Kiama Municipal Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Warren Steel, who leaves a lasting legacy through his lifetime of service to the community.
Mr Steel served as a Councillor for seven terms, initially from 1983-87 before a second stint from 1999 until his retirement in 2024, which included fulfilling the role of Deputy Mayor from 2012-16.
He died at Wollongong Hospital on Saturday at the age of 86.
Known as "Stainless", was a lifelong Rabbitohs fan who attended South Sydney Boys' School and studied at University of Sydney.
After starting his working career as an apprentice electrician, he went on to hold management roles at a timber yard, brickworks and a bank, as well as the position of Wollongong Chamber of Commerce CEO for a decade.
He owned squash courts and a golf driving range, and was also involved in aerial photography, printing and real estate, setting up Steel Family Real Estate in Kiama in the late 1990s.
In recent years he devoted more time to his passion for art and he authored several books.
A member of the Australian Cartoonists' Association and Kiama Bowling Club, he also served on Destination Kiama's tourism advisory committee for many years.
A Lions Club member for 60 years, he was president of the Kiama branch and in 1992 he was awarded the organisation's highest honour, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, recognising his dedication to helping others.
He also received the Outstanding Service award from Local Government NSW in 2016.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Mr Steel had left an indelible mark on the local community.
"Warren was a true titan of our community through his civic work as a Councillor for more than a quarter of a century, his passion for local business, tourism, sport and the Lions," Mayor McDonald said.
"He made an immense impact on every organisation which was lucky enough to have benefitted from his dedicated work ethic and tireless commitment to helping people.
"On behalf of Kiama Council and the wider community, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and everyone who was fortunate to be part of his journey."
