MORE than 100 people gathered at the Wollongong Innovation Campus on Tuesday to say farewell to Peter Fitzgerald, who retired after 38 years with KPMG Wollongong.
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Mr Fitzgerald's retirement coincided with the admission into partnership of Courtney West and David Apolo.
The function was attended by many business and civic leaders, clients and staff.
But it was also a family affair, with members of Mr Fitzgerald's family present, along with those of the two new partners.
Managing partner Warwick Shanks said it was as a major week in the life of KPMG Wollongong.
"The number of people who are here ... is testament to the high regard in which Peter Fitzgerald is held within the Wollongong business community and also within KPMG," he said.
Mr Shanks, who has worked with Mr Fitzgerald for 19 years, said Mr Fitzgerald joined the firm that later became known as KPMG Wollongong in 1977.
He became a partner in 1988 and in 1993 took on the role of partner in charge of the office, a role he held until a year ago when Mr Shanks took on the role.
He was also chairman of the regional group of KPMG offices across Australia for many years.
Mr Fitzgerald has held many roles over the years, including time spent as an audit partner and a tax partner.
In recent years he has worked with many private businesses and their owners.
Mr Shanks also acknowledged Mr Fitzgerald as a great role model in the community and in developing many people at KPMG Wollongong over many years.
He spoke of Mr Fitzgerald's broad range of community work and being a devoted father of five.
University of Wollongong vice chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said not only was Mr Fitzgerald an alumni of the university, but many of his family were as well.
Prof Wellings said he had been instrumental in helping the university secure strong links with the business community and helping provide security around its governance processes.
"Peter joined the University of Wollongong Council, which is the supreme governing body of the university, in November 2005," the UOW vice chancellor said.
"It was only a year later in September 2006 Peter became chair of the university's audit committee. Peter has done that work absolutely brilliantly."
Prof Wellings said his work around that as well as risk and compliance and being alert to the latest changes in legislation was significant because the university was an organisation now approaching a $600 million annual turnover organisation.
"I am pleased you are not retiring from the university and this is an opportunity for me to say thank you for all your work you have done on the council for over 10 years.
He also thanked him for the contribution he had made to the life of so many people in the Illawarra in many areas, including his support for the Salvation Army and its annual Red Shield Appeal.
Martin, Morris and Jones principal Jeff Jones, speaking both as a client and member of the Wollongong business community, described him as a voice of sensibility and a great asset to the city.
"He is a very clear thinker and any statement he makes is very well considered," he said.