Property Council notes the passing of Ron Walker AC CBE

A statement from President Roger Teale.

It is with great sadness that the Property Council of Australia notes the passing of Ron Walker AC CBE.

Ron was well known to many Victorians and the property industry. He played a central role in Victorian politics, sport and business for decades.

Ron was elected to the Melbourne City Council in the late 1960s and served as the Lord Mayor of Melbourne from 1974 to 1976. He was Commissioner for Melbourne’s 1996 Olympic Games bid, he helped to deliver the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne and served as the Chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation as well as the Melbourne Major Events Company.  Ron subsequently became Chairman of the organising body for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Of course, he was not just a business identity but an identity in the property industry.  Hudson Conway – under the stewardship of Ron and Lloyd Williams, developed the Crown Casino Complex and in 2003 he co-founded (and was Chairman of) Evolve Development.
In what little spare time Ron had, he served philanthropic causes as the Chairman of the Microsurgery Foundation of the Bernard O’Brian Institute of St Vincent’s Hospital.

The tributes paid to Ron since his passing from throughout the community and across the political divide are a testament to the lasting impact his legacy will have on so many.

On behalf of the Division Council, I pay tribute to his vision, his drive and his love for Victoria. I extend our thoughts to his family and friends. Vale Ron Walker.
Roger Teale, President, Victorian Division, Property Council of Australia.