Former Rockdale MP and Mayor of Rockdale Council John Flowers has passed away at the age of 70.
Mr Flowers held the seat of Rockdale for the Liberal Party from 2011 to 2015.
He was a Councillor on Kogarah Council between 1999 until 2004, and then Rockdale Council from 2004, where he served as Deputy Mayor and then Mayor.
In 2011, Mr Flowers contested the Labor-held seat of Rockdale and was elected with 53.6 per cent of the two-party vote. He succeeded Frank Sartor who had held the seat for eight years before announcing his retirement from politics.
At the 2015 election Mr Kamper won back the seat for Labor.
Mr Flowers was a teacher at Belmore Boys' High School for over 20 years.
Rockdale MP Steve Kamper posted, "Saddened to learn that my predecessor as the Member for Rockdale, John Flowers has passed away from cancer.
"John was a longstanding Councillor and former Mayor of Rockdale who cared deeply about our community.
"I always had the utmost respect for the work John did, and I am thinking of his family and friends during this difficult time.
"Rest in Peace."
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said, "I am saddened to learn this morning that my friend and former Member for Rockdale, John Flowers has passed away from a long battle with cancer.
"I've know John for close to 30 years and I've kept in contact with John as he has undergone treatment," he said.
"John was a friend and former MP for Rockdale and was a longstanding Councillor on both Kogarah and Rockdale Council along with being a former Mayor of Rockdale who cared deeply about the St George area.
"I respect the hard work he did across the community, he was a man of passion, knowledge and commitment. He was certainly someone I could count on for advice and support.
"I am thinking of his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in Peace."
Bayside Council will be acknowledging former mayor Mr Flowers at its next council meeting.
Mayor Bill Saravinovski said, "Mr Flowers was a good community leader and demonstrated a passion for our area, particularly Brighton-Le-Sands, where he resided for many years."
