He was 86.

Often referred to as the ‘Father of the Shire’, Mr Mullane became a councillor in 1959 before his appointment to Shire president in 1963 to 1983, and again in 1987 to 1991.

‘‘Much of the iconic development in the Shire can be attributed to his leadership,’’ a Hills council spokeswoman said.

Mr Mullane’s legacy includes his election to the Executive of the Local Government Association of NSW in 1968 and his M.B.E award for services to local government in 1972.

Beyond his work with the council, Mr Mullane was also a member of the National Australia Day Committee and the NSW Bicentennial Council and he served on the State Pollution Control Commission from 1976 and the Department of Environment and Planning’s Local Government Liaison Committee from 1978.

In 2003, the Bernie Mullane Sports Complex in Kellyville was named after him in recognition of his leadership, passion and commitment to the community.

His long reign and contribution to The Hills have been celebrated by the council and federal member for Mitchell Alex Hawke.

“He was a great character whose reputation for common sense and practical problem solving became Hills Shire legend,’’ Mr Hawke said.

‘‘His work throughout The Hills will long be remembered.’’Mr Mullane’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Friday, February 10 at St Bernadette’s, Castle Hill.

A funeral notice is expected to appear in the Sydney Morning Herald this Wednesday February 8.

Condolences can be sent via his son Chris Mullane, 24 Wattle Street, Rydalmere 2116.