Paterson community honours legacy of beloved postmaster Phillip Ellicott

APPROXIMATELY 60 residents of the Paterson community gathered at the Paterson Post Office on Tuesday, 21 April, for a moving ceremony to unveil a commemorative plaque at the site of the village’s new flagpole. 

The memorial honours the life and dedicated service of the late Phillip Ellicott, the village’s esteemed postmaster who served the community for 17 years until his sudden passing in March 2025.

The project was spearheaded by the Paterson Rotary Club as a permanent tribute to a man widely regarded as the heart of the local post office and village.

Rotary president Phil Bryden-Brown spoke at the event regarding the significance of the occasion.

“The club thought that a plaque to commemorate Phil’s service on the new flagpole out the front of the post office was the ideal way to commemorate the wonderful, caring service that Phil gave to his community,” said Mr Bryden-Brown. Beyond his 17-year tenure behind the counter starting in 2008, Mr Ellicott was a stalwart of public safety, serving in the Rural Fire Service (RFS) for two decades.

The ceremony included poignant tributes from RFS brigade members Darryl Jordan and Matt Findlay, who reflected on Ellicott’s “quiet and dedicated service” to the region during times of crisis.

His daughter, Lisa Ellicott, also addressed the crowd, sharing heartwarming memories of her father’s life and his love for the Paterson district.

The Federal Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold, attended the ceremony as the guest of honour to officially unveil the plaque.

In her remarks, she noted the profound impact Mr Ellicott had on the daily lives of local residents.

The event concluded with a community gathering at the Court House Hotel, where refreshments were provided by the Red Cross, allowing friends and neighbours to share stories and celebrate the lasting legacy of a man who spent his life in service to others.