Paddy Pallin

Frank Austin "Paddy" Pallin (1900 – 3 January 1991) was an Australian pioneer bushwalking and camping equipment retailer. He is best known for the Paddy Pallin chain of outdoors equipment stores he founded and as a founding member of the Search and Rescue arm of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW in 1936. This was a predecessor of the Police Search and Rescue unit and New South Wales State Emergency Service.

Biography Born in County Durham, England, in 1900, Pallin developed a love for the outdoors while on family picnics and Scout trips to the Yorkshire countryside. After he emigrated to Sydney, Australia, in 1926 he worked initially as a sharefamer and then as an insurance clerk. In 1939 he co-founded, with Marie Byles, The Bush Club, a walking club with a different philosophy to the Sydney Bush Walkers Club. (Both clubs are still active today).

Pallin started cross-country skiing in 1954 but he quickly capitalised on the boom for the sport by retailing skiing equipment. Pallin was involved in numerous community organisations including: the Youth Hostels Association, the Scout Association and the National Parks Association of NSW.

Paddy's autobiography Never Truly Lost is still looked to for inspiration by those interested in getting out into the wilderness.

Notable achievements

Was a founding member of the Search and Rescue arm of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW in 1936. This was a predecessor of the Police Search and Rescue unit and New South Wales State Emergency Service, and is known today as the Bush Search and Rescue New South Wales, NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue. Started the Paddy Pallin outdoor store which still operates to this day. Helped to establish Pennant Hills Scout Camp. Started the annual Paddy Pallin Orienteering Competition In 1963. Established the Paddy Pallin ski classic in 1964. Was pivotal in the foundation of the River Canoe Club in 1935.