Tributes flow for city leader
Civic duties and sport were passions
LONG- SERVING Geelong council manager Jeff Wall is being remembered for his contribution to the city’s civic and sporting life.
Mr Wall, who served the council for 13 years before retiring in 2014, died last Wednesday. Council CEO Kelvin Spiller yesterday paid tribute to the man who had managed several different departments during his time at City Hall.
“Jeff was a well respected and admired leader who made a significant contribution to the City of Greater Geelong and the wider community,” Mr Spiller said.
“He was a supportive colleague and friend to many of our employees. Our thoughts are with Jeff’s wife Wendy, daughters Jo and Ash and family and friends.”
Mr Wall started with the council in 2001 as the manager of administration and govern- ance, moving over from Barwon Water. He would later manage Communications, Marketing, Event Services, Risk and Corporate Services.
Mr Wall was also heavily involved in local sport, contributing as a player and chairman of selectors to the Ocean Grove Football Netball Club.
Former Ocean Grove coach Brendan McCartney, who oversaw four football flags in a row in the mid-’90s, last week singled out Mr Wall for his work in transforming the club into a powerhouse after a grand final loss in 1993.
“There were a couple of people who were crucial in driving that,” he said.
“Jeff Wall was pivotal and (he and) Terry Demeo were great Ocean Grove people and they stood together and said ‘we’re not going to let this happen again. Next year we’re going to do a better job’.”
“Jeff was a well respected and admired leader who made a significant contribution to the City of Greater Geelong and the wider community.”