NSW greyhound welfare Chief Commissioner Alan Brown passes away suddenly
NSW GWIC CEO Steve Griffin confirmed the passing of the Chief Commissioner saying “We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn that Chief Commissioner Brown AM passed away last night shortly after surgery at St Vincent's hospital,” Mr Griffin said.
“Alan was a gentleman in every way and was enormously respected for both his professionalism and in the way he dealt with friends, colleagues and strangers” said Griffin.
Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys has paid tribute to Mr Brown who has a former Racing NSW Chairman saying “Alan was an outstanding Racing administrator and his contribution to racing is immeasurable”.
Mr Brown served as a Board member, including as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Sydney Turf Club from 1983 to 2008. He was appointed Chairman of Racing NSW in 2008, a role he held for three years, and served on the Board until 2014. Mr Brown has held a number of other positions in racing administration including Director of the Australian Racing Board and Chairman of the Australian Pattern Committee and his passion for the thoroughbred industry extended to being a racehorse owner where he enjoyed considerable success.
Mr Brown AM also had a longstanding exposure to greyhound racing. His grandfather bred and raced greyhounds with notable success, and Alan's son has raced greyhounds successfully.
In August 2017, the NSW Government appointed Mr Brown AM as the Chief Commissioner of the newly established GWIC for a three year term, where he was instrumental in leading the Government's reforms. His appointment was then extended until the end of 2022.
In 2019, Mr Brown was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the thoroughbred racing industry, and was recognised for his 45 years a Solicitor of the Supreme Court.
“Alan was the ultimate gentlemen who was full of class and respected and admired by all he came into contact with. His greatest asset was his loyalty and he would be the strongest supporter when most needed. In fact, he was the perfect role model not only for racing administrators but anyone who seeks success” V'landys said.
Mr Griffin paid tribute to Mr Brown's contributions to racing saying “Alan's contribution to the thoroughbred and greyhound racing industries was immense and both codes are better for the contributions that he has made”.
“He was a great leader, mentor and strategic thinker and he was steadfastly committed to ensuring that the greyhound racing industry had a sustainable and bright future. He will be deeply missed by us all” said Griffin.
“I know that Alan was immensely proud of what the Commission has achieved under very challenging times, and that the Commission was developing into the controlling body that he had envisioned when he first commenced with the Commission over four years ago.”
“We couldn't have done it without his strong leadership. He will be deeply missed by us all.”
Alan Brown is survived by wife Belinda and daughters Alex and Camilla.