Bob Heffernan: A Tiger to the end
Image: Bob Heffernan
Among the enduring qualities Bob Heffernan displayed, the long-serving Alderman and Leichhardt Councillor was known as an unyielding voice for his community.
Mr Heffernan, who’s political career spanned 40 years, died on January 12 aged 93.
Kristian Heffernan said his grandfather spent his life helping others.
“He was loyal and selfless. He fought for pensioner discounts and free rates for pensioners, and was instrumental in getting the Latchem Robinson Stand built at Leichhardt Oval,” he said.
Kristian listed a littany of public service achievements his grandfather owned.
“He was the last Chairman of the Board of the Balmain Hospital, and heavily campaigned for it to remain operational in some capacity once it was taken over by the State Government,” he said.
Mr Heffernan was instrumental in securing Rozelle’s Hannaford Centre, which was named after him three years ago.
“He organised for the Hannaford Centre to be purchased from Harry Hannaford for a far cheaper market price so the Council could have a community centre,” Kristian said.
“He had a conscience and a respect for people; it’s very rare to find someone who has spent over 24 years in local government. Pop was very proud of his work on Council.
“My mum and I lived with pop up until I was about 10. He was always attending to those who had building issues or Council issues, or someone who needed a job – there was always someone at our house who needed help and I don’t remember a time when he said no.”
Greens MP Jamie Parker will pay tribute to Mr Heffernan in State Parliament at the start of February.
“He was a true local champion and he wanted to represent the community,” Mr Parker said. “Bob had embodied that idea of public service – he really expressed that in his life.”
Mr Heffernan served as a member of the Australian Labor Party and as an Independent Councillor, including a role as Deputy Mayor of Leichhardt from 1989-1990.
“He was always really open and accessible; he also had strong opinions which were what made him,” Mr Parker said.
President of the Balmain Tigers Club, Kevin Rooney said his friend of over 40 years was an avid Tigers supporter to the end.
“He was a Tiger through and through, and went to all the matches. We’d always be there; he wouldn’t miss it for anything. If you wanted anything done, you went and saw Bob. He was a man that got things done and was very good at it,” he said.
Throughout Mr Heffernan’s lifespan, Mr Rooney said he rarely visited hospital.
“He was never too keen to see doctors; he only ever had half an asprin, even when he was really sick I’d go and visit him and we’d always have a yarn,” he said.
