Family, friends, and Timber Creek community members have gathered to honour the life and legacy of the town’s late Council Services Manager, Sue Kimpton. 

Sue, who served as the Victoria Daly Regional Council Shire Service Manager from 2004 to 2019, passed away from cancer in 2020.  

In a ceremony postponed for two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, a crowd of around 50 people congregated to witness the official opening of the Susanne Vicki Kimpton Memorial Garden – a garden built and tended to by Sue – honouring her “years of selfless work” in the community.  

A second plaque, attached to the Victoria Daly council building, was also unveiled on the day by her late husband, Greg Kimpton, and Victoria Daly Mayor, Brian Pedwell.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Greg said that Sue had a knack for making a home wherever she went, and Timber Creek was no exception.  

“Sue had doubts that she could do the job for the council, but as usual threw herself into it. Her whole being was about the job and the community,” Greg said.  

“Her power came from her honesty and integrity. What you saw was what you got.”  

During her time at the Victoria Daly Regional Council, Sue oversaw an upgrade to the Timber Creek sport and recreation centre, building and keeping several gardens across the town, extending the council office building, organising the annual Timber Creek festival, and delivering a steady flow of sweet treats for the community’s older residents.

Timber Creek Council Operations Manager, Jocelyn Moir, described Sue as a strong community leader who was never afraid to go after what she wanted.  

“When I first met Sue, I remember hoping that one day I would be as confident and strong in my role as she was,” Jocelyn said. 

“She could always have a laugh and find humour in most situations, and she was so invested in Timber Creek because it was her home before it was her job, so she’s going to be really missed.”  

Sue’s late daughter, Cherise Lauder, said that even though her mum wasn’t one to be made a fuss of, she would have loved the garden memorial.  

“She loved her gardens. Everywhere we went, she would be straight in there making a garden so that it would feel like home. She wanted this to be a town that people wanted to come to, not just a place that you blink and miss,” Cherise said.  

Jocelyn said she hoped Sue’s passion for the community would carry on for years to come.  

“Sue was always looking forward and thinking about the future,” Jocelyn said.  

“Her vision for what Timber Creek could be I hope will continue for years to come.”