He is also one of the richest and a man who, without fuss or fanfare, has spent plenty of his money helping others.

Not that anyone would know because he has never sought publicity for his good deeds.

So it was probably no surprise that he stumped up the cash to buy the core business of the Wollongong-based Wideform Group of Companies which went into receivership late last year with debts of $58 million.

In doing so his Shin Investments, parent company of the Allied Group of Companies, has saved at least 180 jobs with the promise of more to come once Wideform is back on its feet.

No doubt it was a good business investment for Mr Williams, but it was also another example of his long-standing support of Illawarra workers and a region that has experienced more than its fair share of economic hardship.

And another thing ...

The retirement from Test cricket of the Illawarra-born Brett Lee brings to an end a remarkable career.

The pace bowler, who grew up at Mt Warrigal and played for Oak Flats, has succumbed to a string of serious injuries.

Lee will be remembered as a tough, fair competitor and one of the game's most popular players.