this week, with the death on Wednesday September 25, of Peter Binny.

Mr Binny's death, after extensive specialist treatment in Melbourne in recent weeks, was announced at this week's meeting of the Derwent Valley Council.

He'd been a member of Council for some 16 years before his sudden resignation in late January this year.

Council was informed at the beginning of this past Thursday's meeting via a statement from colleague and friend, Cr Justin Derksen. 

Mr Binny, formerly a land surveyor, had contributed significantly not only to the deliberations of Council over the years, but directly to the community through his work, and recently, to the Derwent Valley Gazette and its coverage of real estate prices and prospects across the Derwent Valley.

He leaves a wife, Ruth, and family. 

UPDATED:

Cr Derksen’s tribute this week to Peter Binny was emotional and heartfelt. 

This is his speech, in full:

Councillor Peter Binny has been a dedicated public servant who has made significant contributions to our community through his role as a local councillor, serving on the Derwent Valley Council at numerous times including in the 1980s and 1990s. Peter was also a former deputy mayor and one-time acting mayor during a period of service on what was then known as the New Norfolk Council.

Peter had consistently advocated for policies that prioritised the wellbeing of residents. He approached representation at a grass roots level, not afraid or dismayed from taking on the heavier decisions, he would advocate for our community in the strongest possible ways.

Peter resigned from council in this term of local government to focus on his health and family and I consider Peter one of our municipality’s most experienced local statesmen with his expertise and experience sorely missed.

Peter had been instrumental in championing initiatives that address housing, pushing for the development of affordable housing projects that cater to low-income families. His environmental advocacy included a vigorous view on sustainable waste management practices. 

His efforts in promoting community safety have involved working closely with local law enforcement and community groups to create safer neighbourhoods while championing more recently the no smoking zone on High St for public health.

Beyond his work as a local councillor, Peter was deeply engaged with his community. He regularly attended community meetings, where he would listens to the concerns of residents and work to find practical solutions. He was known for his recent involvement with the Derwent Valley Players, and would like to sing, smile and brighten his community. His hands-on approach made him a popular figure locally, and was seen as a councillor who genuinely cared about the people he represented.

On a more personal note, I have built many houses, and at building school many years ago they told me the importance of three things: avoid building houses with box gutters, hand the keys over once the final payment is received, and always use a good surveyor, how you start is how you plan to finish. That’s where I met Peter, as one of our state’s most respected surveyors and his mentoring and most of all friendship will be the parts of Peter I miss the most.

All of our thoughts, prayers and hugs with Peter’s wife, Ruth at this difficult time.