A portrait painted by Yvette Gilroy of Binalong of Alby and Gloria Schultz which hangs in the Murrumburrah Court House.
The death of Alby Schultz, former Member for Hume (1998-2013), state member for Burrinjuck (1988-1998), and Cootamundra Shire Councillor (1983-1991) has brought on an outpouring of sympathy from all over the country. But his loss has particularly been felt in Harden and surrounding towns at a far more personal level.
Many of us had gotten to know Alby and his wife Gloria, who was his greatest asset throughout his career and life, during his time as a Liberal member of the state and federal parliaments. His dedication and devotion to the region, and his well-known affinity for Harden-Murrumburrah, forged a close connection between him and his constituents that is currently being shown on social media. “So very sad. Helped us out many times and had such a love for the folk of Harden. RIP Alby and love and thoughts for Gloria and family at this sad time,” wrote Sharon Spackman from Mission Australia in Harden. “Very sad news and the pleasure of meeting Alby and Gloria a few times whilst doing the deb ball a true gentleman and we won’t see another MP like him…thoughts are with Gloria and his family,” wrote Karen Glover.
Alby received many of the debutantes at the local balls over the past two decades. His particular love was the Harden Murrumburrah Arts Council Annual Art Show, where he turned up 21 years straight. “He was even here last October, but he wasn’t very well then,” said Connie McFadyen of the Arts Council. “It is very sad. He was a very good local member.”
A portrait of Alby and Gloria hangs at the Murrumburrah Court House. His death on the 14th of July, surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with cancer, has prompted many to recall their stories about Alby, whether it was helping to find a runaway loved one, working with him at the meat works at Cootamundra prior to his political career, or embarrassing oneself thanking him at Parliament House at a school excursion.
Everyone seems to have a story. Our sympathies are with Alby’s wife Gloria, their sons Dean and Grant, and their five grandchildren. RIP Albert John “Alby” Schultz, 29th of May, 1939 – 14th of July, 2015.
