Geoff Brown OAM celebrated his memorable milestone 80th birthday surrounded by many of his friends and family at The Exchange in Narrabri on Saturday, April 6.
Geoff and Janet Brown were married and lived in Narrabri before moving to Wee Waa in 1969 where Geoff was working for the Shell chemical company.
Geoff was involved in the early years of cotton being grown in the Namoi Valley.
After several years, Jack Murray joined the Shell team in Wee Waa and he and Geoff worked together closely.
There were many in the agricultural industry, especially many of those in the cotton industry who experienced the challenging years of the 70s with the floods and insect issues.
There were also problems with chemical availability appropriate for the problems being experienced in the agricultural/cotton farmers during the certain periods of that time.
The American families from California brought a lot of cotton-growing knowledge with them and generously shared what they knew.
One of these families who joined Geoff for his 80th celebrations were Bob and Gladys Parish, who lived and farmed at ‘Pindara’ on Doreen Lane for many years.
Many other names synonymous with cotton-growing, cotton research, and cotton chemical/well-being were also present to celebrate.
Many of Geoff and Janet’s good friends were involved in every walk of life, from having friends in common with their work, from relating to working shifts at Wee Waa hospital to fundraising for their children’s schools.
Geoff has always been ambitious in achieving the best results possible for those he worked with.
Geoff’s generous nature also extended beyond the paddocks and into the community having been a member of the Rotary Club for many years.
He and long time friend Kerry Watts who attended Geoff’s 80th with wife Merre share many cotton industry stories as well as their Rotary involvement.
Dr Neil and Kerrie Forrester attended; Dr Forrester was integral in the development and implementation of the insecticide resistance strategy and the introduction of Ingard and Bollgard cottons.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Geoff’s 80th birthday celebration was that there were a special group of his and his late wife Janet’s close friends who have shared many laughs and fundraising adventures amongst other projects.
Some of Geoff’s associates in the cotton industry fields enjoyed the challenges together and solved many problems collectively.
Geoff and Janet have dear friends in the community who have been a part of the fabric of the Brown (Smith) family for over 50 years and have many happy days they recollect, especially from those days where their children Bec and Campbell could often be seen riding their bikes around Wee Waa and enjoying handball matches at the Wee Waa schools they attended!
Geoff and his family wish to thank everyone for travelling to attend his special gathering at The Exchange, especially on the wet and muddy roads.
A very memorable day was shared, thank you to everyone for making it possible.
