Michael Kent (businessman)

Michael John Kent AM, AOTY (1 April 1942–6 December 2018[1]) was an Australian businessman, sports administrator, diplomat and politician, from Hobart, Tasmania.

Kent was the Tasmanian recipient of the Australian of the Year in 2004, and also received the Member of the Order of Australia award in 1998.

He was general manager of Purity Supermarkets (later Woolworths) and spearheaded the campaign to legalise seven day trading hours in Tasmania.

The Rusty Devil was operated in collaboration with now-Clarence City independent councillor, Wendy Kennedy.

"[11]In 2004, Kent was the Tasmanian recipient for the Australian of the Year award for "contributing significantly to Tasmanian business, economy, community, charity and sport" as well as for his directorship of the following organisations: Tasmania Together, RSPCA, Variety Club, the National Heritage Foundation, Tasplan Superannuation Fund (now SpiritSuper), Labour Union Co-operative Retirement Fund, Calvary Health Care, St Mary's Cathedral Restoration Committee and Hobart Aquatic Centre.