I became aware on the day he passed away while I was attending a portfolio construction forum in Sydney.

Neil Clark was my admin studies lecturer at the BIT in 1971 when I was studying my data processing and accountancy course there. 

Neil’s tall heavy build and curly hair and beard made an imposing figure on a young 18-year-old student.

One doesn’t forget such teachings as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (the food, clothing, shelter) physiological needs right up to the self-actualisation needs of morality, creativity, acceptance, meaning and inner potential.

Neil’s guidance saw me pass the subject and left an impression on me for the rest of my life.

We renewed our acquaintances over the past eight years and often chatted about various council and community affairs matters. 

Neil held strong views on the expansion of the directorships, Hargreaves Mall, innovation park, airport re-development, the “Hangman’s Hall” (Gaol Theatre), council excesses and wastages, economic development, innovation and start-ups and the independent review to name but a few.

Numerous letters to the editor were published over the years by the Bendigo Advertiser allowing Neil Clark to exercise his democratic right to pass on a view or opinion on a topic.

There will be those mourning his loss across this area but none more so than his affectionate wife Judy in Randwick. Neil Clark contributed to this community’s fabric with his wit, input to public affairs and his commitment to research and to the delivery of ideas to those less willing or unwilling to thoroughly explore the subject matter. 

His efforts are not in vain.

Vale Neil Clark.

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