Embedded Files
Over the years
Over the years
Patrick's political activism had a long history including his involvement in London (UK) in the 1970s in the Claimant's Union, housing rights and community radio to being an active Trade Unionist in his paid working life.
More recently he actively participated in community politics in Drysdale, Victoria, Australia where he lived in the last decade of his life. Lisa Neville (MP for Bellarine) paid tribute to this work in Parliament. Her statement can be read below.
From right: Patrick, Marc (Cafe Zoo), Doug Carson, David and Diane Schofield (DCSCA)
In his own words:
Patrick Hughes was secretary of the Committee of the Drysdale & Clifton Springs Community Association in Victoria for several years He is interested in new approaches to the planning of developments in small towns and is especially interested in educational and economic developments as we make the transition to a post-carbon economy.
Drysdale
Drysdale
Patrick joined the Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) in 2009 and was a member until his death in 2023. He was a committee member and secretary over several of those years.
During his years with DCSCA he:
actively campaigned for community consultation in planning developments
represented DCSCA at several City of Greater Geelong Planning Amendment hearings
prepared several policy papers on transport, environmental, cultural and economic development in the region
initiated in 2011 with the then President of DCSCA the Festival of Glass
Patrick was Public Officer and Secretary for Festival of Glass. It has become a major community project and economic development in the region. His initiatives as part of this included The Glass Trail and Glass Reflections (a history of glass in the area). Link below to learn more about the Festival of Glass.
Policy papers
Policy papers
Patrick posted several of his more recent policy/position papers on his blog - Hughes's News
From right: Diane Schofield, Glenda Mac Naughton, Lisa Neville, Mercedes Drummond, Patrick Hughes. Opening of the Festival of Glass.
Patrick Hughes: a statement by Lisa Neville
Patrick Hughes: a statement by Lisa Neville
Victorian Legislative Assembly: Thursday 23 June 2022.
Victorian Legislative Assembly: Thursday 23 June 2022.
PATRICK HUGHES
Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police) (09:39): It is with personal sadness that I pay tribute to Patrick Hughes, who died on Thursday, 9 June 2022. Patrick was a highly respected and much-loved member of the Drysdale and Clifton Springs community, having contributed tirelessly to town life for more than 30 years. He was born in Bristol, England, on 8 August 1947 to parents Thomas and Sissy Hughes. In the mid-1980s he met the love of his life, Glenda McNaughton, who was working in London. In 1987 they moved to Australia, a decision Patrick, I am sure, would have described as the best of his life.
In 2007 Patrick and Glenda moved to Drysdale and Clifton Springs and quickly immersed themselves in community life. He joined the Drysdale Clifton Springs Curlewis Association, taking on various leadership roles and was a long-term secretary. Through the association he went on to champion many important causes and projects, including the establishment of the Festival of Glass, putting Drysdale on the map for glassmaking and glass displays. Twelve years later, thanks to Patrick and local volunteers, this festival is now an iconic event.
Personally, like many, I will miss Patrick dearly. I will miss his colourful dress sense, one that he wore with flair. I will miss his sense of humour, for me a highlight of every Festival of Glass opening. Most of all I will miss Patrick’s friendship, advice and support. In Patrick, Drysdale and Clifton Springs have lost a community champion. My condolences to all of Patrick’s friends and those who worked with him, but especially to Glenda, who I know will miss him immensely. Vale, Patrick Hughes.
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