Joe Hollomby was loved in Geraldton for his charity efforts. Affectionately known as “the Shortbread Man”, Joe baked, distributed and sold thousands of batches of shortbread and apple pies over nearly 20 years, earning more than one million dollars for charity.
Recognition was never something he strived for or sought. The delight of those he helped was all the accolades he ever needed.
So humble was Joe that he was quoted in an ABC interview giving all the credit for the money he raised to those who supported him.
“I mean, it’s the people that buy it that produce the money. I only make the shortbread and collect their money.”
Joe was killed in tragic circumstances in 2008 in his Tarcoola Beach home, at the age of 94.
But there was simply too much goodness in Joe for the people who loved him to let his charitable spirit end with this tragedy.
Joe’s friends and family approached the Geraldton Universities Centre with an idea to establish a philanthropic Foundation that would carry on his charitable legacy and honour his name in perpetuity throughout the Mid West community.
The GUC itself was looking to form just such a Foundation and was honoured to be offered the opportunity to be associated with such an outstanding community citizen.
In line with Joe’s previous support of the Silver Chain, a dedicated Hollomby Scholarship in the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) will be one of the annual commitments of the Foundation.
