ACE Radio founder Geoff Handbury passes away
ACE Radio founder and champion of regional media Geoff Handbury AO has passed away today, at the age of 94.
Handbury provided founding funding for ACE Radio in 1994, with his late wife Helen, and expanded the company to 13 stations and one newspaper while he was at the helm.
Handbury has passed away peacefully at the age of 94
During his time living in regional Victoria, Handbury made many charitable donations, including funding for a wing of the Hamilton hospital, artworks for the Hamilton Art Gallery, facilities for Hamilton College, community sporting grounds and funding for the National Centre for Farmer Health.
A statement released to the media from ACE Radio thanked Handbury for his tireless work with the media business.
“Geoff wore many hats in his life – sailor, naval officer, farmer, entrepreneur and businessman, importer and exporter, radio network owner and, more importantly, devoted husband, father and friend. He was also a philanthropist who generously supported many regional communities, projects and organisations, including many within areas ACE operates in,” read the statement.
VALE GEOFF HANDBURY AO
What a remarkable legacy you’ve left.
Few towns across western Victoria have not been touched by your generosity & forward-thinking.
That generosity extended far beyond dollars; it’s rare for a man of your standing to be so approachable. I loved our chats. pic.twitter.com/zigA9SRZQJ— Danielle Grindlay (@danigrindlay) November 26, 2019
“ACE Radio would simply not be the thriving business and regional radio stalwart it is without the guidance of Geoff, his knowledge and innovation, integrity, and passion for the industry.
“Geoff was a treasured friend and mentor to the management and staff of the ACE Radio Network and will be remembered fondly. So many of our staff are grateful to Geoff and to Helen Handbury for the opportunity to work for a truly family oriented and regionally minded company.
“The radio industry has lost a true gentleman today. We offer our sincere condolences to his family.”
ACE Radio covers nine regional markets and employs over 2000 people across Victoria and southern New South Wales.
