Beloved Tweed community stalwart Colin ‘Col’ Brooks loses battle with prostate cancer

He was known as ‘Col’ to his mates, Mr Brooks to his students and a “lovely man” to all. A cherished Tweed community stalwart has died, leaving locals “devastated”. Read the tributes.

Sam Stolz

@Samstolznews

2 min read

October 3, 2024 - 11:24AM

Murwillumbah farmer Col Brooks on his property just outside Murwillumbah. Picture: Scott Powick

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He was known as ‘Col’ to his mates, Mr Brooks to his students and a “lovely man” to all.

A cherished Tweed community stalwart has died, leaving the locals “devastated”.

Colin Brooks, 77, died on Sunday after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

The Tweed beef farmer and Kynnumboon resident, who was well-known in the Murwillumbah community, has left a lasting legacy in the shire.

Mr Brooks taught at Woodenbong Central School in the 1960s and 70s, drove a school bus in his later years and was an important adviser to Tweed Shire Council.

In February, Mr Brooks was an Australia Day Award recipient for his work in the community.

Col Brooks. Picture: Supplied / Facebook

Mr Brooks contributed to the Combined Tweed Rural Industries Association (CTRIA) since 1981, advocating for local landholders and rural producers.

He engaged with various levels of government on rural industry issues including livestock protection, local sugar industry marketing, and rural land planning.

Mr Brooks also served on the traffic committee and advised council on rural strategies.

Remembered by former Woodenbong students for rocking up to school in his beloved red Ford Cortina, they say he created “many great memories”.

Mr Brooks left a lasting legacy in the Tweed Shire. Picture: News Corp

Sheryl Ridley wrote on Facebook: “Mr Brooks taught me for the HSC in 1970 and I will always remember our conversation when we emerged from the exam room. And yes, I passed, thanks to him. Let’s not mention the Cortina and muck up day shall we? Gone but never forgotten. Condolences to his family.”

Dawn Rose added: “I really liked Col Brooks when he taught me in the late 60s at Woodenbong Central High School. And who could forget his little red Cortina! He was a rare breed of a truly wonderful teacher.”

Fellow teacher James Hartley wrote: “We both started our teaching careers together at Woodenbong in 1968, so I do have fond memories of that time. Col was a genuine, sincere and upright person, respected by staff, students and the wider community of the town.”

There was no shortage of praise referencing Mr Brooks’ stint in bus driving,

Kaz Jacobs wrote on Facebook: “Loved Col, what a lovely man, he took my three kids to school for years and was always up for a chat. My kids and most kids I knew thought he was the best bus driver.”