Big broker Don McLardy remembers a mate

AS published on InsuranceNewsAustralia.com with thanks to John Heath, Editor.

"LONG TIME insurance broker Don McLardy, chairman of McLardy McShane Insurance and Financial Services, president of the Australian Rules Melbourne Football Club and chairman of Reach Foundation remembers his long-time friend and colleague in football and Reach Jim Stynes, for whom a state funeral is being held in Melbourne today."



The late Jim Stynes, football hero Ron Barrassi and Don McLardy at a Melbourne FC match

Jim Stynes
By Don McLardy

I have been fortunate to be Jim's friend for many years, but became really close to him over the past 4 years as we worked together to rebuild our common passion - the Melbourne Football Club.

Frustrated at the state of his football club in June 2008, broke, under performing and with disenfranchised supporters, I encouraged Jim to run for the presidency of Melbourne Football Club.

Among much uncertainty and a little bit of hesitation Jim took over the role, brought in a new look board of experienced and enthusiastic Demon faithfuls and convinced me to stand by him as his vice-president.

Jim quickly made an impact as president, when he, along with myself, oversaw the remarkably successful “Debt Demolition” campaign shortly after taking over at the helm. The function gathered supporters together at a time where many had lost hope in the club andincredibly raised more than $2 million that night.

This evening kick-started Jim’s two year rebuild of the club which included the remarkable eradication of Melbourne’s $5 million debt. Jim rebuilt the base of our football club with his all-inclusive style and virtually ensured our future would be secure.

Jim’s diagnosis of cancer in July 2009 shook the club and forced him to take a break from the presidency. At this time I took the reins as acting president.

Along with the rest of the board members, we were adamant to keep Jim very much a part of the board throughout his cancer fight. Over his journey Jim always remained our inspirational figurehead and contributed as much as he could, whenever he could. His contributions right to the end when he stepped down as president on February 1 this year were always insightful, unique and motivational.

Jim had an infectious personality. I always found it impossible to say no to him. So I soon found myself becoming more involved with the inspirational Reach Foundation he founded in 1996, taking on a board position in 2009 and in February 2011, the role of chairman.

Again, courageously Jim continued his work with Reach throughout his cancer journey. He often showed up at workshops and spoke to crowds of teenagers who hung onto his every word.

To see Jim work with young often troubled teenagers was inspiring. He not only showed those young people a way forward, he trained many of them to be inspiring leaders themselves.

In Jim’s passing, our job at Reach will be to continue the important work Jim started, to carry the values forward he believed in, and make sure we never lose sight of the Reach spirit that we all understand and believe in.

His impact in so many areas has been profound. Perhaps this story best encapsulates Jim Stynes for me.

He once told me that having cancer was a privilege. He said he had worked with many young people who had been in life threatening situations, and he never really knew how they felt.

He believed having cancer would help him understand what those young people were experiencing, and make him a much better person to help them. Cancer a privilege – it takes a special person to consider that.

AFL consecutive games record holder, Brownlow Medallist, Youth Leader, Victorian of the Year, Melburnian of the Year, OAM, MFC President, and arrived from Ireland when he was 18.

Many people have contributed to our society but few leave an indelible mark. Jim Stynes will.

If people want to show their support for Reach they can visit the website reach.org.au or call 03 9412 0900. Information regarding volunteering at Reach is also available from the Reach website www.reach.org.au.