Council has honoured long-serving former Councillor and Deputy Mayor Chris Van der Kley as a Free Citizen of the City of Blue Mountains.
Mr Van der Kley was recognised for his extended service to the City, comprising 22 years as a Blue Mountains City Councillor, seven years as Deputy Mayor, and many years volunteering including 18 years with the NSW Rural Fire Service and time spent on the Blue Mountains Sports Council, the Central Blue Mountains Rotary and the Blue Mountains Heritage Advisory Committee as well as many others.
"I'm proud to bestow this on honour on an outstanding individual who acted as a valued Deputy Mayor to me," Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said. "As a long servicing member of the Rotary club, Chris has supported and contributed to many community projects throughout the years.
"Passionate about the future of the Blue Mountains, Chris worked alongside me on the Western Sydney City Deal, to ensure that we retain the character of the Blue Mountains for the next generation.
"As a previous local business owner, Chris advocated for positive change within the community. His warm and helpful manner always made him approachable to our residents, and he consistently advocated on behalf of animal welfare, local business, employment within the Blue Mountains and senior lifestyles, to name a few.
"As Mayor, it has been a pleasure to serve with Chris and his support and kindness has always been appreciated. He consistently represented me and the Blue Mountains throughout the years in the most professional and caring way."
Other Councillors paid tribute to Mr Van der Kley, with former Mayor Daniel Mayor calling him Mr Reliable and Cr Romola Hollywood describing his focus on community and his important contribution to a "cohesive council".
"He really was about putting the community first," Cr Hollywood said. "So many times when we faced enormous pressures, he put his hand up, not along party lines, but to put his community first. Community absolutely supported him and understood that.
"It was enormous privilege to work with Chris. Thank you for service and friendship."
