Vale Eugene ‘Titch’ Cullity, 1928-2025

THE Torquay SLSC is in mourning following the passing of a much-respected member and a key part of the club’s early years.

Judge Eugene “Titch” Cullity AM KC died on January 2 this year. He was 96.

Born on February 10, 1928, Mr Cullity passed his Bronze Medal examination in 1950 and spent many years patrolling the Torquay Surf Beach.

Torquay SLSC’s Tony Fraser said Mr Cullity was the club’s third president (between 1963 and 1965), was made a life member in 1966, and was “a true icon of the surf life saving organisation”.

“He leaves behind an unparallaled dedication to the community and continued to being a guiding force for 75 years.

“Earning the nickname ‘Titch’ as a boy, he grew to be anything but small in stature.

“He was universally admired as a devoted husband to Shirley, father to eight, grandfather, great grandfather and a true friend to many.”

Mr Fraser said Mr Cullity’s legal career was distinct from his efforts at Torquay SLSC but his service to the law “carried the same principles of fairness, compassion and dedication”.

Mr Cullity was admitted to practice in 1955, appointed King’s Counsel in 1975, and became a judge of the County Court of Melbourne in 1977.

“Being chair of the youth parole board for 19 years exemplified his deep empathy and commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society,” Mr Fraser said.

Mr Cullity was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for his services to the law and community, including his dedication to rehabilitating juvenile offenders.

The Victorian legal community has also paid tribute.

In an obituary on the Victorian Bar website, Mr Cullity is described as someone “in great demand and highly sought after for his deft and thoroughly excellent advocacy skills”, and as “a wise, learned and compassionate judge”.

“As Chairman of the Victorian Youth Parole Board from 1985 to 2004, he recognised that most young offenders are themselves victims of child abuse and neglect.”