Harry Hunt: Kurrajong Rd bridge at Liverpool to be named after Hunts Hotel owner

A giant of Liverpool, known for his love of community and charitable endeavours, is set to honoured through the naming of a piece of infrastructure following his recent death.

A bridge over Kurrajong Rd in Casula is set to be named after the late Harry Hunt in recognition of his contributions to Liverpool’s tourism industry and community.

Mr Hunt was Liverpool Business Chamber president for 13 years, South West Sydney Tourism Association president, owner of Hunts Hotel Liverpool and a sponsor of Shining Stars Foundation, donating 150-plus meals to the homeless every week.

He earned the titled of ‘Mr Liverpool’ and died in February, aged 77.

Liverpool deputy mayor Karress Rhodes recently tabled a proposal before council for a “Harry Hunt Memorial Bridge”, describing Mr Hunt as a “man before his time and a man of great vision”.

“It is very fitting to have the bridge named after Harry Hunt as he was in many ways a bridge himself,” she said.

Liverpool deputy mayor Karress Rhodes and Mr Hunt’s daughter Sue-Lei Hunt-Mingay. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek.

“He was the bridge between the community and any of the communities needs. He was the bridge between the Liverpool community and the various levels of government.”

Mr Hunt’s daughter Sue-Lei Hunt-Mingay said her family welcomed the idea of honouring her late father.

Mr Hunt died in February 2022, aged 77. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek.

“I was surprised and very honoured that Karress had it in her heart to bring this idea forward and into fruition. It’s a big way to be recognised in the community,” she said.

Ms Hunt-Mingay wants her father to be remembered as a “local and passionate businessman with a big heart who would open his doors to anyone in need”.

“I’d like him to be remembered for his generosity and community spirit, he was always thinking about the community and how to connect groups together for the betterment of Liverpool,” she said.

“He was a friend to all and really loved Liverpool and gave his heart and soul to the development of the area.”

A bridge on Kurrajong road will be named the late Harry Hunt. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek.

Mr Hunt spent “every moment giving himself to others” and whenever someone needed help he always gave back to the community.

During the 2020 bushfires, Mr Hunt opened the doors of Hunts Hotel Liverpool to displaced travellers and those left homeless while organising a fundraiser and donations drive.

“During this pandemic Harry was making hundreds of meals a day for the stranded overseas university students, the homeless or people just hard on their luck,” Cnr Rhodes said.

“One could go on and never end about Harry’s giving to the community, his support of Lifeline, Salvation Army, Liverpool Hospital, are but a few.”

“It would be hard to find another person in that position who would give so much back to the community.”

Ms Hunt-Mingay said her family would continue his passion of community service.

“We’ll continue to work towards maintaining his ability to give back and bring people in the community together,” she said.

Liverpool Council has sent a request to the authorities responsible for authorising the naming of bridges and are awaiting its approval.