UPDATE: Gary West, a distinguished figure in accountancy and community service, has been inducted into the Albury-Wodonga Business Hall of Fame. The announcement came during the Albury-Wodonga Business Awards held on August 15, 2025, at the Albury Entertainment Centre, where approximately 400 guests, including 84 finalists, gathered to celebrate local achievements.
The gala event saw Happy Staffy named the most outstanding business, among a total of 15 category winners and 12 highly commended recipients. Mr. West, who is 63 years old, expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving this prestigious recognition.
Born in Cobram and raised in the Mitta Valley, Mr. West’s journey began with a foundation in hard work, having helped his family at the Eskdale Hotel. After completing his education at Tallangatta High School, he pursued a commerce degree at Melbourne University. His career took off in 1983 when he joined Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co, now known as Findex, where he dedicated over 33 years to the firm.
With a career encompassing various roles, including national head of property syndication services and head of training and people development, Mr. West emphasized the importance of interpreting numbers and communicating effectively. “Once you get past the technical skills… you’ve got to interpret what they mean,” he noted.
In addition to his accounting expertise, Mr. West has made significant private investments, including ventures like Hungry Jack’s and Stacks of Snacks. As the chairman of Mountain H2O, he guided the startup to become an industry leader over an 11-year period.
Mr. West’s community involvement is noteworthy. He played a crucial role in raising over $1.6 million for the new Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), exceeding initial fundraising goals. He also contributed to various organizations, including local business chambers and the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation.
Reflecting on challenges, Mr. West recounted the distressing experience of a fire that destroyed his Hungry Jack’s restaurant in January 2010. Despite the turmoil, he was grateful that everyone was evacuated safely. He also shared how a flooding incident in his accounting firm was efficiently managed due to a contingency plan.
Mr. West credited his success to his role models, including his parents and mentors, and expressed appreciation for his wife, Sharon, of 41 years. “People of integrity, hard working, honest… I had this good fortune of being influenced by a lot of those sort of people,” he stated.
Albury Business Connect general manager Glen Robinson noted the record participation in the 2025 business awards, highlighting the pride and passion of the local business community. “They have taken the leap… want to be recognized by their community,” Robinson remarked.
As the Albury-Wodonga region continues to celebrate its business leaders, Gary West’s induction into the Hall of Fame serves as a testament to dedication, hard work, and community spirit. The impact of this recognition is expected to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and community contributors.
