Citizen of the Year
Geoff Sullivan
Geoff was nominated by Peter Chittick
Geoff was a founding member of the Tenterfield and District Visitors’ Association 50 years ago, serving as president for more than 20 years and on the committee for more than 40 years.
His commitment and vision laid a strong foundation for a now thriving industry, one that contributes economic benefit to the shire and the community.
His tenacity, perseverance and thoughtful development at a time when tourism wasn’t considered a “real” industry is now bearing fruit. He continues to work with the association as vice president and volunteer.
Geoff was born in Tenterfield, educated at St Joseph’s School (later attending De La Salle College in Armidale). His working life began in Tenterfield in the family business, Sullivan’s Newsagency, where he worked with his father before purchasing the business and running it for more than 50 years.
He worked long hours but was always able to find time to work for the community. “Pride of Workmanship” was awarded to him by the Rotary Club in 2004.
Geoff’s other community involvement includes:
• Shalstone Court Management Committee from its inception – currently vice president;
• active member of Tenterfield Railway Preservation Society serving as vice president and secretary for more than five years and still an active volunteer; and
• Member of the International Town Partnership Cultural Committee and heavily involved in instigating and developing a German Sister City display in the Visitor’s Centre.
As part of the Sister City arrangement, Geoff and Lucy have hosted seven young people from Ottobeuren, Hawangen and Bohen for between two and three months each and many other young people for shorter periods of time.
As a member of Rotary and the International Town Partnership Cultural Committee, Geoff works tirelessly for the highly successful bi-annual Bavarian Music Festival and hosts several band members on each visit.
He has also been a host to many Rotary Group Study Exchange Team members from overseas and also Rotary Youth Exchange members.
Geoff has been president of the Tenterfield Rotary Club twice and secretary for 13 years. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow for service to Rotary and the community and in 2007 was awarded the Sapphire Pin – a highly prestigious addition to the Paul Harris Award.
He served a term as president of the Tenterfield Festival Committee when the Memorial Hall was the main benefactor enabling restoration work to start in the following year.
Other noteworthy achievements include president of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal; past member of the School of Arts Management Committee; member of the Steering Committee which led to the establishment of Millrace Hostel; served on the executive of the Tenterfield Chamber of Commerce for many years; president of the Bi-Centenary Committee for five years and led the committee in a huge year of celebrations in 1988 – The Mt MacKenzie Lookout was one of the main Bi-Centenary projects for Tenterfield; Served as an alderman on the Tenterfield Municipal Council; involved in Landcare for more than 12 years and served as president of the group for many years; Tenterfield delegate to Ottobeuren, Tenterfield’s Sister City in Germany, and was present when the Partnership Deed was signed in 2002; president and secretary of the Tenterfield Apex Club and was awarded life membership; in the Scout Movement for many years firstly as a Scout and then a Scout Leader – he earned the prestigious Wood Badge during this time; and being called up for National Service in the 1950s, attaining the rank of Sergeant – currently a member of the Tenterfield RSL.
Geoff has been involved and 200 per cent committed to the prosperity and development of Tenterfield all his life – from business through to council affairs, Landcare and the environment, service clubs and tourism. Although he suffered a major illness he still carried on.
He has worked tirelessly for the community, always looking forward.
