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Vale Tom Galletta

  • October 08, 2014

Vale Tom GallettaTom Galletta, Life Member of the Property Council [formerly Retirement Village Association (RVA)] sadly passed away last week aged 66. Tom had represented the RVA on the NSW/ACT committee for 33 years and had been on the National Board for 10 years. He was president of the National Board between 2006 and 2008, acted as CEO of the RVA for a period between 2004 and 2006 and continued as a Director until its merger with the Property Council in 2012.Tom was instrumental in a number of important industry advocacy matters including being a member of the Minister’s Advisory Council in NSW, working on the development of the NSW Act and Regulation spanning some 6 years, dealing with the ATO on taxation matters such as 94/24 and GST on sale of villages.Tom was a major contributor to the pioneering work of the industry and creation and growth of the RVA. Tom’s dedication to the industry and love for retirement villages was a major driver albeit as a quiet achiever and he was very humble. Tom’s commitment at both State and National Board level for well over two decades, including a long stint as President and even a short period as acting CEO ensured the RVA’s continued success was carefully driven, particularly in ensuring the financial health of the business. He had been a tireless worker advocating with governments at a Commonwealth and State level and in ensuring the RVA had good research to back its case. In NSW for well over 5 years, Tom lobbied tirelessly to ensure the industry was not harmed by poor legislative outcomes. He was admired and respected by the residents and staff of the village he managed together with his industry colleagues who usually soon became friends. Tom had over 33 years of active service to the RVA, only leaving official duties in 2012, once again selflessly giving his seat up to ensure the board could extend its expertise with the introduction of new membership and merger with the Property Council.Tom was involved in the early 1980’s with the development of Kenilworth Gardens village in Bowral. Over the past decade he had overseen the development and operation of Woodlands in Sydney, which is greatly revered by the residents.Tom was a devoted family man, who loved to spend leisure time with his loved ones in Italy each year. He was a man of character and integrity who touched the hearts of many of us and was always willing to offer a helping hand. Tom Galletta may be lost but will certainly not be forgotten. Rest in peace. Please feel free to write on the SMH virtual remembrance book for Tom: http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-galletta&pid=172631223