The driving force behind Kiama’s Folk by the Sea, Rod Cork, passed away on 13 February. His life is celebrated here by friend, Peter O’Neill:

Rod grew up in the multi-cultural suburb of Birrong in Sydney’s west and joined Qantas after leaving school in 1965. 

He trained as a Ground Engineer and then retrained to become a Flight Engineer. He faithfully served at Qantas until his retirement in 2002 and said that it gave him so many opportunities that normally wouldn’t be available, as well as a wealth of stories about his many hair-raising adventures and close calls.

Rod had an incisive mind, as well as a knack for quickly making friends with everyone he met.

He needed these skills when he became the secretary of the Australian and International Pilots Association, which meant he was often engaged in high level negotiations with Qantas, the Australian Government and other unions.

In 2013, following his retirement, Rod and his wife Judy moved from Eastwood to Kiama where they were welcomed by the local community and especially by the Illawarra Folk Club and Kiama Anglican Church.

Rod was also a founding member of the Kiama Central Precinct, as well as the Keep Kiama Local Committee, that was instrumental in stopping Kiama Council from being merged.

In his spare time Rod loved tinkering with old cars and building model trains. 

He had a lifelong love of music and was heavily involved with the Illawarra Folk Club, becoming a vice president and life member.

Rod and Judy (also a life member) together were an inspiring team and great supporters and promoters of the local folk music scene and he was a particularly brilliant ambassador when it came to dealing with DA’s and regulatory bodies.

They were especially involved in starting and co-ordinating Folk by the Sea, as well as the Illawarra Folk Festival. While booking music acts for the concerts and festivals, he quickly became close friends with many musicians, who would often stay with them when they came to town. 

Rod was a committed and loyal supporter of his extended family – his wife Judy, brother Trevor, his children Bronwynne, Alison and James ,and his grandchildren Jess, Sophie, Josh, Lilly and Evelyn.

He was known as a man of integrity who was ready to help when help was needed. 

Rod died at home surrounded by his wife and family.

The family are grateful for the care provided by many friends and the Community Cancer Nurses during Rod’s illness.