Tribute to Neil Shields

Written by friend and former Habitat for Humanity Victoria Board Chair, Rob McLaughlan.

Neil and I began our respective Building and Building Design businesses in 1979. Meeting while we were both employed by AV Jennings, we rapidly developed a happy and productive working relationship which lasted right through Neil’s building years. His building business, mostly home renovations in and around the City of Monash grew rapidly. At one time Sheilds Building Services were second only to AVJ Extensions for builds in the City of Monash. Neil’s combination of accountant, builder, being a stickler for doing the right thing and being a genuine great guy was a winner for all. I was proud to work with him!

In the late 1990’s Neil asked me to design six new homes for Habitat for Humanity in Bayswater, to obtain a town planning permit and building permits for construction to commence in 12 months time. This was to be when Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity was due to visit the site as part of the World Leaders Build. At Habitat fundraising functions and house dedications, I frequently heard Neil’s favourite saying “catching Habititis.” I have to say I became infected by his passion, enthusiasm and relentless positive attitude.

Soon after, Neil was appointed CEO and as we had no other paid staff, Neil carried out most duties with only volunteers to help. After Habitat for Humanity Victoria received significant donations of goods and tools, we were struck by the notion that we may be able to sell these goods and turn the profits towards new home builds. Habitat ReStore was born!

After the devastating Black Saturday bushfires on 7 February 2009, the board determined to assist with short, medium and long-term plans. For the long term, Neil found a parcel of land at Yea with a planning permit to develop 16 lots. Committing to an enormous leap of faith with the purchase we opted to increase the number of potential homes by re-subdividing into 21 smaller lots. Thus, commenced by far, the boldest venture of Habitat in Australia. We built roads, footpaths then homes and now have a significant community of Habitat families in the completed estate. Neil retired during the early years of this development, but it remains as an enormous credit for his vision, faith and commitment. He was also responsible for numerous builds around Victoria, many with predominantly volunteer labour.

Neil remains as one of the greatest influences of my working life and will be remembered by dozens of Habitat families as he will by the many people he worked with and impacted in all his roles. Special traits which come to mind are empathy, warmth, hardworking, versatile, thoughtful, loyal and a great family man with a strong commitment to his faith.

Neil Shields OAM, you certainly deserved your country’s honour. I am proud and fortunate to have been your friend!