Kevin Weldon

Kevin Ernest Weldon AO (14 December 1933 – 9 November 2023) was an Australian book publisher, businessman, and philanthropist. As a publisher, he worked for the Paul Hamlyn Group and later for his own companies. He founded the Earthwatch Institute environmental charity and Hanna-Barbera Pty, Ltd., as well as the Australian division of Hanna-Barbera in 1972. He was the founding president of the International Life Saving Federation and a member of the Surf Life Saving Australia president's board. In 1994, he was recognised with the Order of Australia for his contribution to water safety as president of the ILS's World Life-Saving movement, and for service to the publishing industry. On 10 June 2024, he was posthumously promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service in national and international surf life-saving, publishing, animal welfare, and philanthropic endeavours.

Weldon was born on 14 December 1933 in Ingham, Queensland, the youngest of five children. His father, Vivian, was the local Ford dealer. At the start of World War II, the family moved to Brisbane where, at the age of 15, he joined the Pacific Surf Club as a cadet, which sparked his interest in the surf life-saving movement. Throughout the years, he rose through the ranks of the club, eventually becoming president. At this time, the club was one of the most reputable in Queensland.

Weldon attended the Brisbane Grammar School, but left in early 1949 because of the sudden death of his mother. He later enrolled in night classes at a local college, where he studied colour etching.

Weldon began his career at the Brisbane Truth newspaper in the process engraving department, working with the halftone colour etcher. Shortly after, he joined the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, becoming a lieutenant in 1956.

By 1957, at the age of 23, Weldon had established a new branch of Grenville Publishing in Queensland and employed a staff of eight. Two years later, he was appointed general manager of sales and moved to Sydney. In 1963, he published his first book, Cake Decorating and Icing by Beryl Guertner.

In 1964, Weldon left Grenville's to help establish the Australian division of Paul Hamlyn Group.

Weldon also launched the record label Music for Pleasure, through which he introduced music into major supermarkets, including Woolworths and Coles.

In 1971, he became president of the World Life-Saving Movement, started by the International Life-Saving Federation (ILS).