Faces of Tamworth: the late business and community leader Keith Singh

One of the north wests’ most prominent businessmen, Mr Singh was known for his role as a community leader, construction mogul and charity worker.

The 80-year-old was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996 and played a crucial role in the construction of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre.

The Tamworth-based business group Mr Singh was involved in raised more than $800,000 toward the $6.5 million facility.

Mr Singh died in 2009, and was honoured as part of a ceremony to open the Tamworth Miniature Railway’s track, the Oxley Loop.

Mr Singh’s wife Gwen, her children Bryan and Janelle and Bryan’s wife Helen attended the opening, held as part of a club day for model train enthusiasts.

Mrs Singh said Keith was impressed by the work that was being done at the railway, and donated the Bailey bridge in 2006.

The bridge, a portable, prefabricated truss bridge, was used in Mr Singh’s construction work.

What’s this Faces of Tamworth all about?

More than 500 mourners paid tribute to Mr Singh at his funeral, a testament to his impact on Tamworth. 

In Nioka, where Mr Singh passed away, he had a noticeboard where every week he would place his quote of the week.

Coming to Tamworth in 1953 to work on the construction of Dungowan Dam with his father, Mr Singh also built numerous powerlines in the region with his company – along with the Joe White Maltings silos.

Responsible for numerous bridges on the North Coast and flood mitigation work on the eastern seaboard, Mr Singh was also a life member of Tamworth Lions Club and a committee member of the Tamworth Red Shield Appeal for 30 years.