Grafton has lost one of its most highly respected and tireless workers with the passing of former Grafton mayor, Shirley Adams OAM.

As tributes began flowing in, endearing titles such as Trailblazer, first lady, doer, a true legend and Queen of Grafton were just some of the words used to describe the high regard in which she was held.

Shirley’s interest in community affairs began as a teenager when she became active in helping out in State and local charities.

While raising her young family Shirley became involved in the Girl Guides movement and went on to become a Diploma and State trainer.

This experience led to an interest in civic affairs and in 1974 she was elected to council and was an Alderman of Grafton City Council for 13 consecutive years including five terms as Deputy Mayor.

Shirley retired in 1987 to concentrate on a wide range of community and health issues and as Regional Coordinator for the north coast, organise the 1988 Bicentennial Travelling Exhibition to Grafton.

In 1989 she was awarded an OAM in recognition for her services to both local government and the Girl Guide Movement of which she had been a member for over 36 years.

Shirley resumed her involvement in local government in 1995 serving as deputy mayor for one year and mayor of Grafton for seven years; the first time that a woman had received that distinction in councils 143-year history.

In 2001 she was elected to the position of Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW, the first woman to achieve that distinction.

Shirley was the last mayor of the Grafton City Council and the first deputy mayor of the Clarence Valley Council in 2005.

(Information sourced from an interview with Shirley Adams by ‘LG Focus’ national local government newspaper online in February 2003).

“Her list of achievements is as long as the Clarence River” – Bill Dougherty OAM

Bill Dougherty OAM

Bill said that he had a long friendship with Shirley from their teenage years on.

“Shirley did a wonderful job for Grafton and the Clarence Valley,” Bill said.

“She was a doer. There are a lot of people around who have good intentions and can talk well, but then there are others who “do it” – and Shirley “did it”.

“Her list of achievements is as long as the Clarence River.

“Despite all of these achievements she was always a gracious lady and had a real concern for the battlers, particularly the sick, as evidenced by her great record at Grafton Base Hospital.

“We’ve missed her since she retired from public life and I guess we are all saddened by her passing, but we do have the wonderful memories of the great work she did for this district.

“Shirley was a woman of vision and imagination, willing to take on the big jobs. “Someone who could see the big picture, identify it, aim and achieve it,” he said.

Jim Simmons – Clarence Valley Council mayor

Jim said that Shirley Adams was a former Grafton City Council mayor and was elected to council after the amalgamation of councils within the Clarence Valley, in 2005. 

“After the passing of councillor Joy Mathews in 2006, a by-election was held and I replaced Joy on the newly formed Clarence Valley Council,” Jim said.

“At the end of her first term, Shirley didn’t seek re-election.

“Shirley was a wonderful woman and contributed a heck of a lot to Grafton and the Clarence Valley.

“She was very community minded and was involved in a lot of committees, community events and organisations.

“I have nothing but the highest regard for Shirley.

“She left her mark on Grafton,” he said.

Richie Williams – former Clarence Valley Council (CVC) mayor and current CVC councillor.

“Shirley was a true champion and her passion for the community was infectious,” Ritchie said.

“Shirley was deeply involved in Girl Guides, the Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Jacaranda Festival -of which Shirley was Jacaranda Queen in 1952, Festival President 1976-1977, Guest of Honour 2008 and festival life member, Grafton Historical Society, CWA and many, many more.

“Her commitment to our area will never be forgotten by me and many I’m sure.

“Thank you, Shirley, you’ve left Grafton a better place.

“To John and family our deepest condolences,” he said.

Steve Cansdell – former Member for Clarence and former Grafton City councillor

“During her years as mayor, Shirley fought very hard for Grafton. She is just one of those women who will never be forgotten for her power and compassion, her energy and zeal for getting involved in things and getting things done,” Steve said.

“Even after she retired from local government, Shirley was always interested in what was happening in council and always kept up to date with the news and was passionate about council issues.

“Even in her ailing health she always wanted to talk about council, not from days gone by, but where the council was going. She had a great love for Grafton and the whole of the Clarence Valley.

“Shirley really set a benchmark for mayors. Although it was really only a part-time wage, she made it a full-time job. Anyone who wanted to be mayor after that really had to put the hours in, because Shirley just made it her job,” Steve said.