Brett James Odgers OAM Memorial | Forever In Our Hearts

About
Obituary
Gallery
Tributes

About

Birthplace: Canberra

Grave Location: Woden Cemetary

Obituary

The life of Brett Odgers stands as a testament to quiet achievement, intellectual distinction, and enduring public service. Born in Canberra in November 1939, Brett’s life became closely interwoven with the city itself — its institutions, its history, and its future.
Over a lifetime, he contributed to public administration, international service, historical scholarship, and community life with a depth of commitment that earned both respect and affection. His passing at the age of 86 marks the loss of a deeply engaged citizen, a thoughtful historian, and a man whose life reflected a genuine belief in the value of community and national identity.
Brett grew up in a young and evolving Canberra, a city still shaping its identity as Australia’s national capital. From an early age, he showed both intellectual promise and a natural capacity for leadership — qualities that would stay with him throughout his life.

Click through to Gallery to read the full obituary by Kim Odgers, with contributions by Jean, Hayley and Rowena. Thank you.

Gallery

Full Obituary: A life of quiet achievement and service

Canberra Times Obituary by Dr Peter Graves

Early years In Canberra

Family

Friends

Sporting prowess

Let there be tennis

Tributes

Brett was remembered today (28/5) along with some other former Immigration staff who have gone to the great Reception Centre. Someone said that he left Immigration in 1972, but he is clearly remembered still in yet another community where he contributed.

So sorry to lose Brett – such a good neighbour and stalwart defender of the Burley Griffin legacy, including the lake foreshores. Brett was rereading Gideon Haig's 'The Brilliant Boy' when I talked to him last, so I have followed suit. Condolences to Jean, Hayley and Rowena.

Dear Jean and family, I am so sorry to hear of Brett's passing. My memories of him at Hughes Primary are filled with kindness, intelligence and good humour. Warmest wishes to you all from, Holly Godfree

Dear Jean It was very sad indeed to learn of Brett's passing. Brett was a great defender of Canberra and a wonderful advocate for preserving and promoting Canberra's heritage and heritage values. Whether in person or in writing he always conveyed his considerable wisdom about these issues in such a considered and always thoughtful way, which was very effective. Brett was also a greatly valued longstanding member, former Committee member, wise advisor and passionate supporter of Friends of the Albert Hall over many years. The Friends was delighted that Brett received an OAM in the recent Honours list, an award very richly deserved! Brett was a treasured, hugely respected and greatly admired member of our community. He will be sorely missed. With our heartfelt sympathy to you and all of Brett's family. On behalf of Brett's many friends in Friends of the Albert Hall

Such sad news to hear about Brett's passing. My deepest condolences to Jean, Kim, Hayley Rowena, and family. Canberra has lost a great community member, advocate and visionary. Brett was sophisticated and sensitive in this thinking and how he viewed the world around him, and so very generous in sharing this. He helped me - as with many others - better appreciate the importance of the history and heritage of place, and in particular, the artistic vision, values and beauty that the Griffin’s gave to the nation in their design of Canberra. He graciously gave so much in his support of the community initiative Acton Walkways, and the Sunken Stories of Old Acton project. Brett’s insightful, moving, and humorous video interviews for the latter (still viewable at sunkenstories.com) were some of the standouts in our exhibitions. They drew many quiet, attentive viewers, and left people wi

Brett James Odgers OAM Tribute 5 Image by Kirsty Guster

Thanks Brett for all the work you did for the Griffin Society and for having such passion about Canberra. We are very grateful particularly how you kept working on issues including for the society right up until the end. At our Griffin Society AGM last year we gave him a "lifetime membership" as a small way of honoring all the work he did. It was an honour to know him and see how passionate he was about the Griffins and about his home town, the nation's capital. Best wishes to his family. Glenda Korporaal

A longer obituary of Brett is in today's Canberra's Times, with a photo of Brett at what was probably his favourite site of research: the Natioanl Archives. When I first came to Canberra in 1972, I felt I had found my place - as the national capital being planned and built by professional public servants. Brett showed me where it had all started with the Griffins - and he was so passionate about them and their planning principles.

Sending much love to you Rowena, Hayley and Jean from the Rees family. What warm and treasured memories we carry of Brett’s calm and inspiring presence growing up in Swinger Hill, such an important role model and community spirit that helped create such a beautiful playground for us to play, make friends, to grow and explore. Rest in peace Brett.

Brett was a true, trusted and loyal friend. He was one of a kind. He had a deep appreciation and understanding of people's backgrounds, particularly those who came from other countries. My children Dirk and Erika hold deeply fond memories of him and Jean along with Hayley and Rowena growing up as neighbours in Swinger hill.

I was very sorry to hear of Brett's death, and offer my condolences to his family. Brett's leadership in the campaign against the Lakeside War Memorials (c. 2008-10) was crucial, and greatly appreciated. He worked tirelessly to create and maintain a positive environment, especially around Lake Burley Griffin. Sincerely Peter

Warm condolences to all of Brett's loved ones, from the Medical Association for Prevention of War. Brett will certainly be missed. Among many other things, he made his mark as a strong advocate of Canberra standing for peaceful and democratic institutions. His valuable contributions to the campaigns to prevent the grandiose expansion of the AWM, and to get rid of the weapons promotion ads at Canberra Airport are just two examples. He wrote in 2016 "Canberra is rich in national symbols, but the prevalence of defence, military and security buildings and memorials still qualifies our city, in the words of a 1998 visitor, as a “sheep in wolf’s clothing”. Vale Brett. Your words will live on in the history of this city.

