Vale Steve Vallance: Chittering Shire President remembered after losing cancer battle

LATE Chittering Shire President Steve Vallance has been remembered as “widely-respected natural leader, who was always prepared to listen.”

The long-time Muchea resident passed away at the end of last month after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Vallance served the Shire from 2003-2011, and then was re-elected in 2015, where he was appointed President by his fellow councillors.

He and wife Natalie lived in Muchea for about 30 years, running a successful and widely known nursery.

He was also Australian President of The International Plant Propagators Society.

An active member of the Chittering community, Mr Vallance was not only a councillor but a volunteer bushfire brigade member, cricket player, and member of many community groups.

The Shire said his sudden passing had been a shock for the local community.

“He had a strong desire to see the Shire grow and prosper while retaining the qualities, which makes Chittering a special place for both residents and visitors,” a statement from the Shire said.

“Steve was a man of great empathy and integrity, his presence will be sorely missed.

“The council and staff of the Shire of Chittering, and the broader Chittering community, extend its sincere sympathies to Natalie and family on the loss of not only a great man, but a husband, father and grand-father.

“Steve’s involvement in the Chittering community has left a lasting legacy for the region, and he will be long remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.”