News
24 August, 2025
Farewell Lawrence Witham
Somerset Regional Council paid tribute to former Esk Shire Councillor Lawrence Noel Witham at the Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 13 August.
Mr Witham was a Councillor from April 2000 to March 2008, serving alongside former Mayors Jean Bray and Graeme Lehmann.
Mayor Jason Wendt said Mr Witham represented his community with intelligence, professionalism, and dignity.
“He was a quiet and respectful Councillor, always firm but fair and a consummate gentleman,” Cr Wendt said.
“He supported and served his community in various roles throughout his life, first as a Police Officer in western Queensland as part of the ‘Pack Horse Police’, and later reaching the rank of Assistant Commissioner.
“Mr Witham enjoyed a long and distinguished career, serving on Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s security detail and directing the Oxley Police Academy for three years.”
Outside of Council and the Police, Mr Witham served his community on the Esk Co-Operative Board from 1997 to 2024 and was a member of the Freemasons for more than 60 years.
“Mr Witham’s family are in our thoughts,” Cr Wendt said.
“He was a kind and principled man and will be missed.”
Mr Witham passed away on 29 July 2025 at the age of 87.
