Former mayor’s legacy remembered

Passionate: Peter Cox received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022 and was an advocate across several areas including road safety. Photo: FILE

FORMER City of Greater Bendigo mayor and councillor Peter Cox has passed away aged 76.

He died peacefully at Bendigo Hospice on Thursday 31 July following a short cancer journey.

Mr Cox served as a councillor from 2008 to 2016, including as mayor from 2014 to 2015.

He was committed to social justice, environmental sustainability, and working with the community at a grassroots level.

In 2022, Mr Cox received a Medal of the Order of Australia and he was an advocate across several causes such as road safety, heritage preservation, employment and waste reduction.

He was instrumental in the redevelopment of Eaglehawk Enterprise Park and Recycle Shop, and in his role as president of the Bendigo branch of the National Trust, he championed the protection of the region’s history.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf acknowledged Mr Cox’s legacy.

“Peter was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for Bendigo,” she said.

“His contributions have left a lasting impact on our city and its people. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

“Councillors and staff extend their condolences to Peter’s children, Raul, Joel and Zac, Peter’s siblings Toni, Michael and Patrick as well as extended family and friends.”