Warren Steel in his role as Kiama councillor. Photo: Kiama Council.
Warren Steel, a man described as a “titan” of his Kiama community, has passed away aged 86.
Warren served as a Kiama councillor for seven terms, initially from 1983-87 before a second stint from 1999 until his retirement in 2024, which included fulfilling the role of Deputy Mayor from 2012-16.
His deep ties with the community have been reflected in the tributes which have flowed since his sudden passing in Wollongong Hospital on Saturday (30 May).
Kiama Lions Club posted a message in honour of Warren’s 60 years of service to the organisation.
“Warren began his Lions journey in 1966 as a Charter Member of the Moorooka Lions Club in Queensland. From there, his path of service carried him to Randwick, Dapto, Minnamurra, and finally home to Kiama – each club strengthened by his leadership, energy, and generosity of spirit,” the message said.
“Across six decades, Warren served as club president, zone chairman, director, and mentor to countless Lions. In 1992 he received Lions Clubs International’s highest honour, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, recognising a lifetime of dedication to helping others.”
Warren started his working life as an apprentice electrician, but he held various jobs throughout his life, including management roles at a timber yard, brickworks and a bank and served as Wollongong Chamber of Commerce CEO for a decade.
The life-long South Sydney Rabbitohs fan nicknamed “Stainless”, he owned squash courts and a golf driving range and was also involved in aerial photography, printing and real estate, setting up Steel Family Real Estate in Kiama in the late 1990s.
According to Kiama Council, in recent years Warren devoted more time to his passion for art and he authored several books.
Warren was a keen artist and life-long Rabbitohs fan. Photo: Kiama Council.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Mr Steel had left an indelible mark on the local community.
“Warren was a true titan of our community through his civic work as a councillor for more than a quarter of a century, his passion for local business, tourism, sport and the Lions,” Cr McDonald said.
“He made an immense impact on every organisation which was lucky enough to have benefitted from his dedicated work ethic and tireless commitment to helping people.
“On behalf of Kiama Council and the wider community, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and everyone who was fortunate to be part of his journey.”
Kiama Lions Club said Warren was a passionate sportsman.
“He boxed in his youth, played rugby league, tennis, squash, touch football, golf, and bowls. He lived life fully, always moving, always contributing,” the club said.
“His commitment to community was not a hobby — it was a calling.”
Warren was predeceased by his wife Sandra in 2022 and is survived by his children Lincoln, Danielle and Peta.
“We hope they find comfort in knowing how deeply respected and admired Warren was by all who served alongside him,” the club message said.
“Lion Warren Steel lived a life of service, creativity, and community. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to shape our clubs and our town for many years to come.
“Most of all we have lost a mate.”
