Tributes flow for Reed Property Group and charity founder Harry Reed

A high-profile developer behind some of the most recognisable buildings in Queensland, who also gave millions of dollars through his charity, has been acknowledged as a kind gentleman following his death.

Sunshine Coast Turf Club chairman Harry Reed and wife and Margaret at a past Bloomhill Cancer Care race day at Corbould Park. Picture: Erle Levey

Tributes are flowing in Sunshine Coast sporting and developer circles following the death of former Sunshine Coast Turf Club chairman Harry Reed.

Mr Reed died on Tuesday, March 26, aged 77.

The founder of the Reed Property Group, which was behind major Sunshine Coast contracts including Aurora, Riva, m1 Apartments and Platinum in Maroochydore; and Chancellor Village and Flame Tree Pocket in Sippy Downs, had been passing through the Sunshine Coast with his wife, Margaret, in 1987 on a two-year working holiday after his children left home.

It was the first stop on the journey and the couple never left.

Former chairman of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club Harry Reed in 2015. Picture: Patrick Woods

The Sunshine Coast Turf Club posted a heartfelt tribute on social media to its former chairman and life member.

“Harry was a passionate racing man and major supporter of the SCTC, with an unwavering dedication to everything he was involved in, leaving an indelible mark on the Sunshine Coast community,” the post said.

“To Harry’s family and loved ones, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.”

The Family of League Foundation also acknowledged Mr Reed’s death and his loved ones.

“Harry was the patron of the Family of League Sunshine Coast committee for over 10 years and a big supporter of our foundation,” the post said.

Mr and Mrs Reed raised more than $7m for the Sunshine Coast through the Reed Charity Foundation, before it closed in 2009.

Harry Reed, Stan Johnston, Steve Dickson and Travis Schultz at a past Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Summer Racing Carnival Gala Ball at the Caloundra Events Centre. Picture: Iain Curry

The Reed Charity House at the Nambour Hospital was completed by the charity.

Mr Reed contributed half of the $2m cost of the build himself.

“That was a good note to finish on,” he said at the time.

Mr Reed’s friend and colleague Ashley Robinson said the developer did “so much” for the Sunshine Coast community.

He said the Reeds’ charity was also behind the hydrotherapy pool at the Currimundi Special School, the Hear and Say centre in Nambour and it also built an Indian orphanage following the 2004 tsunami.

The pair met in the 1980s through football coaching.

“He really changed the way I thought about things and giving back to the community,” Mr Robinson said.

“He led the way in that.”

Another friend and colleague, The Post Office Bar owner John Calcino, said Mr Reed was a great business mentor.

“I learnt a lot about respect for and ways to deal with people from him,” he said.

“A strong and honourable man.”

Mr Reed was acknowledged on social media as a “good boss” and a “great man” as news of his death spread.

His kindness was also acknowledged.

“Harry was a true gentleman,” one commenter said.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Reed Property Group and charity founder Harry Reed