Ron Walker

Ronald Joseph Walker (15 September 1939 – 30 January 2018) was an Australian businessman best known for his work in managing sporting events. He was also involved with property development and media companies, as well as serving as Lord Mayor of Melbourne from 1974 to 1976.

Biography

The son of a Hoyts Cinema senior supervisor, Walker attended Caulfield Grammar School and as a schoolboy, He then sold newspapers at a train station.

During his business career he held large stakes in companies such as People Telecom, Primelife and Buka Minerals.

In 1976, he held a partnership with another Melbourne businessman, Lloyd Williams. The pair formed a property development company called Hudson Conway, which developed the Crown Casino complex in Melbourne and was the casino's first operator. By June 2011, Walker was reported as leading a group of wealthy Melbourne investors that approached Fairfax Media and sought to acquire The Age and radio station 3AW from Fairfax. However, their approaches were rebuffed.

Walker also served as Chairman of the Microsurgery Foundation of the Bernard O'Brien Institute of St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne. The aim of the Foundation is to raise funds for research, equipment and building infrastructure for the O'Brien Institute.

Personal life

In 2010, he underwent emergency brain surgery after falling off his bike in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. He also suffered broken ribs and concussion in the fall.

Walker's interests included a collection of classic cars and property; he had an estimated net worth of A$978 million, according to the 2011 BRW Rich 200.

Awards

Walker received a range of imperial and Australian honours including: Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1977 New Year Honours for service to local government Officer of the Order of Australia in 1987 for service to the community and to social welfare Centenary Medal in 2001 for outstanding service to the Australian community, particularly in Victoria Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003 for service to business, the arts and the community, and to raising the profile of Australia internationally with significant benefit for tourism and employment.

In 1975, Walker was named as Victoria's Outstanding Man of the Year during his term as Lord Mayor of Melbourne; Victorian Father of the Year in 1976, and Victorian of the Year in 1994.