Community
23 September, 2026
Remembering Robert's life of service to Picton
The Wollondilly community has been in mourning this week after the death on September 17 of Robert 'Bob' Fairley at the age of 90.
The Wollondilly community has been in mourning this week after the death on September 17 of Robert 'Bob' Fairley at the age of 90.
Flags at Wollondilly Shire Council flew at half mast last Friday to pay tribute to the former councillor, Picton Show Chief Cattle Steward, Rotarian, and dairy farmer.
He also served as Captain of the Picton Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, President of the Picton High School P&C Association, Master of Picton Masonic Lodge and President of St Mark’s Church REST Committee, among many other roles.
He was awarded with Wollondilly’s Lifetime Service Award at the Australia Day Awards ceremony at Picton Botanic Gardens for his services to the community.
Mayor Matt Gould paid tribute to him on his mayoral Facebook page.
"VALE BOB FAIRLEY. Yesterday (Thursday) our Shire lost one of its finest with the passing of Robert (Bob) Fairley," Cr. Gould said.
"Bob was one of those people who simply gave an enormous amount of himself to our community over a lifetime and was someone I deeply respected.
"Whether it was serving as a Councillor, Captain of Picton Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, through the Picton Show, Rotary, the P&C, St Mark’s or the many other organisations he was part of, Bob was always willing to put his hand up and help.
"Earlier this year we recognised Bob with Wollondilly’s Lifetime Service Award. It was incredibly well deserved and I’m glad we had the opportunity to recognise his contribution while he was still with us.
"Our flags are flying at half-mast today in Bob’s memory.
"My thoughts are with Bob’s family, friends and the many people across Wollondilly who knew and respected him.
"Bob lived a life of service to Wollondilly and its people. We need more people like him, people who care deeply about their community and are willing to keep showing up and doing their bit.
"The Shire is weaker for his passing, but much stronger for the lifetime he spent serving it. R.I.P."
Councillor Suzy Brandstater was also a good friend, and paid tribute to him on her social media page.
"Today, flags at Wollondilly Shire Council are flying at half-mast as our community mourns the passing of a former Councillor and true Wollondilly icon, Robert “Bob” Fairley," Cr. Brandstater said.
"Over my many years living in Wollondilly, I saw Bob serving our community in so many different ways.
"Whether I was competing at the Picton Show, attending a Rotary event or helping with a community project, Bob always seemed to be there — working hard, lending a hand and enjoying the company of those around him.
"Bob devoted decades to the Picton Show as Chief Cattle Steward and had been a valued member of the Rotary Club of Picton since the '80s.
"Earlier this year, Bob received a Lifetime Service Award at Wollondilly’s Australia Day Awards. It was a fitting acknowledgement of his extraordinary contribution to the community he loved.
"One of my fondest memories of Bob is from a flood event when a local resident’s backyard was being washed away by Stonequarry Creek.
"A call went out for help to sandbag the creek bank before the rest of the yard — and possibly the house — was lost.
"I was tying off sandbags, and there was Bob, with his wheelbarrow, loading them from the pile and taking them down to the very steep edge of the creek, where others put them into place. He worked tirelessly throughout the day and outlasted many of the other volunteers.
"Bob was in his late 80s at the time. His only complaint was that he could not carry as many sandbags as he used to!
"That was Bob. If something needed to be done, he was there to help."
Cr Brandstater added that Mr Fairley was born in Wollondilly on 17 April 1936 and worked throughout his life on the family farm, which he later passed on to his children, Peter, John and Lyn.
Despite his advancing years and health challenges, he remained involved in his beloved community for as long as he possibly could.
"I greatly enjoyed working alongside Bob at Picton Rotary events," Cr Brandstater said.
"We had many wonderful conversations while selling raffle tickets.
"He was a tireless worker, wonderful company and a man whose contribution to Wollondilly is almost impossible to measure.
"My deepest condolences go to Bob’s family, loved ones and the many people across our Shire whose lives he touched. I will miss him greatly.
"Rest in peace, Bob, finally reunited with Joy, the love of his life."
A Service of Thanksgiving for Bob's life will be held at St Mark's Anglican Church in Picton this Thursday 24th September at 1pm.
If you are unable to attend, it will also be livestreamed on the Picton – Wilton Anglican Churches YouTube page.
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