Shire of Ravensthorpe left ‘devastated’ by loss of deputy president Mark Mudie in tragic West River bushfire

The Shire of Ravensthorpe is mourning the loss of deputy president Mark Mudie after he tragically died fighting a bushfire, with the community “devastated” by the loss of the beloved farmer and councillor.

Mr Mudie tragically lost his life on Monday afternoon while fighting to save his farming property from an out-of-control bushfire in West River, near Ravensthorpe.

Mr Mudie was operating a front-end loader, attempting to establish a firebreak when the machinery was engulfed by flames.

He could not be saved, and died at the scene.

Mr Mudie was elected as shire councillor in 2019 and had just started his second term as deputy president.

Shire president Rachel Gibson said Mr Mudie was a “well-grounded” councillor whose expertise and quick-witted humour would be sorely missed.

“His expertise, knowledge and common sense will certainly be missed. When he spoke, we listened,” she said.

“We will all miss the farming chats at council with Mark and I offer my heartfelt condolences to Elaine, Nathan, Jessica and families.”

In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday morning, the shire offered their sincere condolences to Mr Mudie’s wife Elaine, their children, family and friends.

“(Mark’s) local knowledge proved valuable in council discussions and decision making and his main concern was always what was best for the community,” the statement read.

“He was incredibly proud of the agricultural sector in our region and was a great advocate for them.

We will miss Mark’s respectful and considered approach to new ideas and the professional and courteous way he engaged with stakeholders and members of the community when representing the Shire of Ravensthorpe at events

“We will also miss his smile and his laugh.

“Mark was fond of a cheeky quip to lighten the mood and bolster spirits during some of our long meetings.”

Shires across WA including Jerramungup, Gnowangerup, Plantagenet and Narrogin also paid tribute to Mr Mudie this week, a testament to his commitment to his role as a councillor and advocate for farmers and residents throughout his region.

WA Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the West River bushfire and the circumstances around Mr Mudie’s death, and the shire added they would fully support the police throughout the ongoing process.

The Shire were already mourning the recent loss of former president Keith Dunlop, and the statement said Mr Mudie’s sudden passing had left the community and shire staff and councillors reeling.

“While we continue to come to terms with this loss, we ask the community to please be patient with us,” the shire statement said.

“Many in our team worked closely with Mark and they are grieving a respected and much-loved colleague.

“We also express our heartfelt thanks for everything our volunteer firefighters have done this week in such extremely challenging circumstances.

“They provide a critical and essential service to our community, often in the most dangerous and confronting of situations and we are deeply grateful for their courage and commitment.”

A statement from grain exporter and handler Co-operative Bulk Handling Group said Mr Mudie was a “highly respected grower” and valued member of the CBH Growers’ Advisory Council.

“Mark was someone who cared deeply about the future of our industry and the communities that sustain it,” it said.

“He generously contributed his time, insights, and experience to help strengthen West Australia’s grain sector for the benefit of all growers.

CBH Group expressed heartfelt condolences to Mr Mudie’s family and friends, and said his loss will be felt across the grain growing community.

“Mark’s commitment and contribution to the industry and our co-operative will not be forgotten,” the statement said.

The shire said all staff and volunteers have been offered support via their confidential Employee Assistance Program and this extends to their family members too.

“Livingston Medical will be running a community workshop soon for anyone in the community to attend. They will discuss avenues of support, availability of free appointments and more,” the shire said.

“We will get through this difficult time together.”

Firefighters worked tirelessly to get the blaze contained and controlled, and it is now stationary and has burnt more than 4000ha.

The blaze was downgraded to advice on Tuesday night, and crews remained on the ground this week mopping up.