In last week’s Australia Day honours, Mr Kelly was awarded an OAM for his services to the community of Tocumwal.
He is best known as the former Tocumwal Football Club president and Farmers Arms Hotel publican.
Now living on the Sunshine Coast, Mr Kelly is still considered by Tocumwal connections as a “pillar of the community” who was “always ready to help those in need”.
Dr Greg Thompson is one such person.
Dr Thompson moved to Tocumwal in 1978 and was accommodated by Mr Kelly while he found his feet.
Even years later he describes Mr Kelly as a man who would always step up for the community.
“Brian was a great example of selflessness in that he contributed to his community in a number of ways through a variety of organisations,” Dr Thompson said.
Those organisations included the local football club, chamber of commerce, fire brigade, Rotary Club, race club, St Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Heart School Parents and Friends and St Peter’s Catholic Parish board.
Mr Kelly was so prominent that he was nicknamed the unofficial mayor of Tocumwal.
In May 2022 he was one of the inaugural inductees to the Tocumwal Football Netball Club Hall of Fame.
Now 95 years old, Mr Kelly retains a witty personality and a cheerful demeanour.
His son Mark Kelly said he was “overawed” upon hearing the news.
“He was overjoyed and very proud, not only for himself but also for his greater family,” Mark said.
“It was something that he never expected”.
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