AusLeisure

Australasian Leisure Management is saddened to learn of the death of Andrew Wilson, Managing Director of access control experts Sporting Gesture Pty Ltd.

A truly larger than life figure, Andrew was a widely acknowledged expert in access control and gate admissions technology having established his family’s PMSI Group business in 1990 before going on to create his own companies, Grand Entrance Control, later absorbed by Gunnebo Australia, and, more recently Sporting Gesture.

Throughout his professional career Andrew innovated, shared information and advanced concepts for enhanced venue access and security.

Andrew was a long time member of the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) [VMA] and ASIS International, making active contributions to these and other industry bodies.

Through a two year battle with cancer, Andrew remained cheerful, defiant and, as always, forthright.

In commenting on Andrew’s death, ASIS International NSW Chapter Chairman Scott Taylor released a statement that read “our great friend Andrew Wilson, CPP, departed this life early on the 9th January 2016, at home, peacefully and in the presence of his wife Philippa and children, Matt and Alyssa.

“His great passion for family, friends and business will long be remembered and is already being missed. 

“This passion and determination was no more manifestly evident than in the way Andrew embraced life in the time following his diagnosis with cancer. 

“The lows of an early poor prognosis, numerous battles fought and won at the establishment Andrew dryly and, with typical black humour, referred to as ‘Club Chemo’, and the final, ‘…inevitable (loss of) the war’ (again his words).

“In his typical, contrarian manner, he lived every moment, not in denial of his situation but refusing to be defined solely by it. 

“Something which I found remarkable but somehow unsurprising because, after all, this is Andrew we are talking about.

“On behalf of ASIS International I extend our condolences to Philippa, Matt and Alyssa and thank them for sharing him with us, particularly during these last precious months and years of his life.”

A memorial service for Andrew will be held at 11am on Thursday 14th January at St James Anglican Church, 15 King Street, Turramurra.

As of 13th January, the VMA, through its Chairman Trevor Dohnt, has released the following statetement on the death of Andrew Wilson.

"It is with a heavy heart that I advise of the passing of one of our stalwart members in Andrew Wilson.

"Andrew lost his extended battle with cancer on Saturday 9th January 2016, and will be greatly missed as a long time VMA member who demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for our industry.

"Andrew who was only 55 years young, was a larger than life figure and an acknowledged expert in access control and gate admissions technology. He had a long and prestigious career in the venue industry and was never frightened to lend a hand to those in need, or to provide constructive advice to anyone who took the time to listen.

"He loved to share stories and put smiles on the faces of many of his venue management colleagues.

"After graduating from Sydney University in 1982 with a BA in Economic Geography, Andrew found his way into the family business, PMSI, as a Director and Manager. After 11 years of success with PMSI, Andrew founded Grand Entrance Control for the following six years, eventually selling that company to Gunnebo in 2008. Andrew remained on as Gunnebo’s General Manager until 2011, when after many successful contracts, he established new company Sporting Gesture Pty Ltd, based in the sleepy hamlet of Dungog, NSW where Andrew continued to flourish with the business until his passing last weekend.

"As well as attending every single VMA Congress since inception, Andrew was also a founding member of VMA’s Allied Member Advisory Committee (AMAC), and served on AMAC from 1999 to 2002 with fellow Allied Members Jamie Hurst, Craig Lovett and Craig McMaster. AMAC was recognised as the prelude to Allied Member representation on the VMA Board of Directors.

"Andrew was also a founding member and organiser of VMA’s Annual Congress Golf Day, which introduced many magical days for members and officials over the following years.

"A passionate believer in making business and networking fun, Andrew will be sadly missed by the many friends he made over his long association with the VMA.

"Andrew is survived by his wife Philippa, and children Matthew and Alyssa.

"We have lost a real friend - RIP Andrew Wilson."

Trevor Dohnt, VMA Chairman

Article amended 13th January 2016.

4th June 2013 - ALVARADO APPOINTS SPORTING GESTURE AS EXCLUSIVE REGIONAL AGENT

23rd November 2011 - MANAGEMENT TRANSITION AT GUNNEBO AUSTRALIA

9th June 2009 - PMSI ACQUIRED BY KABA GROUP

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