Barry Solomon’s family have had a significant impact on the story of Geelong since arriving in the region in the late 1800s.
In 1912-13 his grandfather Julius built Solomon’s Building in Market Square, the facade of which still towers over the intersection of Moorabool and Malop streets, later becoming Mayor of Geelong.
Mr Solomon, now in his 90s, was honoured on the King’s Birthday, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community of Geelong.
Having served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1955 to 1960, he joined the City of Newtown council from 1967 to 1974.
A former president and still-active member of the Rotary Club of Geelong West, Mr Solomon has taken on voluntary roles with numerous organisations in the region, including Geelong Hospital Board, the National Trust, Geelong and District Ambulance Services and Barwon Regional Association for Alcohol and Drug Dependence.
Mr Solomon said he was humbled and extremely honoured by the award.
“It is a great honour, but I immediately thought of the numerous people that I work with who don’t get recognised… it seems unfair in a way,” Mr Solomon said.
Mr Solomon said he felt very lucky to have been supported by his family’s company, which he co-owned and managed from 1953 to 1966, to get involved in the community.
Helping to raise money for the construction of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre in the 1970s was the most satisfying thing he had been part of, Mr Solomon said.
“Seeing it grow from absolutely nothing to what it is today, it gives me a great deal of pleasure,” he said.
