WELCOME TO VIRTUAL YALLOURN - winner of Commendation Award Oct 2015 and Oct 2016 (two years in a row) from Royal Historical Society of Victoria - journey back with us to the old township of Yallourn in Latrobe Valley, Victoria – a unique town built between the 1920s and 1950s by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) to house their workers and then dug up by the same SECV for the coal beneath in the 1980s. This is the only way we can revisit our town with our children and grandchildren.
See the many photos and house plans, navigate around our 3D Town, read information, memories and stories. Most of all, play a part in it with us by adding your own photos and memories and help us name the various people in existing photos - for everyone to share. (To contribute, contact julie@yallourn.org to set up an account.)
Ex-residents, please also take the time to add your family to the map (HERE).
For more information, visit YALLOURN ASSOCIATION at http://www.yallourn.org and please 'Like' our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/yallournassociation. .
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  • 33045
    FROM THE NEWSPAPERS - 1940 - Charles Burton Boehm

    1940 - CHARLES BURTON BOEHM

    Charles Burton Boehm came to Yallourn in 1922 following his period of service in the Royal Australian Navy during World War: I; and he worked with the SECV until his retirement in 1950. During those years, as a resident of Yallourn, he served on a long list of sporting and social committees with indefatigable enthusiasm.

    The following article was published in ‘The Argus’ in November 1940 and deals with Mr Boehm’s appointment as the Engineer in Charge of Briquette Production at Yallourn. The article is also interesting because it provides some insight into Charles’ background prior to his arrival in Yallourn.

    Note: The footnotes accompanying this article attempt to provide some measure of Charles’ disposition to serve as an office bearer in various Yallourn organizations.

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    NOVEMBER 1st 1940 ‘THE ARGUS’ PAGE: 6

    PRODUCTION OF BRIQUETTES
    Mr. C. B. Boehm's Post

    Mr. C. B. Boehm has been appointed engineer in charge of briquette production of the State Electricity Commission. Mr. Boehm joined the commission in 1922, and was appointed manager of the briquette factory at Yallourn in 1924.

    Briquettes were placed on the Victorian market in December 1924, and he has superintended the manufacture of this fuel from the production of the first briquette at the experimental factory (when the output was only 300 tons a day) to the present commercial production, with an output of 1,200 tons a day, seven days a week.

    Mr. Boehm is a native of Williamstown, but he received most of his engineering education abroad, and holds the Diploma of Mechanical Engineering. A returned soldier, he is one of the original members of the Yallourn branch of the R.S.L. of
    which he has been chairman for the last three years. He has been chairman of the S.E.C. Safety Council since its inception.

    FOOTNOTES REGARDING CHARLES BOEHM

    1. A search of the family name ‘Boehm’ uncovered that Herman Bohm /Boehm was born in 1853 at Newmark in Prussia (now present-day Northern Germany-Poland). He sailed from Hamburg on 11th May 1879, aboard the vessel ‘The Sophie’, which docked in Adelaide on the 22 August 1879. Herman was listed as being a cabinetmaker. There is no direct evidence that Herman was related to Charles and it is difficult to trace Charles Boehm’s date of birth and lineage.

    2. A search of the Nominal Roll of World War: I failed to throw any further light on Charles Boehm’s service record. Of the six family names of ‘Boehm’ registered on the roll, the name Charles Burton does not appear. However, a lone source of information states that Charles Boehm served with the Royal Australian Navy in New Guinea and with the AIF in France.

    3. There is no existing proof, but perhaps it was in France that Charles Boehm first crossed paths with General John Monash who was in command of the 3rd Division AIF in 1916. General Monash later took charge of Australian Corps in 1918.

    4. Newspaper articles, which refer to Mr Boehm, can be traced as far back as 1927. One item in May that year, reported that Mr Boehm had travelled to Germany on a fact-finding mission regarding the techniques of briquette production. Further research on Charles’ trip to Europe (above) uncovered the fact that Sir John Monash had specifically directed Charles to…
    “…make himself conversant with the technicalities associated with factory equipment.” ‘Daily Standard ‘(Brisbane) January 18th 1927.

    5. In her book ‘Yallourn Was‘, Prue McGoldrick states that…
    “For many years he (Charles) made a daily round to talk with each man in the briquette factory ….Acutely aware of the inherent danger of factory explosions from the fine coal dust-from briquette making-and in lieu of danger money, he set up a compensation fund of one penny per week each week.” Page: 178.

    6. Charles Boehm was president of the Yallourn SEC Athletic Club in 1933; and it is known that he played a leading role in organizing a night of weight-lifting, boxing and wrestling at the St John’s Hall in July that year…
    “S.E.C. Athletic Club…On Friday evening last in St. John's Hall, a most appreciative audience witnessed a display of weight lifting, wrestling and boxing which was without doubt the best entertainment of its kind ever held at Yallourn. The Melbourne Branch of the S.E.C. Athletic Club were represented by some 25 of the finest sportsmen one would ever wish to meet ...” ‘Morwell Advertiser’ July 20th 1933.

