Greg Elsworthy Education Centre

I am pleased to advise that an important part of the HIA office in Newcastle has been named after past HIA member Greg Elsworthy .

Last week HIA’s National Board and staff, Hunter Regional Executive Committee and Past HIA Presidents, along with family and friends came together to recognise and honour Greg and his contribution to HIA and the broader residential building industry.

Greg was the Owner and Principal of Elsworthy Solicitors, a long standing HIA member, former HIA Regional President and National Director. Greg passed away in November 2021.

Established in 1986, Elsworthy Solicitors was a trusted local practice that specialised in building and construction law, including dispute resolution, advice and advocacy.

For over three and a half decades Greg and his team represented the interests of the local building industry, providing support and advice to Newcastle's families and their businesses.

For over twenty years Greg volunteered his time to the HIA while operating Elsworthy Solicitors. This commenced in 1999 when Greg first began to provide pro bono contracts administration and dispute resolution advice to members, as well as providing training at events and for training courses.

Greg became a member of the Hunter Regional Executive Committee in 2006 and was appointed the Hunter representative of the National Industrial Relations Committee in 2007, positions he held until 2017. Greg was elected Hunter President for two terms in 2013-14 and 2015-16.

During this time Greg rarely missed a meeting, ensuring his legal experience and guidance was available for every conversation, policy decision and review of HIA’s policy statements.? Greg always engaged in conversations or debates with respectability.? His gentle guidance and ability to provide clarity was highly valued, particularly regarding the impact for members and their businesses.

In 2017 Greg was appointed to the Association’s National Board of Directors. Greg was the first Hunter representative elected to the Board and his appointment was a coming-of-age moment for the region.

With a strong understanding of the challenges those in the residential building and construction industry faced daily, Greg complemented the skills and experience of those present on the National Board of Directors.

For Greg it provided an opportunity to build on the legacy of previous National Board members by strengthening the capacity and capability of both the Association and its members.

Locally members were pleased that the enormous contribution that Greg had made to Hunter members and the broader Association for nearly two decades could continue with a national focus.

Despite the significant commitment of being a National Director, Greg continued to provide information and advice to members, whether they were just starting out in the building industry or were looking to grow their business to new levels.

From pro bono advice to providing presentations across the region Greg was always passionate about continuing to build HIA’s reputation for excellence and supporting members.?

In rooms across the HIA Hunter region Greg helped members understand their legal obligations, the contracts that protected them, and how to develop client relationships that ensured they completed the work they were engaged in.? This included a particular passion of shifting the emphasis from dispute resolution to dispute prevention.

As a result, the naming of the HIA training area the Greg Elsworthy Education Centre is a fitting memorial we can offer to the memory of Greg.?

Naming this training area in his honour is an appropriate tribute, but the memory of Greg lives on not simply in a structure, but in his enduring spirit – a spirit of education, service and a stalwart commitment to support HIA and our industry.

Greg’s kind and nurturing nature, his pragmatic, intellectual and gentle guidance and his generous assistance to members and HIA is sorely missed.