Not only were these the three qualities that Robert Legge valued in people, but they were ones he projected onto others. 

The former Break O’Day mayor died last week, leaving a lasting legacy within the community.

Mr Legge spent his entire life in Fingal Valley, where his family first settled in 1826. 

He served nearly 50 years in local government, first as a councillor for Fingal and then as mayor of the Break O’Day Council.

Mr Legge was a sitting member of the Local Government Association of Tasmania and Premiers Local Government Council, while also serving on the General Management Committee from May 1996 until his retirement in 2011.

His dedication brought him recognition in the form of an Order of Australia Medal for service to local government and the community.

In an interview with LGAT shortly before his retirement, he said “a desire to help and motivate those around me to look to the future” was what drew him to become involved in local government. Break O’Day deputy mayor John McGiveron said it was Mr Legge that first suggested he run for council in 2000.

“He was very community minded and always available for anything,” he said.

His influence extended well beyond the council chambers, with Mr Legge also playing an active role in St Helens & Districts Chamber of Commerce, St Marys Lions Club, and St Helens Marine Rescue Association, as well as on the board of the St Marys District Hospital, where his ancestors laid the first foundation stone in 1927.

Mr Legge continued to support health services in the community up until his death.