    7. Charles was, at one time, the President of the Yallourn Orchestral Society.

    8. In 1930, Charles was the SECV appointee on the recreation reserves/ovals that were used by the various sporting bodies of Yallourn.

    9. Charles was founding member of the Yallourn Band Committee which came into being in November 1925. The Patrons of the Yallourn Band were Sir John Monash and C.H. Kernot. Charles had a lengthy involvement in the town band and the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ reported that was elected President of the Yallourn and District Band in 1934.

    10. In 1934, Charles Boehm played a leading role in outlining the production of briquettes to a group of visiting engineers from the Australian institute of Engineers. The meeting/forum was held at the Yallourn Fire Brigade Hall.

    11. Charles also represented Yallourn RSL at the Gippsland Bridge (cards) Championship which was held at Yallourn in 1935. It appears as though teams from various towns throughout Gippsland participated in the event and the winning team received a silver cup, which was donated by *Fred Hesse Pty Ltd.
    *Note: Fred Hesse took over Sharpe’s Emporium in Traralgon in 1932. Fred Hesse was a well city-based known tailor.

    12. Charles Boehm was mentioned in ‘The Age’ when he was elected to Civic Association of Yallourn in 1935. The Civic Association was the first-ever body in Yallourn to represent the residents in discussions and negotiations with the SECV regarding civic matters…
    “The Initial election of councillors to the newly formed Civic Association resulted:- Dr. J. Moore-Andrew, Messr: Beanland, C. B. Boehm, A. J. Ross, W. P. Brown, L. K. Warfe, W. K. Murray, W. H. Brewer, C. J. Poglar, A. M. Rudge, Rev. E Franklin-Cooper, and Mrs. II.- Taylor. The council has chosen Mr. C. H. Beanland president, and Messrs. Murray and Ross secretary and treasurer, respectively. Matters which are to receive the early attention of the council include reduction of local electric light charges, house rents, town hall, sewerage for township, street lighting and the establishment of a bureau for the registering of entertainments.” ‘The Age 11th December 1935. page 16.

    13. 1935 was an extremely busy year for Charles as he was elected to the position of President of the Yallourn Football Club. In a somewhat disappointing end to that season, Maffra defeated Yallourn in a thrilling Grand Final at Sale. One of the great stalwarts of the YFC, Peter O’Neill, was the club captain that season.

    14. As mentioned above, Charles was elected President of the Yallourn RSL sometime in the late 1930’s; and, among his other duties, he played a pivotal role in caring for returned servicemen and their families. It is believed that Charles Boehm served as President of the Yallourn RSL until 1944.

    15. In 1937, Charles was elected president of Yallourn First Aid club….
    “A first aid club has been formed at the briquette factory. Three months' courses will be held, and at the end of each quarter there will be examinations. Officers elected were: President: Mr C. Boehm. Vice-Presidents: Mr H. G. Nairn. Honorary Secretary: Mr H. Graham. Hon. Instructor: Mr F. Nunweek.” Morwell Advertiser August 5th 1937

    16. Charles was again elected President of the Yallourn Swimming & Life Saving Club in 1939…
    “Mr C. B. Boehm was elected president for the fourth successive year” ‘Weekly Times’ November 18th 1939.

    17. He also attained a peculiar title of ‘King of the Army’; and the following newspaper extract may help to explain his so-called ‘crowning’ at the Yallourn Ball in 1941...
    “…At the coronation ball in the Military Hall, Yallourn, attended by more than 500 guests, the king of the army, Mr. C. Boehm, was announced winner of the three king carnival. Lieut. McDonald as king of the air force, was second; Mr. E. Given, king of the navy, third. About £500 raised at the carnival will be donated to patriotic funds.” ‘The Age’ September 6th 1941.

    18. In his capacity of Chairman of the School Council, Charles was a keynote speaker at the official opening of the new buildings at the Yallourn Technical School in 1942. The new additions to the school included a science laboratory, clay modelling room, sheet metal and electrical wiring workshops.

    19. It is reported in several sources that Charles was an active member of the Yallourn and Morwell Gun Club.

    20. Charles made the news when he gave evidence before Judge Streeton at the enquiry into the fires in the Open Cut in 1944…
    “ High praise for the manner in which the staff of the briquetting factory at the Yallourn open cut worked to prevent the fires extending to that part of the under- taking on February 14, was expressed by Charles Burton Boehm, engineer in charge of briquette production, when the inquiry into the Yallourn fires was continued today before Judge Stretton, Royal Commissioner. Mr Boehm said that his experience on that day had confirmed his conviction that the fire-fighting measures in the area under his control were sound. and he did not think they could be improved upon.” ‘The Argus’ March 4th 1944.

