Ron Walker (businessman)
Ron Walker Lord Mayor of Melbourne | |
---|---|
In office 1974–1976 | |
Preceded by | Alan Douglas Whalley |
Succeeded by | Donald Osborne |
Personal details | |
Born | Melbourne, Australia | 15 September 1939
Died | 30 January 2018 | (aged 78)
Political party | Liberal |
Nickname | Big Red[1] |
Ronald Joseph Walker
Biography
The son of a
In 1988, he was appointed as a Commissioner for Melbourne's
During his business career he held large stakes in companies such as People Telecom, Primelife and Buka Minerals.
In 1976, he held a partnership with another Melbourne businessman,
Between 2005 and 2009, Walker was chairman of Fairfax Media, publisher of both The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald newspapers and a range of other media assets. Walker decided to not seek re-election as chairman of the Fairfax board following a public and acrimonious boardroom dispute in 2009.[6][7][8] By June 2011, Walker was reported as leading a group of wealthy Melbourne investors that approached Fairfax Media and sought to acquire The Age and radio station 3AW from Fairfax. However, their approaches were rebuffed.[9]
Walker also served as Chairman of the Microsurgery Foundation of the Bernard O'Brien Institute of St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne.[10] The aim of the Foundation is to raise funds for research, equipment and building infrastructure for the O'Brien Institute.
Personal life
In 2010, he underwent emergency
Walker's interests included a collection of classic cars and property; he had an estimated
He died from cancer on 30 January 2018.[1][5]
Awards
Walker received a range of imperial and Australian honours including:
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1977 New Year Honours for service to local government[12]
- Officer of the Order of Australia in 1987 for service to the community and to social welfare[13]
- Centenary Medal in 2001 for outstanding service to the Australian community, particularly in Victoria[14]
- Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003 for service to business, the arts and the community, and to raising the profile of Australia internationally with significant benefit for tourism and employment.[15]
In 1975, Walker was named as Victoria's Outstanding Man of the Year during his term as Lord Mayor of Melbourne; Victorian Father of the Year in 1976, and Victorian of the Year in 1994.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Thomsen, Simon (30 January 2018). "'Mr Melbourne', business giant and Grand Prix boss Ron Walker, has died, aged 78". Business Insider Australia. Archived from the original on 31 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
- ^ a b c d Campbell, James (30 January 2018). "Ron Walker: greatest achievement was miracle drug campaign". Herald Sun.
- ^ "Melbourne Grand Prix supremo, businessman, Liberal Party member Ron Walker dies". ABC News. 30 January 2018.
- ^ a b c Carney, Shaun (11 March 2006). "What makes Ron run?". The Age. Australia. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ a b "'A great Australian': Former head of Grand Prix Ron Walker dies". 9news. 30 January 2018.
- ^ "Marinya won't support Walker re-election". The Sydney Morning Herald. Australian Associated Press. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ Colvin, Mark; Ryan, Peter (28 September 2009). "Ron Walker walks away from Fairfax". PM (ABC Radio). Australia. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ "Walker offered to buy Marinya's Fairfax Media stake". Business Spectator. Australia. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ a b Kitney, Damon; Chessell, James (15 June 2011). "Fairfax rejects Walker's bid for The Age and Radio 3AW". The Australian. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ "Microsurgery Foundation". Bernard O'Brien Institute. 2011. Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ Hunter, Thomas (24 March 2010). "Ron Walker undergoes emergency brain surgery". The Age. Melbourne.
- ^ "WALKER, Ronald Joseph". It's an Honour. Commonwealth of Australia. 31 December 1976. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ "WALKER, Ronald Joseph". It's an Honour. Commonwealth of Australia. 8 June 1987. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ "WALKER, Ronald Joseph". It's an Honour. Commonwealth of Australia. 1 January 2001. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
- ^ "WALKER, Ronald Joseph". It's an Honour. Commonwealth of Australia. 26 January 2002. Retrieved 12 November 2011.