Dear Jean so sorry to hear of Brett's passing. I can only imagine what a terrible loss it is for you and the family. I remember hearing of Brett's various exploits when we worked in the front office at Hughes Primary. May your happy memories help you weather the storm of sadness. Thinking of you Janelle

In memory of Brett, a treasured friend of David Parsons (deceased) from the time of David’s arrival in Canberra as a newly arrived £10 POM. Many shared experiences as immigration officers, as neighbours and continued enduring friendship from opposite sides of the country. That friendship extends to myself and our sons. Brett’s letters and phone calls will be missed but we will always remember him. Jean, Haley, Rowen and families, may your memories of this remarkable man sustain you in your grief and bring you joy in the future. With love, Janet Parsons

Good evening Jean. I have never met you, but I want to share with you some of the sadness you must feel at this time. Brett and I were migration officers together in London in 1970 or thereabouts and we formed a warm friendship. We met occasionally by chance, the last time at the Snow Concert venue not so long ago. I was delighted when I learned of his award, and as I was attending the investiture ceremony at Government house I was looking forward to congratulating him personally. Alas, it was not to be. My sincere condolences to you. He was a good man. My warmest regards, Dario

Dear Auntie Jean, Hayley and Rowena and family, I will miss Uncle Brett’s beautiful voice and hug and how he would always tell me the best stories, about what his family was up to and also caring about how my little family was going. Uncle Brett just sent me a book about Annette Kellerman and was so thoughtful always. I am so grateful to have beautiful memories that will be with me forever. My mum Pauline was so proud of her Canberra family and would have been smiling knowing of Uncle Brett’s Order of Australia medal and being recognised for all his hard work 💕💕💕 Love Susie, Paris,Capri and River

Brett James Odgers OAM Tribute 15 Image by Susie Maroney

Dear Jean & Family, We will always fondly remember Brett as one of nature’s true gentlemen. Sending sincere condolences - Jennie & Jon Bailey

Dear Jean, Hayley, Rowena and families I was deeply saddened to learn of Brett‘s passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I relish eight decades of fond, family memories! From water fights on the front lawn when Brett and his siblings descended on their Adelaide cousins; to the windy waterways of Wellington, New Zealand; the shared brief beery moments at Canberra airport at the end of a “fly in and out” day of meetings; and our last time together which included the blissful peace of the Rose Gardens at the old Parliamentary precinct that Brett cherished so dearly. Vale Brett!

My deepest sympathy to all the family. I echo Vic's sentiments. I always loved having Brett in our friendship group. He was good fun and could be relied upon to converse on any subject with intelligent argument. I will miss him.

I'm so sorry to have lost a dear close friend. I've known Brett since high school days and played tennis with him and other friends for over 40 years at the old Parliament House. He organised the use of these courts because his father worked there. He was a connoisseur of good food and wine and many interesting conversations were had over a long lunch. I will miss his humour and good company. Condolences to all the family.

I was very sorry to hear of Brett's passing. I got to know him through the running community. Brett was a lovely, kind, gentle and intelligent man. He will be missed.

I first met Brett in the mid-70s when he was working for the new Dept of the Environment, administering Whitlam's first environmental legislation, the Environment protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974. I was amongst a group of young people objecting to the construction of the Tuggeranong Parkway along the bottom of Black Mountain. I recall Brett giving very sound advice to us on how to frame our objection, as the Act was quite new. He was keen to ensure that our views were taken into consideration in teh impact assessment of the proposal. Over the years, our paths crossed professionally, many, many times, as we both shared a deep passion for good public planning. He was always a patient but astute listener and thinker, delving in the history of how Canberra got to be where it was at the time. He was a valued colleague and I will miss him dearly.

Dear Jean, Hayley and Rowena. I’m so sorry I can’t make it there to celebrate Brett’s beautiful life, but I’ll be thinking of you all. Lots of love, Norm xxx

My dear friend. I will miss our regular, lovely chats, they meant so much to me. I always considered you a saint and in later times, with Jean by your side as your guardian angel. I will never forget the early years, my family travelling down to Canberra in our old Combi van and trying to sneak away with Jim for a quick drink at the Bowling Club. You will always be on my mind and I am so happy the we kept in touch over all these years.

My condolences to Jean, Hayley and Rowena on the death of Brett. I know him as a kind and thoughtful man who contributed to the Canberra community. He dedicated work for the Walter Burley’s Griffin society. Kind regards.

Brett was my predecessor as the Chair of the Canberra Chapter of the Walter Burley Griffin Society. He was always available to brief and advise me and I could be very very confident of the various submissions to governments he wrote - which I merely signed. He cared for Canberra in being a staunch defender of it as the nation's capital in the national interest. He carried on the distinction of the Odgers name and family. Ave atque vale Brett.

Brett James Odgers OAM Tribute 25 Image by Peter Graves

Brett James Odgers OAM Tribute 26 Image by Walter Burley Griffin Society Canberra Chapter

What sad news you have passed on to Dr Farshid and all of us here at Canberra Cardiology. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Brett was a lovely man and it was always a pleasure to see both Brett and Jean when they came for appointments. Please know that we are thinking of you, Jean and the family at this difficult time and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please also give Jean a special hug from us all, she will feel such a huge loss. Form all of us at Canberra Cardiology

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