NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has paid tribute to the life of veteran councillor Les Shore, who died last night after a long battle with illness at the age of 80.

Mr Shore was a councillor on what was then known as Baulkham Hills Shire Council from 1969 until his retirement at the last local government elections in 2008.

As well as being a veteran of local government, Minister Page said Mr Shore was a dedicated and respected teacher and principal, and a passionate cricket lover. Glenorie Cricket Club, of which Mr Shore had been a member since 1947, named their home ground after Mr Shore.

Les Shore’s term on Baulkham Hills Shire Council was almost 40 years, during which he played a significant part in shaping the growth, vitality and prosperity for which the newly-named The Hills Shire is widely known,” Mr Page said in Parliament this afternoon.

During his career, Mr Shore was Shire President from 1983 to 1986, a member of Hawkesbury River County Council, was his Council’s delegate to the Hawkesbury-Nepean Local Government and Catchment Management Reference Group, and was an executive member of the Central Region Bushfire Organisation.

“Mr Shore was appointed as a classroom teacher after graduating from Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College at Wentworth Central School and taught at Murwillumbah Public School, Mullumbimby High School and Parramatta East Public School.

“Mr Shore was principal at Thiess Village Public School in the Snowy Mountains, Werrington Park School, and Harrington Street Public School in Cabramatta.

“Mr Shore was Principal of Castle Hill Public School from 1976 until his retirement in 1992. For part of his tenure, Castle Hill was the largest public school in NSW, with 1400 students.

The current Member for Hawkesbury, Ray Williams MP, served alongside Les Shore during Mr Shore’s last term on Baulkham Hills Shire Council.
“Mr Shore's passing is a sad loss for our community. His dedication to service and great affection for our Shire was nothing short of outstanding, and he will long be remembered as a great leader of our community,” Mr Williams said.