Farewell as Lucas’ Christmases come at once

– Rebecca Fraser
CASEY councillors bid a fond farewell to former mayor Neil Lucas at the last council meeting of 2005 as he prepared to take up his new post as administrator of the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Current mayor Kevin Bradford presented Mr Lucas with his mayoral portrait and praised his input and contribution to the City of Casey and local government.
He also congratulated Mr Lucas on his new appointment.
Mr Lucas, who will be the representative of Queen Elizabeth and the Commonwealth of Australia, will take up his appointment on 30 January.
His role will involve a wide range of official and administrative duties and the former mayor will also be involved in both federal and West Australian legislation.
Cr Bradford said Mr Lucas’ resume was very long and distinguished and that he was an extremely knowledgeable man.
“His experience was very evident in his previous term of council and he is very passionate and gave a lot in terms of leadership and service to the community,” he said.
Cr Bradford also thanked former mayoress Margaret Lucas for her ongoing support and said the pair made a great couple.
Mr Lucas expressed thanks to the council and the community, and expressed his highest regard and respect for all council officers and Casey CEO Mike Tyler.
“Thankyou very much for this kind gesture and memento from my time here,” he said.
“My first love is local government and I had intended to keep going but something else came up, as they say.
“The City of Casey is a great city and has a real role to play servicing its community from Endeavour Hills to Tooradin.”