Prominent Newcastle businessman Tony Cade has died unexpectedly after a short battle with illness.
The CEO of industry co-operative organisation HunterNet passed in the care of staff at the Mater Hospital on Tuesday morning, with his family and friends by his side.
He was 53.
Mr Cade grew up in Newcastle and led HunterNet for seven years, working with industries including manufacturing, construction and defence to collaborate and make the region more competitive.
He has been remembered fondly as a committed leader who supported and helped local businesses to grow and succeed nationally, and more recently internationally.
HunterNet chairman Steve Tolley, who has stepped into a more hands-on role temporarily to support the HunterNet team and its members our members as they process this personal and professional loss, said the organisation was deeply saddened by Mr Cade's death.
Tony was also a great friend, colleague and partner. Many of us who knew him professionally will remember, with gratitude, his support and friendship.
Steve Tolley
"Tony will be deeply missed," Mr Tolley said.
"His dedication, determination and commitment to HunterNet was extraordinary.
"He leaves us with a positive legacy that will be remembered forever, and with successful member-focussed businesses, thanks to his leadership.
"Tony led HunterNet for seven years, guiding the organisation through challenges such as a downturn post the GFC then more recently a pandemic."
"He led the diversification of our markets and offerings to our members and guided the turnaround of the Group Training Company."
Mr Tolley said HunterNet's group training organisation almost tripled its enrolment numbers under Mr Cade's leadership.
Mr Cade also helped the training organisation to recover after 15 per cent of its apprentices and trainees were handed back in the space of a month due to COVID-19.
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Highly respected in the Hunter business community, Mr Tolley said Mr Cade would be remembered by those who worked with him as a dedicated and passionate leader.
"His extensive career will see him remembered fondly by his former colleagues at Veolia Environment, WSN, the Hunter Waste Planning and Management Board, Newcastle City Council and BHP Steel," Mr Tolley said.
But Mr Tolley said along with being very highly regarded in his professional capacity, Mr Cade was also a "caring and thoughtful person".
"Not only a great CEO, Tony was also a great friend, colleague and partner," Mr Tolley said.
"Many of us who knew him professionally will remember, with gratitude, his support and friendship."
The HunterNet board said it would announce its interim leadership plans in the new year.
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