Vale former Chairman Phil Sullivan

 
It is with great sadness the Brisbane Racing Club notes the passing of life member Phil Sullivan. 

Sullivan became a member of the Queensland Turf Club in 1966. He was elected to the committee in 1985 and was chairman 2001-05.

He was a widely respected senior partner in one of Brisbane’s leading legal firms O’Shea, Corser and Wadley. When he scaled back his legal duties he was involved with Quinlan, Miller and Treston solicitors.

Sullivan was a tireless racing administrator. As well as devoting countless hours as a QTC committeeman he also represented the club on the boards of the South-East Queensland Racing Association and the Queensland Principal Club.

His final “official” duty was to open the Eagle Farm infield stabling complex on July 30, 2017.

Sullivan had not been a good health in recent years and was unable to attend BRC meetings as he had done for many decades. A private funeral for Sullivan was held on Thursday. He was 83.

Current BRC chairman Neville Bell said Sullivan was an administrator who provided very strong leadership in his years as chairman of the QTC and lavished praise on his lengthy service to the club and the racing industry.

“Phil freely gave excellent legal advice on a range of matters involving the race club and also the industry control bodies,’’ Bell said.

“He provided a strong voice in a turbulent era of the QTC. He was a passionate racing fan.

“Phil was a shining example of a leader of a membership-based club. He always took a common sense approach and ensured the members’ rights were always protected. He was also fiercely loyal to the people around him.”

The BRC board has expressed its deepest sympathy to his wife Margaree and family.