Geraldine Mary Brown

Awarded for service to Sport and Recreation

Born: 1949

Entered on roll: 2006

Geraldine Brown was born in Launceston and spent her childhood years at Beauty Point, on the West Tamar. She attended Beaconsfield Primary School, Launceston High School, Launceston Matriculation College and the University of Tasmania. From a young age she participated in a variety of sports, and was constantly encouraged by her sport-orientated family.

Geraldine has made her mark as an elite sportswoman in the sports of badminton and squash. She spent her high school years playing badminton at junior tournament level and progressed to the national level, winning the Australian Under 19 Mixed Doubles competition. She went on to represent Tasmania and Victoria at a national level over a period of 20 years.

Geraldine’s career wins have included holding the Tasmanian Ladies’ Doubles title 14 times; the Tasmanian Mixed Doubles title six times; and the Australian Open Ladies’ Doubles title twice. Geraldine has represented Australia five times, competing against New Zealand, India, Indonesia, England and a touring Chinese team.

Geraldine started playing squash to improve her fitness level and went on to represent Tasmania in this sport on several occasions and represented Australia in a masters tournament.

In her latter competitive years, Geraldine began coaching junior state teams in both badminton and squash. Since retiring from competition she has become involved in both administration and management of badminton and squash in Tasmania.

She was the Manager of the Olympic Badminton Team in 2004, Manager of the Commonwealth Games Badminton Team in 2002, managed the Thomas Cup Team in 2002 and 2004, the Uber Cup Team in 2002 and 2004, the Whyte Trophy Team in 2003, and the Oceania Championships Team in 2002.

Geraldine has been both a state and Australian selector in badminton. She is currently on the boards of Badminton Australia and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association.