Last month, members of the Mooloolah and surrounding communities were saddened to learn of the passing of community stalwart and long term past president of the Mooloolah Valley Community Association, Alan O’Callaghan.
A passionate advocate for his beloved hometown of Mooloolah, Alan devoted countless volunteer hours championing local causes for the benefit of the local community.
As long running president of the Mooloolah Valley Community Association, Alan was instrumental in driving a number of initiatives, including securing a more substantial lease for the Mooloolah Community Centre, the establishment of a local skate park, supporting the expansion of the Community Centre to host a still thriving op shop, and along with the Management Committee team securing substantial funds toward plans to establish a Mooloolah Men’s Shed.
As a person with a disability, in his younger years Alan had been a vocal activist in the 1970s and 1980s, strongly raising awareness for the critical need for greater disability support which ultimately led to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Member for Glass House Andrew Powell paid tribute to Alan in his May Parliamentary speech and noted that Alan had spent decades advocating for in-home support and independent living for people with a disability – with the aim to end institutionalisation and segregation. On a more humorous note, Mr Powell joked that he was staggered that Alan never picked up a speeding fine as he raced through Mooloolah Valley in his motorised wheelchair!
Alan died on Wednesday May 11, after a short battle with cancer. Close friend and Community Centre colleague Anita Verwayen said that Alan had been in Sunshine Coast University Hospital for a couple of weeks before his passing and had been very upbeat and very much looking forward to coming home, however sadly his condition deteriorated very rapidly the weekend before his death with the spread of an extremely aggressive form of cancer.
“Many of us were privileged to know Alan, as a close friend, esteemed colleague and past president of the Management Committee of the Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc,” said Anita.
“He was just an all-round ‘decent human being’ and the Mooloolah Community is poorer for his passing.We can just see him walking through the Pearly Gates to shake hands with other recently passed Mooloolah identities Bryan Harris and Michael McMahon who are already in residence!”
A private cremation occurred followed by a community wake held at the Mooloolah Public Hall on May 28 attended by over 100 people. Alan is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughter Bridget and son Daniel.
Main image: Alan with former Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay at the opening of the Community Skate Park