Thursday, 31 October 2024

Colin McKenna

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (09:59): He was first a shearer, then a stock agent and in 1988 founded one of the premier beef and sheep meat processing plants in Australia. Colin McKenna AM was like the king of Warrnambool and Midfield Meat the crowning employer in the McKenna kingdom. He was a dairy farmer of note, establishing the Union Dairy Company, as well as being a beef farmer and hotelier. Colin was the working example of if you work hard, you will be rewarded. He never stopped working.

But Colin was more than an incredibly successful businessman – he was a beyond generous philanthropist, divesting millions into multiple causes and to individuals in need, including making a seven-figure donation to establish the Peter’s Project cancer centre in Warrnambool. He was a racing owner of note, and pre-eminent trainer Ciaron Maher said he would be forever indebted for the blind faith Colin showed in him from day one. Apparently just eight days before his death Colin watched his horse Duke De Sessa win the Caulfield Cup from his Cabrini Hospital bed.

He was, in his typically humble way, a man of strength. Upon receiving his Australia Day honour, Colin said:

I don’t think it’s up to the community to thank me, I should thank the community –

and the farmers –

that has supported me over 45 years …

Colin McKenna might have left us, but his incredible legacy will live on. My sympathies go to his wife Janice and children Dean, Kristy, Bret and Stacey; stepchildren Alex and Lisa; their extended families; and brothers Daryl, Neville and families. Rest in peace, Colin McKenna.