Thursday, 1 August 2024

Rod Fyffe

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (09:56): I rise to inform the house of the passing of a man who made an extraordinary contribution to the Bendigo community over many years. Cr Rod Fyffe OAM passed away on 12 July at the age of 75. Rod Fyffe had a big heart for Bendigo and everyone in it. He gave a lifetime of service with a smile on his face, and his legacy will always be remembered. Rod served as a councillor in Bendigo for 38 years and as a teacher at the Bendigo Senior Secondary College for over 30 years. He was mayor four times, deputy mayor twice and worked with 12 mayors and 12 CEOs. Rod was well known for his flamboyant hairdo, which earned him the nickname of ‘the mayor with the hair’.

Rod would often be seen walking around town and was always happy to stop and have a chat and say ‘Hello, worker’ to people he would meet in the street. His passion for Bendigo was evident in everything he did. He served our community with unwavering commitment, always striving to improve the lives of those around him. He was particularly fond of the Bendigo Art Gallery and the View Street precinct. He was a quiet philanthropist and would often appear at the gallery to donate a particularly special piece.

His funeral was held at the Bendigo town hall and drew people from all the different parts of his very full life, including the Bendigo Chinese Association, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Golden Square Football Netball Club and a range of other community organisations. Rod was a warm and caring individual, a friend to many and a mentor to those who sought his guidance. Condolences to Rod’s family and friends. He will be sadly missed.