George Creed

George Albert Creed (9 February 1940 - 29 November 2010) was an Australian politician, best known for his work in local government in Queensland.

He is notable for serving as the final mayor of Calliope Shire Council and as the first mayor of Gladstone Regional Council.

Early life Creed was born in Rockhampton. He completed his primary education through correspondence while growing up on "Cecilwood", near Raglan before attending Rockhampton Grammar School.

He served as Calliope Shire mayor until the amalgamations on 15 March 2008 which saw the Calliope and Miriam Vale shires merge with Gladstone City Council to form the new Gladstone Regional Council. Creed was opposed to the amalgamation of the local government areas.

In 2008, Creed was elected as the inaugural mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, winning with 54.16% of the vote, beating opponents Len Smith, Karen Sorensen and Stephen Mills.

However, he was diagnosed with lung cancer on 24 December 2009 and was required to undergo chemotherapy.

Other roles Creed held various positions with a range of organisations including as director of the Gladstone Ports Corporation, as a member of the Gladstone Economic and Industry Board, as chairman of the Gladstone-Calliope Counter Disaster Committee, president of The Old Station Flying Club and as a member of the Gladstone-Calliope Aerodrome Board.

He was also a pilot, obtaining his fixed-wing license in 1986.

Death Creed died on 29 November 2010 at Rockhampton Mater Hospital, prompting a range of tributes from community and political leaders including Kevin Rudd, Anna Bligh, Paul Neville, Liz Cunningham and Ken O'Dowd.

His funeral was held on "The Old Station" which was attended by numerous notable dignitaries. Creed was then buried on his property, "Langmorn".

Recognition For his services as a volunteer fire fighter and fire warden, Creed was awarded the National Medal and National Medal - 1st clasp in 1994.

In 2001, Creed was awarded the Centenary Medal in recognition of his distinguished service to local government.

Creed was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2006 Australia Day Honours in recognition for his service to Calliope Shire and for his contributions to the region's development.

In 2011, the terminal at Gladstone Airport was named the Creed-Kanofski Terminal in honour of Creed and chief executive officer Graeme Kanofski in honour of their roles in the airport's expansion and redevelopment.