Vale Alan McIntosh: Beloved Tweed, Kingscliff community figure dies

Tributes are flowing for a “cherished founding father” of the Tweed, whose “legacy is woven into the fabric of the community, evident in the countless lives he touched”. Here’s his story.

Prominent northern NSW identity Alan McIntosh has died. Picture: Jerad Williams.

Tributes are flowing for a “cherished” founding father of the Tweed, whose “legacy is woven into the fabric of the community, evident in the countless lives he touched”.

Longtime Tweed farmer and prominent Kingscliff identity Alan McIntosh died on Wednesday, April 24 at the age of 83. He spent more than half a century living in the shire.

Mr McIntosh was diagnosed with bowel cancer some years ago, but it is not clear whether the cancer directly caused his death.

Alan McIntosh. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr McIntosh, who owned large tracts of farming land in the Tweed, famously in 2018 offered 12 hectares of land to the NSW Government to build the new Tweed Hospital.

In A Current Affair report on his generous offer at the time, he tearfully quipped “money is not everything” – and despite sitting on a fortune – wanted to “put the community first”.

He told media the offer would come with “no strings attached”. The land was valued at approximately $2.5m.

In a Gold Coast Bulletin report, Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he had contacted NSW Health Infrastructure to consider the viability of Mr McItosh’s property. However, the offer was never taken up.

In December last year, Mr McIntosh listed for sale a sprawling 35 hectare cattle property on Tweed Coast Rd, complete with a fully operational dance studio.

Alan McIntosh during his time as president for Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce, pictured with vice-president Les Roughead. Picture: Tweed Daily News.

In the wake of Mr McIntosh’s death, the community paid tribute to the “beloved” figure, who opened Kingscliff’s first newsagency and once led the town’s Apex club and chamber of commerce.

Tweed councillor James Owen said that Mr McIntosh was one of the “founding fathers” of the Tweed Shire.

“It is with deep sadness I share the news of the passing of one of Tweed Shire’s most beloved community members. I considered Alan a great friend,” Cr Owen wrote.

“Alan passed away on Wednesday April 24, 2024, aged 83.

“He was known for his passion, commitment to community, and utmost respectability. His legacy is woven into the fabric of our community, evident in the countless lives he touched, and the positive impacts he had.

Picture: Supplied/Facebook.

“He was a cherished and much loved member of the Tweed Shire community and will be missed by many.

“My thoughts, and sincerest condolences, are with his wife Suzanne, his family, and his friends at this very sad time.”

Local Chinderah business Loan Market Excel wrote that Mr McIntosh was a “lovely guy that played a big part in shaping the community we all love today”.

“He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and the family.”

Waveski Surfing Australia shared a tribute, saying Mr McIntosh had sponsored the Kingscliff waveski competition.

“A Kingscliff legend, Alan was a hardworking and successful business man. His son, Shayne, has been a champion lifesaver and wave ski surfer,” they wrote.

“Alan raised a beautiful family and made a difference to the world. RIP Alan, a great man who was loved and respected by so many.”

Graham Roberts wrote: “Going to miss Alan at the table of knowledge in Kingscliff at the grind coffee shop RIP champ.”

Mr McIntosh’s funeral notice. Picture: Supplied/Facebook.

Tweed resident Dave Dunn described Mr McIntosh as a “great man”.

Karen Campbell added that he was a “true Kingy legend”.

Brett Gray wrote: “A great community advocate. Alan will be missed by many.”

Fire and Rescue Kingscliff 347 Station staff said they were saddened by Mr McIntosh’s passing, writing that he was a “incredible man and community figure”.

“He leaves behind the legacy of generosity and community spirit,” they wrote.

“Alan was the founding force behind the Christmas Santa lolly run and was a fierce advocate for many of the 347 community engagements over the years. His legacy will live on in the annual Christmas Santa run that has become a pivotal event within our community.

“Thank you for all you did Alan, you will be missed.”

Mr McIntosh’s funeral will be held at St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff, at 10.30am on Wednesday, May 1, followed by a wake at the Kingscliff Surf Club.

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