In the heart of North Sydney, few individuals have left as profound a mark on local community life as Gerry Nolan, who passed away on January 31, 2025, at the age of 84. A former mayor, community activist, and multifaceted individual, Nolan’s legacy is a testament to the power of grassroots engagement and passionate civic leadership.
Early Life and Diverse Career
Born in Whyalla, South Australia, in 1940, Gerry Nolan’s journey was anything but conventional. Growing up in rural South Australia with his parents and four brothers, he learned early about self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Despite leaving school at 14, Nolan’s career would span an impressive array of professions: electronics technician, sailor, pilot, instructor, geophysicist, adventurer, author, editor, publisher, philosopher, lecturer, and mentor.
His professional path was as varied as his interests. From working at the Post Office to serving in the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, from being a Qantas flight simulator technician to establishing his own pilot training school, Nolan embodied versatility and resilience.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Mark McCann
Community Activism and Political Leadership
Nolan’s most significant contributions were to the North Sydney community. In 1972, he became a pivotal figure in establishing the North Sydney Creative Leisure Centre, responding to the challenge of “latchkey children”. This centre, now known as the North Sydney Community Centre, became a beacon of creativity and freedom for local children, featuring innovative play spaces like the memorable “flying fox” built by Nolan himself.
His community activism reached new heights when he successfully campaigned against a proposed high-rise development that threatened the civic precinct. His “Give North Sydney a Heart” campaign became a rallying cry that preserved crucial community spaces like Ted Mack Civic Park and the North Sydney Community Centre.
Mayoral Years and Progressive Vision
Encouraged by Ted Mack, Nolan ran for mayor in 1991 and was directly elected—a remarkable achievement for someone who had never served on the council. During his tenure from 1991 to 1995, he introduced groundbreaking initiatives. He was instrumental in creating the Neutral Bay Bus Interchange and advocating for the first 50 km/h zones in the state.
Nolan was ahead of his time in many ways. He wrote about flexible working arrangements in 1993, urged support for international landmine ban movements, and even raised the possibility of electric cars for North Sydney Council in 1991.
Personal Achievements and Philosophy
Later in life, Nolan pursued academic aspirations, earning a BA Hons in Philosophy from UNSW at 65. His approach to community engagement was beautifully summarised in his own words: “You can create all the right environments, all the right procedures, the protocols you like, for open government, but at the end of the day, people are going to have to get off their bums themselves and do something.”
Legacy and Commemoration
North Sydney Council has honoured Nolan’s memory by planning to plant a commemorative tree and rename the children’s playground at the North Sydney Community Centre as the ‘Gerald Nolan Adventure Playground’.
Current Mayor Zoe Baker perhaps best captured Nolan’s impact: “Gerry lived a large life marked by energy, charm, and generosity. His legacy shaped much of what we hold dear in this community—the spaces and places for people, particularly children.”
Gerry Nolan is survived by his daughters Sarah, Emma, and Kay, leaving behind a rich legacy of community service, creativity, and commitment to local governance.
Published 28-February-2025