By Cornelia Schwabe
LAST month, The Sunshine Coast lost a good man in former Maroochy Shire Council Division One Councillor, and ex deputy Mayor, Hermann Schwabe.
Hermann was first elected to Division 1 in the Maroochy Shire Council in 1982, by a slim margin. From then until his retirement in 2004 he was re-elected with a comfortable majority or even unopposed. The continued support of his constituents over two decades is testimony to his character, determination, vision and integrity.
Hermann has certainly left his mark on the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland. From fighting to protect the delicate coastal habitat balance, to reducing the height and location of high rise buildings, and requiring developers to front the costs related to their developments rather than ratepayers, the Sunshine Coast has benefited from Hermann’s relentless pursuit of a better way. He was an active member of many organisations, both within Council, and in the broader community. He chaired the Caloundra- Maroochy Water Board, and was integral in shaping the Town Plan for Maroochy Shire Council.
He was an avid supporter of the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Barung Landcare and the Nambour Food Co-op, to name just a few.
“My father was a man who stood up for the people, and for his vision,” says daughter, Cornelia. “Whether it was in support of environmental protection, curbing the free rein of developers on the Sunshine Coast, or standing up for the ‘little guy’, he was not afraid of standing alone for what he believed in.”
Even after his retirement, Hermann was very politically minded, and still worked towards improving the Sunshine Coast. He moved to Maleny, where he lived for most of the last two decades. He supported the Maleny Credit Union and was on the board of the Maple Street Coop. He met with community groups, and continued to pursue environmental protection. He was an active member of organisations focussed on human rights and environmental concerns. He often contacted the Sunshine Coast Council, and liaised with Council members to improve the area in a variety of ways.
“My father had strong views on many things,” Hermanns’ daughter says. “After he retired from council he continued to stand up for what he believed in. He relentlessly pursued better outcomes for residents, visitors, and the environment. His beliefs didn’t necessarily add to his popularity, but his actions have positively impacted on the lives of many, and helped to improve the liveability of the Sunshine Coast.”
“My father taught me to stand up for what I believe in, to be a voice for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to speak up for themselves, and to never, ever give up. He was a man of passion, vision and determination, and his can-do attitude was inspiring for the public and his family alike.”
Hermann Schwabe passed on August 7, 2024 at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. He had battled with increasing dementia for a number of years, after a stroke in 2021. He will be remembered for his vision, strength, dedication, passion and so much more.
A public memorial will be held for Hermann on October 19 at the Kenilworth Hall. If you would like to be involved, share memories, or simply just keep informed, please contact Cornelia, at rememberinghermann@ gmail.com.
