Australia has lost one of its most vibrant and unforgettable social figures with the passing of Eileen ‘Red’ Bond, the former wife of business magnate Alan Bond.
Known for her fiery red hair, larger-than-life personality, and a zest for living that was impossible to ignore, Eileen died in Perth on Wednesday night after suffering her second stroke in a short period. She was 87.
Eileen Bond’s life was a tapestry woven with glamour, resilience, and a touch of scandal—her story intertwined with some of the most dramatic chapters in Australia’s modern history.
Born Eileen Teresa Hughes in Fremantle, Western Australia, she was the daughter of a prominent Irish Catholic family.
Her father, William Hughes, was a respected wool buyer, a South Fremantle footballer, and later the Commissioner of the Fremantle Port Authority.
Eileen’s upbringing was steeped in tradition, faith, and a sense of community that would shape her character for decades to come.
A love story for the ages
Eileen’s life changed forever at just 16, when she met a young Alan Bond at a local dance class in 1954. The chemistry was instant, and by 17, Eileen was both married and expecting their first child.
Alan, then a sign-writer, converted from the Church of England to Catholicism to marry her—a testament to the strength of their bond in those early years.
‘My family insisted, but Alan didn’t mind, he was very happy to convert,’ Eileen recalled in later years.
Together, they raised four children—John, Craig, Susanne, and Jody—while Alan’s ambitions propelled the family into the national spotlight.
As Alan’s business empire grew, so did Eileen’s reputation as a socialite. She was a fixture at parties, charity events, and society gatherings from Perth to Sydney, always the life of the party and never one to shy away from the limelight.
A life lived in full colour
Eileen’s nickname, ‘Red’, was as much about her personality as her hair. She was known for her infectious energy, her love of travel, and her passion for decorating homes.
Moderation was never her style. ‘You have to have either self-control or moderation and I certainly haven’t the latter,’ she once quipped.
‘I can never do anything in moderation. I’ll eat and eat then suddenly stop and have next to nothing for eight days in a row.’
This exuberance was both her trademark and, at times, her Achilles’ heel. It was a trait she shared with Alan, whose own appetite for risk and adventure would eventually lead to both dizzying heights and devastating lows.
Alan Bond’s business ventures—spanning property, brewing (Toohey’s), and media (Channel Nine)—made him a household name, especially after his backing of Australia II’s historic America’s Cup win in 1983.
But the empire came crashing down in the early 1990s, culminating in bankruptcy and a seven-year jail sentence for Alan after debts soared to $1.8 billion.
Through it all, Eileen remained a steadfast presence, supporting her husband during the highs and the lows. Their marriage, however, could not withstand the pressures of public scrutiny and personal betrayal.
The couple eventually separated amid rumours of Alan’s affair with Diana Bliss, who would become his second wife.
The end of their marriage was a source of deep sadness for Eileen, but she faced it with the same courage and dignity that had defined her life.
A lasting legacy
Beyond the headlines and the high society columns, Eileen Bond was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a passionate supporter of the causes she believed in.
Her connection to Bond University was particularly strong. Professor Tim Brailsford, Vice Chancellor and President of the university, paid tribute to her enduring impact: ‘Red was a great friend and fierce supporter of the University since its establishment.
The room was always brighter once Red had entered, and her cheeky sense of humour entertained many a crowd.’
Eileen’s legacy is not just in the memories of those who knew her, but in the indelible mark she left on Australia’s social and cultural landscape. She was a woman who lived life on her own terms, embracing its joys and challenges with equal fervour.
Credit: 7NEWS / YouTube
A life to celebrate
As we reflect on Eileen Bond’s remarkable journey, we’re reminded that life is not just about the headlines or the scandals, but about the relationships we build, the laughter we share, and the courage we show in the face of adversity.
Eileen’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the enduring appeal of living life in full colour.
To her children—John, Craig, and Jody—their spouses, and her grandchildren, we extend our deepest sympathies.
Eileen’s spirit will live on in the stories told around dinner tables, in the laughter at family gatherings, and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.
Have you ever met Eileen ‘Red’ Bond, or do you have memories of the Bond family’s impact on Australian life? We’d love to hear your stories and reflections in the comments below. Let’s celebrate a life well-lived, and the unforgettable woman who made every room a little brighter.
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The Bonds had become urban legends, but some of that was built on myths. People loved to annoint Alan Bond as the humble sign writer who made it.
His success was more to his family conections who financed him and gave him his start.
As he became bigger, his true nature shone through, and much of his empire was built upon smoke and mirrors. He destroyed the Nine Network, and Kerry Packer was able to get it back at a fraction of its cost. As Packer noted, ” You only get one Alan Bond in your lifetime and I’ve had mine.”
Robert Holmes A Court, a quiet lawyer but brilliant raider, became Australia’s first billionaire. He built the Bell Group and Bell Resources subsequently acquired and bankrupted by Bond.
As Bond’s empire imploded he attempted to shift the blame to one of his former executives who conveniently had died. Peter Beckwith was Managing Director of the Bond Group. He died in 1990 of a brain tumour. Bond shifted the blame to him.
Bond knowing the collapse was coming, shifted huge sums to family trusts, family members and to Switzerland. Family trusts are separate legal trusts and the assets could not be recovered.
One positive came out of this. Australian laws were changed. Assets transferred to a trust, within five years of bankruptcy or made in anticipation are recoverable.
Virtually every business he touched fell. There was the retailer, Walton’s that had been taken over by Bond. He had a habit of naming things after himself. Walton’s, which many here would remember became Walton’s Bond, and now lies in the corporate graveyard for extinct companies.
He is remembered principally for his America’s Cup attempts famously bringing the Cup to Australia.
It is sad that Eileen “ Red” Bond has died, she was a colourful character. She owed her subsequent position and fame, due to her marriage to Alan.
Had she married any other individual, becoming Mrs John Smith, or Mrs Tom Brown, would she have made such an impact.