Goulburn community remembers Neville Newton

It was something of a theme song for the late Neville Newton, who the community gathered to remember.

Hundreds packed into the cathedral for the memorial service officiated by Dean Phillip Saunders.

The former Southern Meats Abattoir owner/manager employed thousands of Goulburn and district people at his business up until its sale six years ago. Many of them attended on Saturday, along with the city’s movers and shakers who fondly remembered a man of honesty and integrity.

Mr Newton died age 75 on September 18 following a six-year battle with melanoma.

His family – wife Robyn, sons Craig, Scott and Heath, their spouses and six grandchildren – were prominent at the service, just as they were in life.

Craig, now Southern Meats manager, spoke of a loving father who gave his sons the best start in life and guided each through the industry.

The son of a baker born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Mr Newton left school at age 17 and started as a trainee with Huttons Ham and Bacon.

At 20 he met the love of his life – Robyn –  a woman he cherished his entire life, Craig said. They were married nearly 53 years.

Mr Newton moved to Melbourne in 1972, continuing his management role with Huttons. He subsequently moved to Blayney, turned around a struggling abattoir and finally started enjoying “the fruits of his success.”

“The family unit was something Neville held very dear throughout his whole life,” Craig said.

His father later pursued business interests in Sydney before buying Southern Meats in Goulburn with a partner. By that time he also owned Junee and Harden abattoirs.

Scott Newton said the Goulburn operation was a “ roller coaster ride of prosperous and hard times” but his father always showed leadership and intestinal fortitude.

“His generosity to others is one of the main features he’ll be remembered for, whether it be a word of advice, his personal time or in many cases, financial assistance,” he said.

Son Heath spoke about his father’s battle with melanoma. He read a note from Professor Rick Kefford from Melanoma Institute Australia describing him as an “inspirational man and generous beyond measure.”

Neville Newton’s eight-year-old grandson couldn’t see over the lectern.

Nevertheless, Jack Newton read a poem to Saturday’s congregation saying how much he’d miss his grandfather.

He wasn’t the only one. Andrew Tucker read out a tribute on behalf of lifelong friends Lois and Max Notley of Wagga Wagga. 

The couple said the meat industry was Mr Newton’s hobby, life and second love after his wife, Robyn and the family.

“Yes there are some smart people in the meat industry but having worked with him in almost every aspect, no one of Nev’s equal pops into my mind,” Mr Tucker read.

“To say his impact on the meat industry was huge would be an understatement for the ages.”

Andy Lowe, managing director of Lowe Corporation, which Mr Newton chaired, spoke of his mentor’s loyalty and friendship during difficult times.

Mr Lowe said Mr Newton could talk to people from all walks of life and had left behind a “wonderful legacy.”