Respected manager mourned

Selina Venier

Our newspapers were informed of the passing of Rose City Shoppingworld’s Centre Manager, Jason Gard last Thursday, February 9.

The well-known and respected Warwick resident held the position for more than 12 years and according to staff who worked closely in the team environment, was a friend who led “with heart”.

“Jason was instrumental in running the operations of the shopping centre and seeing it through its major redevelopment phase six years ago,” Rose City Shoppingworld’s Marketing Manager Louise de Lissa said.

Mr Gard’s shopping centre management extended to areas such as Sunnybank, on Brisbane’s southside, and Dubbo, in New South Wales.

The family moved to Warwick approximately a year ago, after living in Killarney.

“They decided to make their home in Killarney and spent most of their time building a dream home and farm,” Ms de Lissa said, describing the Warwick move as a chance “to enjoy town living”.

Mr Gard, who celebrated his 50th birthday last November, and his wife, Joanne are parents to

Matthew, 22, and Simone who’s 20.

He held various positions in the community over the years including President of the Chamber of Commerce, four years as Chairman of the Warwick Art Gallery Committee and on their management committee for twelve.

Along with these responsibilities, Mr Gard held the position of Major and Battalion Commander with the local Army Cadet Unit and “was passionate about increasing the awareness of this unit in the minds of young teens in the area”, Ms de Lissa continued.

“Jason would spend weekends

Storage facilities or residential accommodation?

Jonathan O’Neill

oneill.jonathan1@outlook.com

Plans to turn a vacant lot in close proximity to Warwick’s central business district into self-storage sheds have been refused by Council, following a heated debate regarding the lack of accommodation and storage facilities in the Southern Downs.

The lot at 43 Percy Street is located in a highly desirable medium-density residential zone within walking distance of the town centre, heightening the opposition voiced by councillors.

Despite its location, the vacant lot is listed as contaminated land, given its history as a scrapyard, however, a away running camps and travelling afar in his role to keep this development program alive in the Warwick community,” she said. “He was a wonderful man who held a wealth of knowledge and was always there to listen. His experiences, even for his young years, was immense.

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection letter in March 2013 advised that the property has been removed from the Environmental Management Register.

However, an SDRC Planning Services officer said that Council went through the process to get that listing lifted.

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“Jason would be able to offer advice which was always heartfelt. He valued family and due to working in a small office environment, it was his main aim to keep balance and stability.”

A short battle with an aggressive cancer was said to cause his death.