Mr Hollands started his 20 years as an independent on Liverpool Council in 1971 and was mayor on two occasions, in 1979-1980 and 1989-1990.

As a member of the Moorebank Sports Club and a councillor, he worked to see that the Moorebank Sports Club sporting fields were established.

He chaired the traffic and bushfire committees for many years and assisted in the Liverpool citizenship ceremonies.

Mr Hollands fought for the building of the Liverpool Museum and worked closely with the then mayor, Frank Oliveri, in the purchase of Casula Powerhouse for $75,000.

He also worked on the establishment of a Police Citizens Youth Club in Liverpool.

In the 1970s Mr Hollands worked with the East Ward Progress Association to have a sewerage system provided for Moorebank residents.

Away from the council, he was a teacher for 60 years and took on senior roles such as principal and deputy principal at local public schools.

After retiring from the council, Mr Hollands concentrated his efforts on one of his greatest passions, cricket.

As a patron and life member of the Moorebank Cricket Club, he maintained their records for about 20 years.

His son, Ron Hollands jnr, described his father as a "quirky and charismatic" man.

"As a dad, he certainly instilled in me a great love of cricket and being part of a team," he said.

Councillor Gary Lucas, who worked with Mr Hollands for more than 10 years, said: "He was a good man, he was sincere, he cared for the community he worked for and he gave his best."

Mr Hollands, who died from illness, lived in Moorebank for about 40 years. His wife of 49 years died last February.

He is survived by his four children and four grandchildren.

A church service will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Moorebank, this Friday, January 13, at 11am, followed by a burial service at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park.