Tugun ‘pillar of community’ Garth Threlfall mourned by Gold Coast friends, family

The man dubbed the “Sir David Attenborough of Tugun” and a “pillar of the southern Gold Coast” is being grieved by the community after his sad death.

THE “Sir David Attenborough of Tugun” and a “pillar of the southern Gold Coast” is being mourned by the community after his death late last month.

Local filmmaker and community advocate Garth Threlfall passed away at 91 years old on May 17.

He and wife Glenda were beloved members of the Tugun Progress Association and founding members of the Friends of Currumbin.

Tugun resident Garth Threlfall. Photo Jerad Williams

Garth Threlfall. Photo Jerad Williams

He was part of the original group which fought to save the Currumbin estuary in 1979.

Garth and Glenda repeatedly joined forces for the area they loved, being labelled “the perfect couple” for their work documenting Tugun’s history to produce the film and book, The Tugun Story.

The book is showcased in the National Library of Australia.

After their arrival on the Gold Coast Garth worked with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – then called the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary – in the centre arena.

His passion for the park and long conversations with founder Alex Griffiths deepened his curiosity for nature and respect for the environment.

Garth Threlfall and Glenda Threlfall.

His film “Man of Vision” is still being used by the sanctuary today.

Koala specialist Sarah Eccleston said she was “so lucky” to have worked with Garth.

“He was so passionate about helping Alex share his conservation message by capturing it on camera,” she said.

“After retiring, Garth continued visiting the Sanctuary and he encouraged me to get in front of the camera and continue sharing the message.”

Currumbin MP Laura Gerber in a speech to Parliament Wednesday night said: “Tonight, as a community, we say goodbye.

“Garth will be remembered by our community as an energetic local advocate, an excellent local filmmaker and a quiet and gentle man who never had anything bad to say about others.

“Garth loved our Tugun and Currumbin community and had a passion for creating stories. Garth really knew the Gold Coast.

“He knew its geological history and its environmental history. He witnessed its physical transformation over the years.

Glenda and Garth Threlfall were original staff and volunteers when Alex was alive.

“Garth has left a legacy for the community he loved, documenting its history in his videos.

“Garth was a true community icon. To Glenda and his family, on behalf of the Currumbin electorate, our sincere condolences. Vale, Garth Threlfall.”

He leaves behind his wife Glenda, children Ian and Peter, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Follow @JournoBrenn