We celebrate the Yean family — Doug, Kaye, and Jason — whose legacy of hospitality and community spirit has left an enduring mark on Ballarat.
Their story begins with Great Grandma Pearl Browning, who supported the Sebastopol Football Club for 40 years. This commitment continued through grandparents Ted and Norma, who gave over three decades to the Ballarat Redan Cricket Club.
Doug and Kaye made their mark in the late 1970s at the Bunch of Grapes Hotel, championing local clubs and charities — a tradition they carried to the British Hotel in Creswick and beyond. Jason followed in their footsteps, managing the Grand Hotel, stepping up for causes like the Blue Light Disco, and continuing the family’s tradition of community-focused venues including JD’s Sports Bar, the Alexandria, and most recently, the Park Bistro.
Kaye’s dedication extended beyond hospitality — she supported every club they sponsored while also working as a carer. Doug and Jason’s sporting involvement, from playing to coaching, helped nurture generations of local talent.
As recipients of the 2024 Business Achievement Award, we honour the Yean family’s remarkable contribution to both hospitality and community in Ballarat.
Congratulations, Doug, Kaye, and Jason — and thank you.
Congratulations, Doug, Kaye, and Jason Yean, we thank you for your remarkable contribution and dedication.
A lifelong contributor to community, industry, and family, Kay Macaulay’s journey from the streets of Coburg to boardrooms and service clubs is marked by dedication, leadership, and care.
Born in 1949 to Joan and Ted Fanning, Kay grew up in Coburg alongside sisters Helen and Joy. After leaving school in Year 9, she excelled in a Secretarial course at Northcote Business College, graduating top of her class.
She began her working life at 16 as a junior stenographer and later juggled night shifts at the Melbourne Hilton while raising her children, Dean and Erin, with husband Steve. The family moved to Ballarat, where Kay began a 28-year career with the Australian Industry Group, becoming a key advocate for local manufacturing and forging strong relationships with councils, schools, government, and business bodies.
Her community involvement is just as notable. From serving on the Alfredton Primary School council to coordinating networking groups like BROSH, supporting youth trades pathways, introducing the Mindshop program to Ballarat, and helping establish B31 — Kay’s passion for people is unmatched.
A proud Zonta and Rotary member, Kay has received numerous accolades: Ballarat’s Great Women (2010), Paul Harris Fellow (2014), and participation in the Rotary Leadership Institute (2017). She’s been active in Springfest and has served on many boards and committees. Since 2016, she’s brought her expertise to the V/Line Board as a Non-Executive Director.
Now retired, Kay balances travel with family life, and proudly celebrates her greatest role yet — as Nan to Maddy, Brigitte, and Angus.
Kay Macaulay is a shining example of service, resilience, and community leadership.
David Haymes is a respected business leader and community contributor whose journey reflects integrity, resilience, and vision.
Born in 1943 and adopted by Mavis and Henry Haymes, David was raised with the belief that he was chosen because he was special. A student at Ballarat Clarendon College and a keen sportsman, David experienced the loss of his father at just 12. His uncles stepped in to guide the family business, but insisted David gain outside experience before joining Haymes Paint.
He spent six years at Paddles Shoes and Hush Puppies, honing his skills before joining Haymes Paint in 1967 — the same year he married Jenny. Starting from the ground up as a storeman, David quickly rose through the ranks. By 1974, he was appointed Managing Director and Company Secretary. At a time when the business faced serious financial and strategic challenges, David restructured operations, streamlined offerings, and revitalised its direction.
In 1988, David and Jenny became sole proprietors of Haymes Paint. Under David’s leadership, the company flourished, earning industry recognition for excellence in Australian manufacturing.
His contributions have been widely acknowledged — in 2002, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Business from the University of Ballarat, and in 2006, was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.
Beyond business, David has long been committed to community service. A life member of the Wendouree Apex Club, a former Rotarian, and a dedicated host and counsellor for Rotary Exchange students, his generosity extended across cultures and generations. He has served on numerous boards, including McCallum Foundation, AIGroup, LLEN, Family Business Australia, and the Ballarat Mechanics Institute.
Now Chairman of the Haymes Paint Board, David continues to guide the business while cherishing family life with Jenny, their children — Belinda, Matt, and Tim — and six beloved grandchildren.
David Haymes is a shining example of humble leadership, community spirit, and entrepreneurial success.
Bruce has a strong commitment to the Ballarat community. He was the founding secretary of the 1st Mt. Clear Scouting Group in the 1960s and held numerous portfolio positions with Ballarat Apex, which included being President in 1964 and serving as a District Governor before his appointment as an Honorary Life Member in 1977.
He also joined Wendouree Rotary in 1974, became its President in 1977 and was appointed as an assistant to the District Governor in 1978. He was Conference Chairman of the District and was appointed a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary circa 1981. He is still an active member of Rotary today.
Bruce was Chairman of the major Ballarat Base Hospital Appeal in 1978 and was appointed a Life Governor of the hospital in that year. He was also appointed a Life Governor of the Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre in 1991, a Life Member of the Ballarat Children’s Homes in 1988 and was a Governor of the Ballarat District Community Fund.
He was an inaugural member of the Board of the Ballarat Health Services Foundation and was its Chairman in 2005. In that same year he was also appointed a Life Governor of Ballarat Health Services.
