CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Dr CHARLTON (Parramatta—Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy) (16:32): Today I rise to speak about Brian Anthony Curran, a good man from the Parramatta area who passed away a few months ago. Brian was not only a distinguished professional in finance and insurance but also a man who dedicated his life to the service of others.
Brian had a personal impact on me many years ago, and I know I'm not alone. Over the decades, he helped hundreds if not thousands of young people find hope, purpose and direction. Born on 31 August 1934 to Russell and Susan, Brian was the middle child of three, growing up in Bexley and attending Marist College Kogarah.
He excelled at school and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime—a reflection of his gift for genuine human connection. At 18, Brian met Barbara through the Catholic Youth organisation. They were engaged by his 21st birthday and married in January 1957.
Together they raised two daughters, Mandy and Lisa, and built a family home in Sydney after a brief period living in Canberra. Brian followed his father into the finance and insurance industry, enjoying a successful career that included international roles and leadership positions. But Brian's real legacy lies in his lifelong service to the community.
He began with national service in the Army and then joined Apex in 1957 and the Carlingford Dundas Lions Club in 1974. He was a driving force behind local projects, building parks, backing the Manning Foundation and expanding the reach of community service clubs. Brian was a person who made things happen.
It was through the Lions Club that I first met Brian. When I was 17, he sponsored me through the Lions' Youth of the Year Program. He was a dedicated and generous mentor, giving his time freely to help me and countless others.
He helped us build confidence, develop our public speaking skills and believe in our potential. Brian went on to lead the Youth of the Year Program for many years, and through that role he supported thousands of young Australians. He was a kind mentor who believed in you before you believed in yourself, and I'll never forget the quiet encouragement and wisdom he offered at such a formative time in my life.
His commitment to service went beyond mentorship. After volunteering at Mission Australia's crisis centre, Brian was so deeply moved by the hardship he witnessed that he left the insurance industry to work with Mission Australia full time. In 1988 he became manager of the youth crisis centre in Kings Cross.
He helped young people facing homelessness, abuse and addiction, not with judgement but with humanity. Our community is a better, stronger and more compassionate place because of Brian Curran. May he rest in peace.