“Rags to riches” and “lifting yourself by your bootstraps” are just two expressions that aptly summarise Harold Mitchell’s approach to his well lived life which regrettably came to a conclusion quicker than anticipated on Feb. 10 at the age of 81 years.
Apparently, the hard working fast living entrepreneur succumbed after knee surgery complications. His loss will be felt throughout the community in Australia.
Mr. Mitchell’s inspirational life is one to be told for generations to come. A man who overcame the obstacles of life to come out on top is a story worth telling and re-telling.
He knew his destiny was not defined by his circumstances but by his approach to life.
The son of a sawmiller who left school early and battled issues such as alcoholism and obesity, he overcame his demons to be an angel when it came to his generosity and philanthropy.
Be it in the arts, education, or overseas in East Timor, Harold Mitchell was a generous man. He made his wealth, enjoyed his wealth, and also shared it.
Mr. Mitchell grew his fortune from his Mitchell and Partners media and communications group.
So big was his enterprise that he successfully tendered and won the federal government’s huge advertising buy during the Howard government.
His knowledge of where, when, and how to advertise for maximum cut-through was legendary. His legendary status was acquired because his strategies were invariably valued for the dollar spent, while being successful for the client.
Relatively short in stature and rather large, he was a larger-than-life figure who was a straight talker and came to his decisions quickly, and with authority.
Small talk was not his strength. Matter of fact and to the point were characteristics that allowed him to achieve so much.
His output in business and community involvement would have tired most people just thinking about it. Not Harold. Life was short and things needed to be done. And he did them.
In recognition of his work, he was rightly honoured with an Officer of the Order of Australia and a Companion of the Order of Australia. He is survived by a son and a daughter.