Bruce was also an inaugural member of the Committee of the then Ballarat Chamber of Commerce and served as its President in 1977.
Retirement as VS&L managing director in 1992 led to Joe becoming:
• A director of Ballarat Credit Union/Gold Credit
• Member of McCallum House Committee of Management
• Chair of Central Highlands Water regional water authority
• And mentor to two of his children who were establishing businesses.
Joe spent about 15 years on the CHW board – eight as chairman. During this time, CHW made substantial gains in securing a quality water supply and sewerage treatment plants for Ballarat and much of the Central Highlands region.
In 2000 Joe was elected chair of McCallum Disability Service; the position he still holds today. Under his leadership McCallum has been transformed from a struggling enterprise to the strongest disability service provider in the Grampians region.
He is a sporting enthusiast having played Australian Rules, tennis, golf, cricket, basketball and indoor bias bowls.
Joe’s service also extends to many community organisations with perhaps the most predominant being the Ballarat and District Trotting Club committee of which he has been a member for more than 20 years, from 1994 until 2015. He was a member of Ballarat Rotary Club, chaired the St Patrick’s Cathedral restoration committee and the parish finance committee and was a member and chair of several school committees and coached junior football teams.He has also been a representative on numerous industry bodies.
Barbara Hughes has provided many years of service to the Ballarat business sector and community and is a highly respected figure in the business and not-for-profit sectors.
Barbara has significant business experience and a long career in management with the Victorian Chamber of Manufacturers and the Ballarat Chamber of Commerce.
Barbara launched her own business in 1979; one of the first employment agencies in Victoria.
In 1982, Barbara was elected as a Shire of Ballarat Councillor, representing the Wendouree Riding, and went on to serve as Shire President in 1992.
During her role as Secretary of Ballarat Chamber of Commerce, Barbara created the Ballarat Business Excellence Awards which has evolved into one of the most respected awards within our region.
In 1996 Barbara was honoured by the State Government with an award recognising her service to local government and community. She was the Ballarat Citizen of the Year in 2011.
Barbara has been an active member of several organisations including, Ballarat Stereo Radio, Ballarat Aquatic Centre, Ballarat Area Planning Committee, Ballarat School of Mines & Industries Council, Group Apprenticeship Scheme Committee and Ballarat Regional Board along with several committees to do with state and regional planning and development.
Following her retirement, Barbara has worked tirelessly to support Ballarat District Nursing and Healthcare, sitting on the Committee of Management from 2001-2010 and serving as Chair for three years.
Barbara was instrumental in the writing of Nurse on Wheels, a book that recounts Ballarat District Nursing Healthcare’s history, and which was released for the organisation’s centenary in 2011.
Geoff Torney A.M. is a well known and highly respected figure in legal, racing and Catholic education circles in Ballarat and beyond. During more than 40 years service to legal firm Byrne Jones & Torney (BJT Legal) Mr Torney earned a reputation for commitment, dedication and client relations that his partners and colleagues can only hope to emulate.
Mr Torney did not restrict his zest for excellence to his legal firm; he took it to many community organisations which have benefited greatly from his involvement.
Apex, Ballarat Water Board, the Sportsmen’s Club, Ballarat Special School, Ballarat Regional Industries and The Courier Charity Fund and Rural Press Limited are just some of the recipients of his expertise. Others are the Law Institute of Victoria, the Victorian Legal Practice Board and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Also central to Mr Torney’s life are horse racing and Catholic education.
So involved was he in the racing industry that Mr Torney holds life membership to all metropolitan racing clubs. This involvement has included Ballarat Turf Club, Victorian Country Racing Council, Moonee Valley Racing Club and heavy involvement in the privatisation of Tabcorp and restructure of the racing industry.
Such was his involvement with the Catholic Diocese and Catholic education that Mr Torney holds the Order of St Gregory the Great – a Papal award for service to the Ballarat Diocese. He has a 30-year association with the Australian Catholic University through its Aquinas campus and various boards and chapters, is a legend of St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, and has been a member and chairman of several Catholic school committees.
Despite these many activities, Mr Torney lists “family” as his major interest – his wife Janet, and their five children while Geelong Football Club also holds a place in his heart.
Bill Flynn founded W.M. Flynn Pty Ltd in 1950 and continues to be closely involved with the company; it is one of the most successful family building companies in Victoria. Trading for more than 60 years, the company has constructed a number of Western Victoria’s commercial buildings including schools, hospitals and public buildings.
However in addition to his business achievements, Bill has actively engaged in leading community organisations and volunteered his time and energies in the affairs of local council and community groups.
These engagements are many and varied, and include but are in no way limited to: planning and overseeing the construction of the new library for the Central Highlands Regional Library Service; instigation of the transformation of the former Ballarat common to an industrial estate to employ hundreds of Ballart workers; Councillor for the Shire of Ballarat for 18 years and elected Shire President in 1982 and 1991; Director and Trustee of Ballarat High School Co-operation; board member, trustee and associate Governor for the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation; Past President of the Dunnstown Football Club and Life Member; and one of the longest serving members of the Master Builders Association of Victoria.
Bill has taken on these roles with the interest of the community at heart and has freely given his time to the benefit of the Ballarat region. Last year, Bill and wife Mollie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have six children and nine grandchildren.
