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Monday, February 16, 2026
HomeOpinionA lasting legacy

A lasting legacy

WITH temperatures soaring well above 40 degrees last Wednesday, and our air-conditioning units in The Bunyip office struggling to keep up, the editorial team and many staff members worked from home.

As the first day after the weekly deadline rush, Wednesdays often provide editorial staff with a chance to pause, regroup, and prepare for another week of writing.

What I did not expect, however, was a call from a colleague informing me that a member of the Gawler council had passed away.

While I never communicated directly with Paul Koch, with my news rounds typically focus on Playford, I am no stranger to the influence and impact he had on the Gawler community.

His dedication to shaping the Town of Gawler into what it is today will echo for years to come, and the many lives he touched will continue to carry his name and message forward.

Condolences have poured in from across Gawler and the surrounding community, a clear testament to Paul’s legacy and the profound impact he had on the town.

This sentiment is reflected throughout the pages of this week’s edition, which feature an outpouring of love from community leaders and acknowledgements of Paul’s many contributions through volunteer work and committee involvement.

The community has truly come together to mourn this loss, and I hope that together we can continue to uphold and share Paul’s deep love for Gawler.

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