MidCoast Mayor pays tribute to former councillor Dheera Smith

MIDCOAST Council has announced the passing of former Greens councillor Dheera Smith.

Mayor Claire Pontin said she shared the news with a “heavy heart”.

“Dheera served on MidCoast Council from 2021 until earlier this year,” Mayor Pontin said.

“She gave so much of herself during her time with us – always guided by her caring nature and her deep love for the environment.

“She was particularly passionate about sustainability and making sure our community’s most vulnerable voices weren’t forgotten.

“Whether it was advocating for environmental and sustainability initiatives or broader social issues Dheera brought compassion and determination to everything she did.

“Many of us not only respected her as a councillor – we genuinely enjoyed her as a person and friend.

“She had a quiet strength, a thoughtful presence, and she never sought the spotlight, even though her work made a real difference.”

During her time on Council, Cr Smith contributed to a number of Council Committees and Reference Groups, including as:

· Chair of the Koala Reference Group

· Chair of the Community Inclusion and Wellbeing Reference Group

· Member of the Heritage Reference Group

· Member of the Aboriginal Reference Group

· Member of the Hunter Regional Weeds Committee

· Member of the Southern Estuaries Reference Group

· NSW Public Libraries Association Councillor representative

“On behalf of Council and our wider community, I want to thank Dheera for everything she gave to MidCoast,” Mayor Pontin said.

“We’re thinking of her family and loved ones at this time, and we won’t forget the legacy she leaves behind.”

Dheera Smith was also a former high school teacher and journalist.