Eric Holliday was an extraordinary man and his passing sees the loss of someone who contributed enormously to the community and agricultural industries. Eric spent all his life living at Port Stephens and farming on Marsh Rd, Bobs Farm. He created an innovative and productive horticultural farm.
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Eric’s life is best described as being one of hard work, thinking of and supporting others, innovation and always looking in the long term. He grew up in an era when there were many small farmers, both dairy and horticultural enterprises in the Port Stephens area. He represented them to State and Federal Governments on many occasions through the farm organisations of which he was a member. He was a great advocate for farmers but also the community in general.
His interests in longer term issues saw him become involved with the then fledgling CB Alexander Presbyterian Agricultural College, ‘Tocal’. He struck up a friendship with George McFarlane, the then Deputy Principal and Lecturer in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. George was impressed with his dynamism, forward thinking and his approach to marketing the things he grew on his farm. His links to Tocal continued for the remainder of his life
A visit to Eric’s horticultural farm became a mandatory part of the Tocal student experience. For students coming from beef properties and large acreages out west, it was a real eye-opener. Their only view of agriculture was large scale with beef, sheep and cropping. An afternoon with Eric was a great inspiration to them and an important part of their education. It was also great inspiration for many of the young staff at Tocal who had recently left university and were still finding their feet in their profession.
With the creation of the Tocal College Advisory Council in 1979, the appointment of Eric Holliday as a member was seen as a great move. Eric later became the Chair of the Advisory Council, serving from 1988 to 1994 years. He was an active and forward thinking contributor remaining on the Council until 2006.
Eric’s ability to understand, inspire and work with others was something to witness. I found as a staff member, later Deputy Principal and Principal, learning much from Eric’s style and approach to issues and problems. Later Eric was a Foundation member of the Friends of Tocal and was an active member of that organisation until very recently. He was vice President from 1993 to 1996.
Eric would attend every function at the College; Tocal Field Days, Tocal Homestead Open Days, student graduation days, visits by dignitaries. He was a great ambassador for the College at these events but would also be on the lookout for opportunities for the College wherever he went.
Eric and his late wife Billie travelled the world looking at developments of horticulture and flower production developments. He therefore had an excellent grasp of international trends of horticulture and agriculture in general. He was forward thinking but always wanted to take people with him rather than leave them behind. The College was delighted when Eric was awarded an award in the Order of Australia, some years ago, it was the most just deserving award given his service to the community, industry and Tocal College.
Eric kept in touch with people, always extending a warm welcome, a genuine handshake and taking a special interest in all. Eric treated everyone in a special way, it didn’t matter if you were the Prime Minister of Australia or a first year student you were treated the same. I recall him asking about students who he met and were facing various challenges, long after his initial contact. He would always encourage and support looking for the opportunities.
The region and Tocal have lost a wonderful contributor, if there ever was a cup half full person it was Eric Holliday OAM.
We extend our condolences to Eric’s family at this time.
Cameron Archer AM
Former Principal Tocal College