THE man who branded WA the State of Excitement and set out to lift the level of debate on council has died at the age of seventy-one.
Noel Semmens began his term on council last May. He cut a dapper figure around council, impressing all he met with his impeccable manners.
Mr Semmens brought decorum to the often rancorous debates that have typified council over the past five years.
It remains to see if his legacy will live on.
He was also a staunch supporter of the council.
On hearing of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority’s plans to annex Arden Street in East Perth, Mr Semmens suggested councillors shun the Lord Mayoral limousine and march down St George’s Terrace to Parliament House to plead their case in person to Mr Court.
Besides his time on council, he was a former WA director of tourism, CEO of Crimestoppers, business consultant, yachtsmen, vintage car buff and wordsmith extraordinaire.
Mr Semmen’s council colleagues were clearly distressed by his sudden passing on 10 April.
Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass said Mr Semmens was a man of great integrity, compassion and wisdom who contributed much to his State and to his city.
“Noel was a person who engendered much respect within the City of Perth and the wider community for his dignified and reasoned contribution to council matters and we will miss him greatly,” Dr Nattrass said.