CR Dave Gallagher spent his life-giving decades to his passions – the New South Wales Police Force, Broken Hill City Council, sport and the wider community.
The sitting councillor and former police sergeant passed away on Sunday, February 9 after a decline in his health which saw him rushed to Adelaide.
Police Officer Dave had been a serving member of the NSW Police for more than 40 years and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2010 as part of the Australia Day honours list.
In 2021, Sergeant Dave Gallagher retired after four decades on the police force.
Growing up in rural New South Wales near Mungindi, Dave’s first assignment was Kings Cross in the 1980s.
During his 30 years in the Far West, he maintained strong connections to rugby league and horse racing communities.
He was part of the United Rugby team and on the Regional Development Australia board.
He was involved with the National Party but resigned in 2023.
During his 2021 run for BHCC Mayor, as part of Team Broken Hill, Dave said when moving to the city in 1987, “I immediately noticed that the community was united and is proud of their city and I soon knew why.
“It is the friendliest place in the world and people accept you.
“It has everything you need and only five minutes away. But most of all it’s the people of the city I love most of all.
“I’m Broken Hill Proud and will never leave.”
Dave continued to be passionate about local politics, running for Mayor again in 2024.
“I’ve still got the passion to advanced Broken Hill, and I’ve got the attitude, know-how and qualities to be mayor,” he said before the election.
“It is the community that drives council and drives our policies, and we will do what the community asks of us.”
Current BHCC Mayor Cr Tom Kennedy said he has known Dave since 2004 when he ran for council but wasn’t successful.
“In 2008, he was the chair of Outback Rugby League, and I was vice-chair, then in 2009 he ran on a ticket with Bob Algate and I.
“He wasn’t successful but became Councillor in 2011 during a by-election after the passing of Councillor Jamie Mitchell.
“Dave ran for mayor in 2016, he was very passionate about Broken Hill.
“I admire his commitment to Broken Hill through various groups, 355 committees, being president of the Silver City Race Club committee. He put so much time and effort into that.
“He had many roles outside of Council; he had so much community drive.
“It is a great loss to Council, the community and me.
“He was always willing to step up and take on any role.”
Cr Kennedy said the news came as a shock as Dave had been at the Australia Day ceremony only a few short weeks ago.
“I didn’t know anything had happened when we had our Council meeting the following Wednesday then I found out he was ill.
“I never thought I’d never see him again.
“I can imagine how devastated his wife Julie and his family must be.
“He was a relatively young man and was healthy.
“He should have lived a long life.
“It’s a shock and very distressing for all involved.”
The Silver City Race Club posted on their Facebook page that, “Dave has been the heart and soul of this Club for many years and will be irreplaceable”.
“Our deepest condolences goes out to Julie and family during this difficult time.”
The Back to Barrier police page posted also posted on social media saying, “our deepest condolences and sympathy are extended to Julie and the rest of Dave’s family”.
“We are here to give them all the support and love we can.
“He stood his watch. He was the thin blue line. He is now relieved.”
Dave is survived by wife Julie, his children and grandchildren.
Dave’s funeral will be on February 21 at 2pm at the Broken Hill Civic Centre.
