Above: Geoff and Janet Brown pictured with family in attendance at lunch, back, son-in-law Harvey Smith and daughter Bec Smith, front, granddaughter Lucy Smith, Geoff Brown, grandson Henry Smith and Janet Brown.
Agricultural consultant and devoted community member, Geoff Brown has received his Honorary Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the cotton industry and to the community of Wee Waa.
The Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey presented Mr Brown with the award at an Investiture Ceremony in Brisbane, last week.
The award was announced on Australia Day when Mr Brown said he was “very humbled” by the recognition and thanked his wife, Janet for her support.
“Janet’s contribution is very important, she has been my wife through all these years and I’m immensely appreciative.”
The award’s ceremony follows a special farewell lunch that was held for Mr and Mrs Brown at the Carolan’s property ‘Waverley’, Wee Waa, on Saturday, May 4.
The couple made a rushed move to Toowoomba about 18 months ago for health reasons but returned to Wee Waa for the lunch, the town they called home for nearly 50 years and the place they chose to raise their children, daughter Bec (Smith) and son Campbell.
The broad range of speakers at the lunch encapsulated the impact the Brown’s had right across the community, on all aspects of life, from their involvement in the cotton industry to the hospital and fundraisers.
There were also plenty of jokes about the All Blacks and Mr Brown’s Kiwi heritage.
Wendy Revell gave a speech about Mrs Brown’s unwavering, community involvement.
Jack Murray talked about Mr Brown’s early work with Shell and his well-deserved OAM.
Sam Powell spoke on behalf of his parents, Philip and Elizabeth Powell about friendship and family.
Jeff Carolan’s speech covered Mr Brown’s outstanding work as an agricultural consultant and mentor, and the close friendship between families.
Conrad Bolton gave an insight into Campbell Brown’s love of aviation and work as a pilot.
Kerry Watts paid tribute to the Brown’s commitment to Wee Waa and in particular their work with Rotary.
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