Colleagues pay tribute to Carnarvon ‘hit-and-run’ victim Aden Broocker

The cyclist who was killed in an alleged hit-and-run crash in Carnarvon this month has been remembered as a respected and caring man who dedicated his 25-year career to regional health and communities.

Aden Broocker, 52, had worked for the Shire of Carnarvon as an environmental health officer for two years when his bicycle and a car collided on January 3.

He died in Royal Perth Hospital six days later.

Shire president Eddie Smith said his team was “saddened by the loss”, describing Mr Broocker as a “highly respected” and “passionate” employee who would be sorely missed by his colleagues.

“On behalf of the whole Shire community, I would like to extend our sympathy to his family, who are in Victoria and NSW,” he said.

In an online tribute, the Shire posted: “We pray for strength and courage for you and your family.

“The world has lost an incredible life and the Shire of Carnarvon has lost an extraordinary work colleague.”

During his career, Mr Broocker also worked in Collie, Kalgoorlie, Darwin, Ashburton, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Alpine, Geelong and Mornington. His past colleagues said he brought his passion for public health to the small communities he served.

Shire of Collie director of development services Andrew Dover was Mr Broocker’s manager during his almost two-year stint in the South West shire.

Mr Dover said he was a “quiet and caring man who was genuinely interested in others”. “It was reflected in his work as he was dedicated to public service and the protection and wellbeing of the community through his many years in public health,” he said.

Police say Mr Broocker was thrown on to the vehicle’s windscreen before landing on the road.

In the days after the incident, a 36-year-old man was charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, failure to stop and assist, and failure to report.

Jarad Amiss appeared in Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on Monday, when the most serious charge was upgraded to dangerous driving causing death.

Mr Amiss is due to appear in court again on March 8.