Harry Hunt resigns from Liverpool Chamber president role after 13 years

HARRY Hunt aka Mr Liverpool has resigned from his 13-year stint as Liverpool Chamber president. The businessman said “it was time”.

Harry Hunt aka Mr Liverpool has resigned from his Chamber of Commerce president role after 13 years. Picture: Jonathan Ng

• ‘Supergran’ goes above and beyond
• How Red Rooster defines Sydney’s west
• Macquarie Mall grand opening
• Specialists encourage regular testing to reduce heartache

HARRY Hunt has resigned from his 13-year stint as Liverpool Chamber president.

The businessman said “it was time”.

“Liverpool has come a long way ... and it’s going to go a lot further,” he said.

“It’s a young people’s world. I’m hoping more new people will come onto the board.”

The 72-year-old said his resignation would bring new ideas and faces to the Chamber board.

George Germanos will be the caretaker president until the Chamber’s December 6 annual general meeting. He has also put his hand up for the permanent position.

“Harry has had many achievements and has dedicated many hours to ensuring the chamber represented a voice for business across the region and offered a place for businesses to connect and work together,” Mr Germanos said.

“Harry is a prominent and respected leader ... assisting many people in need and working tirelessly to raise Liverpool’s profile — earning himself the well-deserved title of Mr Liverpool.”

“I think it’s going to give me a lot more time,” Mr Hunt said.

“No one has been on the Chamber for self gain. We’ve all done it for the community.

“I have no regrets and hope the new board will take it to the next level.”

Mr Hunt said he decided to pull up stumps because of his age.

“I still love my work and my business. I’m very fortunate to be in a place I really love.

“It’s not just a business, but a way of life. It’s not gigantic but I’m very lucky to have been fairly successful.”

Mr Hunt said he often found people turning to him for business advice after his years of learning.

“I haven’t got a university degree. I went to the school of hard knocks.

“I don’t get stressed. I don’t lose my cool and have never raised my voice.”

Mr Hunt was one of the few people wanting a new airport for Sydney at Badgerys Creek, three years before the Federal Government committed to it.

“Nobody thought it was a good idea ... so it’s great to see it coming to fruition,” he said.

“There was a lot of negotiation and pushing the right buttons. I’m happy to be one of the people all for the airport even if I was a lone voice.”

Harry’s achievements

● Turning his small motel into a 140-bedroom motel

● Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary

● Liverpool Citizen of the Year

● Companion to the Order of Liverpool

● Order of Australia Medal

● After 20 years, he is now a Liverpool Chamber of Commerce lifelong patron member

Follow @stacyjournalist