Legacy of Geraldton’s ‘Shortbread Man’ Joe Hollomby lives on through GUC scholarships to talented students

The hard work and dedication of students at the Geraldton Universities Centre was rewarded at the annual Hollomby Foundation event last week. Known as The Shortbread Man’, Joe Hollomby was loved and appreciated by many. His nickname was earnt from his tireless efforts baking, distributing and selling shortbread and apple pies. Over the course of 20 years, Mr Hollomby raised more than $1 million for charity through his baking escapades. Tragically, Mr Hollomby was murdered in a home invasion almost 15 years ago. However, his legacy continues to grow. His advocacy for Silver Chain services has translated into multiple scholarships offered to nursing students. The foundation also provides multiple bursaries and scholarships for business, accounting and education. Director of Geraldton Universities Centre Natalie Nelmes said it was amazing to see how much the foundation had grown since the start, when it raised $22,000 for scholarships in its pilot year in 2010. The foundation had a record $95,000 committed this year, which went towards supplying 36 students with scholarships and bursaries. The evening on Wednesday hosted students, their families, local members of government and the donors who made it possible. Joe’s son, Les Hollomby, was unable to attend but was there in spirit, in the form of his generous donation to the key sponsors. An expert craftsman, Les Hollomby hand made clocks from timber to present to sponsors as gratitude for their support. This year’s clocks went to Mid West Development Commission, St John of God Hospital, Shire of Northampton and City of Geraldton. Special guest John Rigter of Rigters IGA, who supplied Mr Hollomby with ingredients to make his shortbread, was beaming as students accepted their certificates. Chair of the Joe Hollomby Foundation, Yvonne Messina, said: “The money put in by locals, is kept in the region and the return on investment keeps local students helping local residents.” The night celebrated the fact that the foundation is making the Mid West even more livable by helping keep healthcare, business and education staff in the area.