Vale Brian Coopersmith OAM

The Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Mike Symon regrets to advise the Maroondah community that Brian Coopersmith OAM, Freeman of the City, passed away on Friday 11 February.

Brian began his career in the 1940s, completing his carpentry apprenticeship under his father Harry. During the 50s and 60s the Coopersmith Group built houses and did extensions. In the early 1960s Brian was asked by a client to build a factory, and this was the beginning of his commercial building career. Over the past 20 years, together with his son Brett, they have built and own many commercial sites in Maroondah.

He was a major donor to the former Maroondah Sports Club Ltd, and was the President of the Club since 1982. He was also the Coordinator and Chair of the Yarra Valley Grammar School Fête Team in the 1980s.  

As a Life Member of East Ringwood Football Club he served in various roles from 1959 as a player, committee member, President, Vice President, Recruiting Manager and major fundraiser. He was recognised in 2019 for his 70 years of continuous service to the Club. He was also a Life Member of the Eastern District Football League. A former member of the Maroondah Business Advisory Board, Brian’s contribution was invaluable as a successful businessman himself.

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2010, Brian was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his service to the community of Maroondah.

Brian was made a Freeman of the City on 18 April 2016 for outstanding community service. The honour of Freeman of the City recognises the outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the community by a person over their lifetime, and is the highest honour a Council can bestow upon an individual.

At the opening of the new multipurpose facility at East Ringwood Reserve in 2017, it was announced that it would be named the Coopersmith Pavilion. Council determined the naming in December 2016 following an application from the East Ringwood Football and Cricket clubs.  

Brian is survived by his wife, children and extended family. He will be greatly missed by the community and all who knew him.

On behalf of Maroondah City Council and the Maroondah community we pass on our sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends.