Page 2045 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 21 June 2011
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not in a central location. Mr Watkins said, “He was always successful—a fantastic negotiator, a great relationship builder, respected by suppliers and a street fighter.”
While his business acumen was considerable, his willingness to share these skills and resources was felt by many: the local wine industry, vulnerable young people, local sport, especially the Canberra Raiders, where he was a member of the board, and the Catholic community. The Catholic faith Jim was born into remained strong and an important part of him throughout his life, so it is no surprise that Jim was a great supporter of and donor to many charities.
He was a tireless supporter of Open Family. Open Family provides outreach and support services to young people who are at risk and to the homeless. This front-line work sees youth workers engage with young people on the streets to support them to reconnect with community services and ultimately empower them with the life skills that will assist them to make the right decisions about their education, health and employment. Funding for services such as Open Family is a constant challenge and Jim made sure that funds were raised to ensure that Open Family could continue giving lasting and positive benefits to the young people that risk being forgotten and that can, with the support and help provided by Open Family, form the generation of future leaders.
Jim Murphy’s support of Open Family certainly made an impact on the lives of many young people across the ACT and Monaro region. Peter Schwartz from Open Family expressed his gratitude to Jim, and I note Mr Seselja gave that quote. Having worked in the youth field for many years, I do remember Peter Schwartz coming back to meetings that I was attending and saying, “Yes, this morning we had another breakfast. Jim was there, helping to raise money for Open Family.” I do know personally about the fantastic and important work that Open Family does with many of our at-risk young people here in the ACT.
Jim’s relationship with the Canberra Raiders has been described as “beloved”. He was a member of their board from 2003. Current Raiders players formed a guard of honour at Jim’s funeral. Long-time friend and Raiders chairman John McIntyre described Jim as “probably one of the most generous people you will ever meet in life, not just through a monetary sense but through an intellectual sense”.
Jim set up his wine business in a shed at the ANU 30 years ago. His interest in and knowledge of wine was probably his best ally in maintaining business success. What made him different is that he shared this knowledge and experience. This knowledge and experience was central to putting the local Canberra wine industry on the map and for him personally maintaining and expanding his robust business. He took an important role in the negotiations that led to the establishment of the Kamberra wine complex. He was also a foundation member of Canberra’s national riesling challenge. This event has received international acclaim.
Another role Jim took on was as honorary ambassador for the ACT. This role saw him lead trade missions to both Japan and China, and his work assisted in the development of Canberra’s sister city relationship with Beijing. His work always had a clear focus on promotion of the local industry and the Canberra region.
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