Northam man Tony O’Driscoll, the founder of Mitre 10, was honoured in a special celebration at the business on Saturday when its new trade shed was officially opened to the public.
Member for the Central Wheatbelt the Hon Mia Davies declared the shed open and made a speech reflecting on the past owners life.
“Although not born and bred in Northam, growing up in Wyalkatchem, I was surrounded by people like Tony O’Driscoll,” Ms Davies said.
“It is people like Tony who have demonstrated leadership and commitment that have influenced me in the role that I do.
“He had an enormous dedication to his family and the community and knew that if you want something done good in your town, you get in, get it done and get involved.
“He was beloved of his family, taken much too soon and had a huge impact on the community that he was a part of.
He was beloved of his family, taken much too soon and had a huge impact on the community that he was a part of
- Mia Davies
“Tony was committed to giving back with one of his mantras being that it is better than to receive.”
The trade shed was designed and constructed by local business and tradespeople, which Ms Davies highly commended.
“Every dollar you spend in your community comes back threefold which is beneficial in creating jobs and employment opportunities for the future,” she said.
Ms Davies said the plaque was a great gesture to remember the O’Driscoll man and was a wonderful legacy to the family that holds roots in Northam and the wheatbelt.
The plaque has the touching words: In memorandum of Anthony ‘Tony’ O’Driscoll.
Who was tragically taken from us.
With a group of dedicated staff and family, Tony built Northam Mitre 10 to what it is today.
His sacrifices paved the way for many a future generation.
His mantra was ‘It was better to give than to receive’. A much loved and respected man in his local community. Sorely missed but never forgotten.
Tony passed away on October 13, 2015.
The Tony O’Driscoll Trade Shed is positioned out the back of the business.
The event on Saturday celebrated the newly renovated store, with face-painting, colouring competitions for children, a free sausage sizzle and demonstrations for the adults by product experts.
This coincided with the birthday celebrations of the business, being opened for 30 years in Northam on Peel Terrace in Northam.