Well-known local businessman and former Independent Penrith Councillor, Greg Evans, passed away last Sunday night in Matilda Private Hospital following a period of health issues and challenges.
Greg was overseas when his health took a turn for the worse, and Greg’s family and friends banded together to have him flown home with medical assistance at his side. Although his health never really improved once home, Greg was able to enjoy visits from his many friends and family during his final weeks.
Greg Evans had a lengthy career that was broad and included running many small businesses in the local area, corporate consulting services and business mentoring; over 30 years in business management.
After initially working as an analyst programmer, Greg began his business when purchasing and subsequently operating ACG a propriety limited computer company. At Apple Computer Inc’s invitation, Greg assumed control of the computer distribution business of a failed multinational hardware and software supplier, and turned the business around, to become Apple Australia’s largest distributor within two years.
Greg also founded, owned, and operated the Western Weekender growing the publication from a modest circulation in 1991, to a substantial local news source by 2008. He also pioneered several additional mastheads, in the Blacktown and Hawkesbury regions plus assumed publication of the real estate magazine the Australian Acreage Review. Greg served on numerous boards including Panthers, the University of Western Sydney, and Western Sydney Institute of TAFE.
He also served for nine years as a Penrith City Councillor. Greg’s contribution to economic development in Western Sydney was recognised by the NSW State Government when he was appointed by the Minister for Regional Development, to the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board for consecutive terms.
Greg was an accomplished proactive networker and a proficient communicator, as well as a skilled astute negotiator.
One of his great mottos was “to see what others see but think what no one else has thought.”
I would like to thank Greg for the opportunity and friendship that was afforded to me personally. I would not be producing Nepean News every week if I hadn’t been given a start at the Western Weekender back in the mid 2000’s. Since then I’ve enjoyed numerous dinners, drinks and holidays with him.
He will be sadly missed by friends and family from Penrith and beyond, who knew him as either an associate, a relative, a boss or a mate.
RIP Evo.
TRIBUTES
“Gregory Evans, known as EVO, was blessed with a larrikin smile, a can-do attitude, and a rare gift to always see the good in a person.
“Flicking through our text messages the constants were wanting Penrith Panthers score updates, local politics, and reminiscing about his extended family, namely Penrith.
“Gregory I truly hope you are at peace.”
Bernard Bratusa
“Greg (Evo to his mates) was a great friend and wingman. He was always there to lend a hand with whatever you needed.
Greg gave a lot to Penrith both as a respected Councillor and board member of Panthers. Greg was part of the (Footy five) on Panthers board who refused to see Panthers amalgamated with Parramatta.
“Panthers fans should be proud of Greg and his staunch Panther supporters on the board, especially with the joy this has given fans over the last 5 Years not to mention the economic benefit that has come through to Penrith.
“He will be missed. RIP my mate”
Greg Davies
“Evo was an immensely compassionate and generous person and during his decades of life in Penrith supported many individuals in their times of need. He also made a very significant contribution to the city from both a business perspective and to the social fabric that’s always made Penrith the great place it is.
“His founding of the “Western Weekender” newspaper in 1991 with an approach of focusing on “good news” stories, local sport and entertainment is but one example of his many contributions.
“He served as a Councillor on Penrith City Council from 1991 – 1995 and again from 1999 – 2004 as well as serving on a number of local boards and committees including the board of the Nepean Community College and as Chairman of the Penrith Economic Development Corporation. He also served on the Penrith Panthers board from 1997 – 2002 and in 1999 played a significant role in blocking a concerted drive for the merger of the Panthers with the Parramatta Eels.
“As a consequence Panthers maintained their stand-alone NRL status and in the 25 years since have won 5 NRL more premierships while the Eels been unable to add to their own premiership tally. Evo will be sadly missed by those who knew him and were lucky enough to enjoy his friendship and generosity.”
John Bateman
“My memory of Evo can be found in two quotes. One is by Theodore Roosevelt: “When you are asked if you can do a job, tell em certainly I can, then get busy and find out how to do it.” The second quote is from Steve Jobs: “It is not the start nor the destination, it is the journey.”
Greg Allchin
“Good bloke, great company. Born and bred in Penrith and was always positive and enthusiastic about seeing it reach its potential. Condolences to friends and family.”
John Thain
