Image Upload


File size must be less than 2Mb

You must have online publishing permission or full ownership of this image

File types (jpg, png, gif)






  • Hero image
    FOR THE PEOPLE: Geoff Handbury in the audience at Horsham Town Hall theatre. Mr Handbury and ACE Radio were major financial contributors to a town hall redevelopment project. Picture: DEAN LAWSON

Emma Kealy honours Geoff Handbury

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has joined community leaders across the region in grieving the death of entrepreneur and philanthropist Geoff Handbury.

Ms Kealy said Mr Handbury, AO, was now at peace and with his beloved late wife Helen.

“Geoff made so many thoughtful contributions to the western Victorian community through his great ideas, business nous, passion, approachability and generosity,” she said.

“His belief in western Victoria as a great place to live, work and raise a family saw significant investment across the region. 



Article continues below


“This wasn’t just through his local businesses and jobs including the ACE Radio network, but also generous donations across the region through the Handbury Trust.

“Some of these investments are remembered with a plaque and beautiful photo of Geoff and Helen strolling hand in hand, while others are not marked at all. 

“This is because Geoff didn’t give for recognition, but instead to benefit the community in some quiet way.”

Ms Kealy said she fondly remembered sitting and chatting with Mr Handbury about things he believed were important to the region, its future and its people – from key investments and projects to dealing with the kangaroo problem, to the importance of arts and culture to the region. 

“He really was a lovely and engaging man,” she said.

“We’d then trail off and he’d walk me through his amazing art collection, often pointing out which were Helen’s favourites, and of course, images and memories of his beloved Sandford where he grew up.

“Geoff really was a gentleman and family man who truly believed that the choice to live and raise a family in western Victoria was one of the best decisions anyone could ever make.

“For that I am deeply thankful and proud to have known Geoff. 

“My deepest sympathies to the Handbury family for their sad loss.”

Mr Handbury, 94, died last week in Hamilton.

The entire December 4, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!