Paul Hawker’s passing in early 2022 deeply moved many in Campbelltown. He served with dedication as both Councillor and Mayor — not for recognition, but because he believed in the power of community and the responsibility we shared to care for it.

What I remember most clearly are the honest conversations, the sharp debates, and the steady sense of purpose he brought to the role. He helped me understand what this work is really about: making sure Campbelltown is a city where people can build good lives, where we fight for what our community needs, and where we never stop learning.

In addition to his role as a Councillor, Paul also served as President of the Macarthur Regional Organisation of Council’s, Local Government NSW Director and was a member of the Fit for the Future Ministerial advisory group.

At the meeting we observed a moment of silence in his honour.  I hoped the Minute was more than protocol; it was a moment to remember how one life rooted in service can ripple through our city.

Paul’s life was woven into the everyday fabric of our city — in policies he supported, in community groups he nurtured, and in the quiet acts of kindness he extended. His leadership wasn’t showmanship; it was steadiness, empathy, and consistency.

That simple act holds profound meaning: acknowledgement, respect, collective grief, and a shared sense of loss. It also reminds us that civic life is as much about the people behind the roles as the roles themselves.

The tribute in the Minute also carries an implicit invitation: to carry forward his values in how we lead, how we listen, and how we build. Paul’s legacy calls us to remember that leadership is never about position alone — it’s about character, community, and stewardship.

You can read the full Mayoral Minute here: 4. Paying tribute to Paul Hawker