Vale Ian Lumsden, former General Manager of YVC

Published on 16 January 2025

It is with sadness that we say vale to Ian Henry Lumsden, a much-loved member of the Yass community and former General Manager of Yass Shire.

Ian had a long and respected public service career in the Yass Valley, working on many of the projects we enjoy today. He served as Deputy Shire Clerk of Goodradigbee Shire from 1960 to 1964, and then Shire Clerk until the amalgamation with Yass Municipal Council in January 1980. He then served with distinction as the General Manager of Yass Shire until 1999.

During his 39 years with the council, Ian was involved in significant initiatives, including plans to manage the growth of the ACT and its impact on surrounding rural communities, the merger of Yass and Goodradigbee Councils, the upgrading of Yass’s water and sewage systems, the bypass of Yass by the Hume Highway, the growth of Murrumbateman village, and, more broadly, the development of Yass into the vibrant town we know today.

Ian also served the community as District Returning Officer and Emergency Fire Controller, notably during the catastrophic Burrinjuck fires of 1972.

He held leadership roles in several organisations, including the Royal Blind Society, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Yass Golf Club, and the Yass Lawn Tennis Club. He was also the secretary of the Burrinjuck Water State Park Trust for nearly 50 years and remained heavily involved with Burrinjuck until the Trust was abolished in 2013.

Ian will be remembered for his dedication, integrity, and unswerving commitment to the community.

Ian’s funeral will take place at St Clements Anglican Church on Friday, January 17. As a mark of respect, the flags on Council buildings will be lowered.