News
21 December, 2025
One-minute's silence for Wollondilly pillar of community
Wollondilly Shire Council has held one-minute’s silence for the late Brian Williams.
Wollondilly Shire Council has held one-minute’s silence for the late Brian Williams.
Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould said he had been “deeply saddened” by Mr Williams’ passing, describing him as a “much loved and highly respected member of the Wollondilly community”.
Cr Gould tabled a Mayoral Minute at council’s December meeting sending his condolences to Mr Williams’ family and friends.
He said Mr Williams had provided a “significant contribution” to Wilton and the broader Wollondilly community over many years.
Cr Gould said Mr Williams had been a passionate member and president of the Wilton Action Group and advocated strongly for all things relating to Wilton.
“On behalf of Wollondilly Shire Council, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Brian Williams to both his family and friends, remembering him as a longstanding contributor to our Wollondilly community,” Cr Gould said.
A number of councillors spoke at last week’s meeting about Mr Williams’ intellect and about his contribution to the community.
Cr Benn Banasik recalled fighting alongside Mr Williams against the proposed Wilton airport.
“He told me that he worked on Whitlam’s campaign and I said ‘Great, now you can work on a winning campaign with me’,” he said.
“He was a Labor guy and he didn’t particularly like that at the time.”
Cr Banasik said he had spoken with a number of Mr Williams’ friends since his passing.
“I think we have all concluded that he is up there meeting St Peter asking whether the proper planning provisions are there for the gates and if the appropriate payments have been made to the heavenly body as is required under the DCP (Development Control Plan).”
Cr Paul Rogers said Mr Williams had been “very much an environmentalist” but had “opened his home to people, he bought together really smart, articulate people and put together sound arguments”.
“Whether or not you agreed with him he was a solid advocate not just for Wilton but the environment generally.
“As a community we’re really going to miss that,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Mathew Deeth said Mr Williams had always been respectful in his dealings with council.
“When he presented at community forums he would use his intellect to challenge and to make us question and to think about policy – to solidify our thinking or yet to change our thinking.”
Cr Deeth said Mr Williams always “came from a place wanting the best outcomes for the community” and probably didn’t understand or appreciate the full impact he had on council’s decision-making.
He said he was “very thankful” for the way Mr Williams conducted himself.
“I had a lot of respect for him,” Cr Deeth said.
Cr Deeth said Mr Williams had consistently given up his time to stand up for the community.
“It’s a very difficult thing to do consistently and Brian was one of those people that chipped away and continued to be that voice on the other side – that continued to keep us accountable and to make sure that he was heard.
“His legacy is definitely felt around this table,” the Deputy Mayor said.
Cr Suzy Branstater said Mr Williams had a “formidable intellect” and a passion for research “beyond what you would see from any other sort of person”.
“He was always such a gentleman,” Cr Brandstater said.
“He was passionate about everything he believed in but at the same time he allowed us to disagree with him.
“It’s such a loss to the community.”
Cr Ally Dench said Mr Williams had kept her busy “but in a good way” when she was a member of council staff.
She said his death would leave a gap in the community.
Member for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan, said Mr Williams’ legacy would “forever be part of Wollondilly”.
Mrs Hannan posted a message on social media describing Mr Williams as a “true champion of Wilton and a steadfast protector of the environment particularly across the Macarthur and Wollondilly, NSW and Australia”.
She said he was deeply researched with a strong legal mind and an unwavering commitment to accuracy.
He held people to account with facts and integrity and “never wavered in the face of injustice”.
Mrs Hannan said Mr Williams’ courage, kindness and dedication would continue to inspire those people who knew him.
Read More: Wollondilly, Wilton