The rural industry is so much poorer this week with the passing of one legendary auctioneer, Tony Fountain. Tony died after suffering a stroke in Bowral, NSW last weekend.
Tony, aged 72 years, was a dynamic well-known face throughout rural Australia. Over the years he kicked many winning goals including being one of the original founders of the Combined Rural Traders, now one of Australia's most dynamic rural merchandise marketing groups.
He was also known for his private agency ‘Fountain and Co’ based in country Grenfell, NSW and from there he conducted stud cattle and horse sales in every Australian State and Territory. After obtaining his pilot's licence in 1977, Tony flew the team to and from sales across the nation in a Cessna 172, followed by a Rockwell Commander 114.
At this time, Tony became a recognisable household face after ABC television filmed an episode of "A Big Country", entitled ‘The Auctioneer’ and based on Tony's life story.
In 1981 Tony also made a move into publishing with the launch of two beef cattle magazines – The Cattleman and The Drovers Journal. Tony also spend time as marketing manager of the Santa Gertrudis Beef Breeders Association, and used his magazine The Drovers Journal is its platform.
With his client base now principally in northern NSW and southern Queensland, Tony relocated to Chinchilla. In 2000 Tony moved his business to the ‘beef capital’ as Ray White Rural Rockhampton and Ray White Stud Stock.
Tony always attributed his success to having the courage to chase his dreams and realise his goals, which included his small town livestock agency business and being an outback auctioneer, to one of the founders and directors of the Ray White Real Estate franchise group.
Ray White Real Estate approached Tony for his auctioneering expertise, to sell in Sydney and throughout NSW. Tony was never shy of a challenge, and within three years he took the company from market newcomers to market leaders.
"He was relentless," said Ray White co-chairman, Brian White.
"I am pleased to announce that our NSW Awards program will now include the Tony Fountain Auction Award," Mr White said.
"It will be a fitting reminder to all our members of the crucial role Tony played in the continuing development of our Ray White national expansion."
Tony is survived by his long-term partner Sam Hudson and his step-daughter Emily, plus his daughter Kylie and husband Kevin Hall, son Jason and wife Paula and son Kurt and his wife Josie and two grand-daughters Charlotte and Sybella.