Community leaders honoured

Enright Family at Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct
Enright Family at Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct

Don Franklin and Ric Enright have been honoured with cul-de-sacs named for them in the Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct.

Don Franklin OAM was an active member of the Beaudesert community for his entire adult life. He was a member and President of the Beaudesert Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Don played key roles in the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce and fulfilled the role of President 19 times, being recognised with Life Membership in 2004.

His involvement with the Beaudesert Development Board was integral in the original development of this Beaudesert Industrial Estate, as it was then known, in 1974.

He was also President of Beaudesert Community Arts & Information Centre 1993-2013, was involved in establishing, developing and promoting the Centre over the 20 year period.  

Don provided a firm foundation on which to further develop and promote the Centre.

Don was one of three brothers who owned Beaudesert Hardware.  He challenged everyone to do better and learn, he was a businessman through and through.

He was elected Councillor for Beaudesert from 1985–1988 and again from 1991–1997 with six years as Deputy Mayor. 

In 2009, Don was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community of Beaudesert through business, cultural and charitable organisations. 

Richard (Ric) Enright OAM was raised in a family that demonstrated the importance of community service. He was the inaugural President of the Beaudesert Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1960. 

Ric was an active member of the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce spanning five decades and was recognised for his contribution with Life Membership. He also was a key member of the Beaudesert Development Board that was instrumental in the establishment of this light industry precinct. 

Ric was a wonderful supporter of the Show Society. He joined the management committee in 1973, then taking on the role of treasurer in 1974 which he held until 2001. 

In 1993 in appreciation for his services to the Beaudesert Show Society, Ric was presented Honorary Life Membership.

In 2011, Ric was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community of Beaudesert.

Together Don and Ric, supported by the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce, were instrumental in attracting industry to Beaudesert including large businesses such as Gelita and AJ Bush. 

They also identified in the 1970s that Beaudesert needed to increase its population for the town to survive. With support from the Beaudesert Shire Council, they managed to convince existing residential landowners in selected streets to subdivide their large 2,000m2 lots (half acre) into two lots to create entire new streets of Buchanan St, Cavell Ave, Tilley and Hayes Streets adding an additional 80 lots. Significantly, for no financial benefit.

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About Keer Moriarty 499 Articles
Small town newspaper Editor, journo, social media manager and tea lady.