THE City of Mandurah has farewelled one of its true champions, Grahame Heal, who died on July 10 after illness.
Affectionately known as the „Green Engineer‟ around the City‟s offices, Grahame was a highly regarded employee of the City for 23 years.
After working for Main Roads in Derby, Grahame started his career at the City of Mandurah as a surveyor and worked his way up to become Manager of Infrastructure Development, where he was a pioneer in environmental engineering and water saving designs.
He was a champion and pioneer of Water Sensitive Urban Design, which incorporates features of design into drainage and stormwater management, aiming to improve water quality and minimise run-off.
Grahame became involved with subdivision management and was known for his friendly nature in working with land developers to achieve the best outcomes for all parties.
One of the major projects Grahame was involved in was Snake Drain in Mariners Cove, which merged engineering with public art in a recreation reserve. Under his leadership, this project won a state award with the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia.
The Muddy Creek project near the City‟s administration building is another fine example of his leadership in this area.
Mandurah Chief Executive Officer Mark Newman said Grahame was one of the organisation‟s “true champions” who would be sorely missed by his colleagues and all who worked with him.
“Grahame was a great man and a fantastic ambassador for the City. He was passionate about the environment and was always keen to find better ways of doing things,” Mr Newman said.
“Grahame did a huge amount of work and made many changes in regards to the environment. He was a widely respected by his team and a much-loved colleague and mentor to his workmates.
“Grahame loved the outdoors – fishing, surfing and camping were some of his passions.”
Mayor Paddi Creevey said Grahame was a man with tremendous integrity and unfailing good humour, who was highly revered by his colleagues.
“Grahame had such a wonderful personality and was terrific at working with people to find the best solutions,” Mayor Creevey said.
“He took up the challenge to do things differently, and worked with City‟s planners and environmental team to achieve positive environmental outcomes, including the work he did with Water Sensitive Urban Design.
“He was recognised throughout the state for the work he did to help design subdivisions with the aim to save water. He was dedicated to making a better community.
“Grahame was also part of the City‟s team that went to China in 2006 for our first presentation at the International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom).
“An organisation is only as good as its people, and we are sad to have lost one of our great leaders.”
Grahame has been described by his colleagues as a strong, great and caring leader, but also a team player who embodied the City of Mandurah‟s supportive culture and values.
“We at the City know what a magnificent family man Grahame was, and on behalf of the City of Mandurah, we wish to extend our condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
