THIS is an inspiring story of a man whose life journey has evolved from opportunities and chances, which took him from a grocery delivery boy to a political career.
Geoff Brock 59, the newly elected Member for Frome, never in his wildest dreams envisaged what he has achieved.
Born in Frankston
Mr Brock was born in Frankston and was the eldest of seven children.
His father was a rabbit trapper and when Mr Brock was six-months-old, his family moved to Redhill in South Australia, then to Wandearah where he went to the Wandearah North School and then Pirie East School that is still standing.
“I remember there were seven grades in one room with one teacher,” said Mr Brock.
He then transferred to Risdon Park Primary in grade six and finished his education in year 10 at Port Pirie High School.
“I had a fantastic childhood in a family that was not well off, but because my family struggled financially my parents could not afford to educate me further,” said Mr Brock.
“Therefore if a door of opportunity opened, I went through it and had a shot.”
Delivering groceries
His first job was delivering groceries on his bike for Wilson’s Foursquare Store and then he gained a position with BP Australia as a clerk, where he worked for three years, followed by a transfer to the Adelaide office in the Sales and Marketing Department.
Eventually he transferred to Port Augusta as area manager, which gave him the largest BP territory in the world.
“I travelled twice a year to NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, which took me away for three weeks.”
After four years he was looking for a challenge, so he leased the BP Roadhouse on the Westside in Port Augusta, starting with 15 staff and within three years the staff had grown to 45 with a 400 per cent profit increase.
Starting at the smelters
In 1976, he was lured back to Port Pirie with the aim of getting an administration job at the smelters.
However, he ended up as a shift worker on the day gang using a jackhammer, but was soon offered a staff position in the workshop, later transferring to the shipping department.
Up until his retirement 18 months ago, he was responsible for contracting up to 15 contracting firms.
After due consideration he elected to retire early so he could concentrate and dedicate his time to his Mayoral duties.
“It is possible to manage two positions, however because of my commitment for lead issues and passion for the tenby 10 project, I considered it to be a conflict of interest,” he said.
Joining council
In 1987 the city council annexed a portion of the district council and was not going to put funding into road structure, so concerned residents asked Mr Brock who lived in the Spencer Ward to put his hand up for council member to assure their ward would have a voice.
Then 10 years ago he again had members in the community suggesting he run for Mayor, which he did and was defeated by a very small margin.
Pressure was again put on him to stand for Mayor at the next election and the rest is history with him becoming Mayor for the next six years.
The next chapter in this story is similar to when he was encouraged to run for politics, so after some deep soul searching and sleepless nights, he decided to put his name forward as an independent.
“I believe I am an accidental councillor, Mayor and Member of Parliament,” said Mr Brock.
Personal side
What is hard to believe is that as a young man, by his own admission, he was a loner with no confidence and would not participate in anything.
But he came out of his shell after meeting his Scottish wife Arlene and was part of a very outgoing and vibrant family.
They met at a dance and Mr Brock couldn’t understand her broad accent.
“I told her to come back in two years time when she could speak better English,” he said.
Fate stepped in and they met again two years later, which Mr Brock said was the beginning of a wonderful love story.
The couple married in 1972 followed by the birth of their daughters Hayley then Marisa and between them they have five children.
Tragedy struck 18 years ago when Mrs Brock, aged 39, was killed in a car accident 10 days before Christmas - spiralling Mr Brock into the most traumatic time of his life, being left to raise his children then aged nine and 11.
He was on 17 different committees at one time, involving himself in his children’s sport, school, even the ballet, and had served his community well and testament to his loyalty, people did not forget.
“The support from the community was overwhelming, I could not believe the response of help and food I received.”
Community man
The recent win for the seat of Frome validates the confidence and trust his community still has in him.
Always approachable and happy to assist, this regular all round nice guy has given to his community in so many capacities.
He is a Patron of several clubs, a member of the Rotary Club and is about to be inducted as a Freemason.
Finding happiness again
The wheels turn and life moves on and Mr Brock was prompted by his daughters, some time after his wife died, to ask their hairdresser Lyn Akker out on a date, which has so far resulted in a 15 year loving relationship.
“Lyn is very supportive and holds up the home front so my work load doesn’t affect the family unit.”
Throughout his life’s journey Mr Brock has met some inspirational people who include Prime Minister Bob Hawke and a legendary outback character from Pimba, Spud Murphy.
One of the most unique was an Aboriginal elder living on a mission who was blind from birth.
“His philosophy in life was intriguing,” said Mr Brock.
“I took a lot from the beliefs and behaviours of these extraordinary people on how they related with a passion for people’s interest.”
Mr Brock is concerned and wants to work to give future generations a better world.
“If we want to leave something for tomorrow, we have to do something ourselves today,” he said.
There was no blue print for the journey this remarkable man has taken, but it is certain what ever happens in the future he will embrace it with the same keenness and fervour.
“If I should go tomorrow I have no regrets, I have had the greatest life,” he said.
The keen gardener relaxes and unwinds from his hectic schedule in his beautiful garden and likes nothing better than spending time with the ‘Brady Bunch’, the 12 grandchildren he and Ms Akker have between them.
As this interview was concluding, Mr Brock was about to celebrate a birthday with his family, and there is no denying he has made a strong commitment to serve his constituents, but his family is his life.
PHOTO: UNWIND…Member for Frome Geoff Brock is a keen gardener and is seen here in his beautiful garden at his Port Pirie home. The garden is a popular site for wedding photos and marriages.
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