The news of the death of a former Mayor of Victor Harbor has shocked and saddened the Victor Harbor and greater Fleurieu Peninsula community, particularly those who knew him through his many community and academic pursuits.

Scott Schubert, who was the City of Victor Harbor’s Mayor between May 2003 and August 2006, has reportedly succumbed to coronavirus.

Much of Mr Schubert’s life had been dedicated to learning, with him having studied a range of university degrees including LLM Energy and Natural Resources Law at Queen Mary University London, Mandarin at The University of Adelaide, Law and a Bachelor of Commerce at Flinders University, an MBA at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. 

Mr Schubert had been living in Jakarta, Indonesia, with his family and working as the chief executive of an oil company. Despite living abroad, he maintained connections with Australian-based causes that he felt strongly about.

From Jakarta, he served as a board member of Around the Campfire Inc, a not-for-profit group which aims to support Indigenous people to reach their potential through sport and music events.

Around the Campfire was founded by former Victor Harbor man Chad McLaren, who paid tribute to Mr Schubert for his support of Around the Campfire, as well as his support for Chad personally throughout his political candidacy for the Liberal Party i the 2018 state election. 

“He was a passionate advocate for equality and advancement of underprivileged Indigenous youth through education and health outcomes,” Mr McLaren said. 

“He was a big picture thinker and we should never have let him out of our state. 

“He would have been a wonderful member of the SA Parliament in time. 

“He offered his time selflessly to anyone who wanted his advice or support. 

“A sad time when we lose someone with such a big heart and with so much potential to change the world.”

City of Victor Harbor CEO at the time of Mr Schubert's time as Mayor, Graeme Maxwell, had a strong and respectful relationship with Mr Schubert both professionally and personally.

"At the time [of his Mayoral service] he was one of the youngest Mayors to be elected in South Australia and it was ironic that he was serving the community recognised then as having the oldest average age of any community in Australia," Mr Maxwell said.

"I recall that many people were becoming frustrated at Victor Harbor being continually described as the 'retirement capital of Australia' and 'God’s waiting room' – Victor was much more than that," he said.

"I suspect that Scott’s youthful perspective, his willingness to accept that change was inevitable and his enthusiasm to embrace that change through appropriate planning, while at the same time not losing sight of what Victor Harbor was recognised and valued for, was positively received by many ratepayers."

Mr Maxwell said Mr Schubert's commitment to his hometown of Victor Harbor and the community, a strong leaning towards public service and a belief that he could contribute positively, a commitment to personal growth and self-development and a willingness to learn from, support and mentor others, were among key drivers of Mr Schubert's time as Mayor.

Mr Maxwell said he had great respect for Mr Schubert and admired his commitment to achievement.

“We had a good working relationship and I have valued our ongoing friendship,” he said.

Mr Maxwell said Mr Schubert's strong work ethic was reflected in his ability to achieve balance between his council responsibilities, studies, work and political interests. 

“That work ethic and drive has seen him undertake more studies and achieve a very successful career after completing his Mayoral role,” he said.

Mr Maxwell said that Mr Schubert would be sadly missed and extended his condolences to Scott’s family.

Current Mayor Moira Jenkins said, "The City of Victor Harbor is saddened to hear of the passing of one of its own, Scott Schubert".

"Scott Schubert played many important roles within the Victor Harbor community and the City of Victor Harbor through his role as one of our youngest Mayors from April 2003 to August 2006," she said.

"As Mayor, Scott was instrumental in developing the 2006 Victor Harbor Town Centre Master Plan.

"This plan set the strategic vision and tone for Victor Harbor’s future and instigated the Mainstreet Precinct Upgrades, Railway Turntable site, McLaren Lane upgrade and the current Railway Plaza development which officially turned ground this week.

"A man of great vision, he will be deeply missed.

"The City of Victor Harbor, on behalf of our community, Elected Members and staff, send our thoughts and condolences to Scott's family, friends and past and present colleagues.