Brownie

Growing up in a family fabulously wealthy in the things that count; honesty, sincerity, love and mutual respect, John committed these values not just in his own family but also to his career in Australian politics, ever proud of his humble beginnings.

More than the minister for good times, and koala offender, John’s shock resignation in 1988 from his large and often loud portfolio for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories led to a desire from the sport and tourism communities to commemorate their unprecedented prominence and success under his guidance.

From the inaugural dinner in November 1990, The John Brown Foundation, now known as the Sport and Tourism Foundation has awarded 211 individual youngsters more than 450 scholarships to help them achieve their dreams.

One half of the ‘tourism twins’ and together with Paul Hogan, John opened Australia to the world and utilised the Aussie charms to create an industry. John & Paul were awarded Australians of the Year, 1987 a fitting commendation for their efforts in putting Australia on the map.

  • The knockabout Minister for Sport and Tourism that put Australia on the map. He was the captain coach of the team and an inspiration to all of us.

    Paul Hogan AM

  • ...your many initiatives needed to be recorded along with your tales about the great sportspersons you've known.

    John Coates AC

  • ...history may well dub you the "Minister for Good Works." I think this is a worthwhile record for history to savour.

    Roy Masters

  • ...we set about reshaping a national identity, one that the world would fall in love with.

    Paul Hogan AM