‘We’ve lost an icon’
RESPECTED community leader Greg Newey is being remembered by friends and loved ones, after being killed in a horror crash on Wood Street.
The Warwick community is still reeling following news of the three-car crash earlier this week, which claimed the life of the 76-year-old.
Mr Newey’s wife, Beth was flown to hospital in Brisbane with serious arm injuries.
Close friends have reflected on the devastating loss of a “community icon”.
Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley has spent 49 years shooting with the international talent.
He said his friend was a world-class clay target shooter who ranked third in Australia before the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
“We’ve lost an icon,” Mr Bartley said simply.
“This is a big blow. We’re all getting old, but we thought we would get old together.
“He contributed so much to the community. He was one of our unsung heroes.”
Moving to Warwick in the 1970s, Mr Newey bought Lees’ Newsagency, which would later become Hynes Newsagency, before purchasing Warwick Outdoor and Sports.
As a prominent businessman, Mr Newey soon found himself in roles such as the Chamber of Commerce president and chairman of the Warwick Tourism and Events board, and was heavily involved in the Warwick RSL and Warwick Fire Brigade board.
A man who “was always doing something”, he will be remembered by many for his continual efforts to improve a town he loved.
Fellow shooter John Loy said he had known Mr Newey since he was seven and had been lucky enough to witness his passion firsthand.
“He would take me to coaching clinics in Brisbane and the coast,” Mr Loy said.
“He really had a passion for helping younger people.
“It wasn’t just shooting – he had a vision for Warwick and was very passionate about making it great.”
But Mr Newey’s passion for sports didn’t stop at shooting.
Also an avid MG enthusiast, Mr Newey raced in the Leyburn Sprints, was a staple of the Jumpers and Jazz car display and even wrote a Warwick Daily News Car Guide column.
But indisputably, his first and foremost passion was for his loved ones.
“He adored his family,”
Mr Bartley said.
“It just doesn’t seem right.”