    21. In April 1946, Charles gave an address at the Morwell Rotary Club in which he outlined the extent of coal deposits in the Maryvale area. In his speech, he cited the following interesting contrast between coal, won at the Yallourn mine, compared to that at Morwell…
    “It takes four tons of raw Yallourn coal to make one ton of briquettes, while three tons of Morwell coal will make the same quantity. The Melbourne market consumes at present 4,000 tons of briquettes daily, but this consumption; rate' will probably increase in 15 years to. 8-10,000 tons a day. The Morwell plan will cost £12,000,000. and the life of the plant is estimated at 40 years.” ‘Morwell Advertiser’ April 11th 1946

    22. On October 7th 1948, the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ carried a most comprehensive article which ran to more than 2000 words about Charles Boehm. The banner headline stated… ‘Yallourn Diggers Farewell C.B Boehm…Affectionate Tributes from Old Comrades’.
    Included in that newspaper report was Charles’ response to a presentation that was made to him on that auspicious occasion…
    “Mr. Boehm, whose rising was greeted with sustained applause, expressed his sincere appreciation of the night and the opportunity to partake of the atmosphere of the club. He could not recall ever having felt so embarrassed. On many other occasions, he had made the presentations and the speeches, but on that night the positions were reversed. ….He had been one of the fortunate ones and, because of that there was no need to be harsh towards others not so fortunately placed. Every' self-respecting man and digger would have done the same. He had always taken the view that he worked with men and not over them. No great praise was due to him for helping diggers.”

    23. According to records of the State Records of NSW it documented that Charles Burton Boehm died on 7th 1965. Further, the archives at the State Library of Victoria, indicate that Charles had lived at Merimbula in later years and passed away the Bega Hospital.
    A FINAL TRIBUTE TO CHARLES BY PRUE MCGOLDRICK
    Prue McGoldrick’s tribute, regarding the contribution that Charles Burton Boehm made to the workers at the briquette factory and the people of Yallourn, is a succinct summary of a man who gave much to the town…
    “His (Charles Boehm) influence and the common danger shared with his men, helped build a great family spirit among briquette factory personnel. When he retired in 1950, he had also taken a leading part in the social and sporting activities of the town.” ‘Yallourn Was’ Page: 178.

    APOLOGIES & CAN YOU HELP?
    1. The digital copy of the above newspaper extract was extremely difficult to read and apologies for any spelling errors of family names in the above footnotes.
    2. Every attempt has been made to verify the above footnotes about Charles Boehm, particularly about his military service and family background. Any further information and clarification about his life would be welcomed.
    3. Despite an extensive search of several of texts (including references at the State Library of Victoria), a photograph of Charles Boehm could not be found for this article. It is hard to believe that a photo of such a notable figure in Yallourn’s history cannot be found. Hopefully, a reader of this story may be able to assist in forwarding a photo of Charles to Julie for posting on the website.
    4. Special thanks to Kylie Best at the State Library of Victoria for her thorough and painstaking efforts in trying to secure a photo of Charles for Virtual Yallourn-it was greatly appreciated. (Roger and Julie).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This story is part of a history project entitled ‘From the Newspapers’ and a full list of titles in this series can be obtained by contacting Julie George.
    The research and writing were undertaken by Roger Spaull; and the posting and presentation of photographs and of this article were completed by Julie George for the Virtual Yallourn website in July 2019.
    The above extract from the ‘The Argus’ has been faithfully reproduced. The only amendments to the original copy are the font style, font size and spacing, so as to enhance the story for the purposes of posting on the Virtual Yallourn website.

    19/07/2019 - 15:29
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  • 33044
    IMAGES OF YALLOURN - 1945 - Brigadier John Field 1899-1974

    Caption: ‘As the officer escort for Japanese military and naval commanders at the official surrender ceremony at Torokina, New Guinea on September 8th 1945.’

    This rarely seen photograph is part of an article in a ‘Contact’ magazine related to the life of Brigadier John Field. Brigadier Field was the General Superintendent of the Latrobe Valley Region of the SECV from 1951-1964 and a resident of Yallourn (at 23 Reservoir Road) for many years.

    To read more about Brigadier John Field and the ‘Yallourn connection’:
    1. Type the word ‘Contact’ in to the Search box above (right hand side of the screen).
    2. Hit ‘Apply’
    3. Scroll down until you find the 1974 June edition of ‘Contact’ (page: 3).

    The Field family played an active part in the life of the township. A comprehensive newspaper article about the ‘Fields of Yallourn’ and other photographs of the family can be found on this website.

    Note: For readers wishing to know more about John Field’s life, the on-line ‘Australian Dictionary of Biography’ carries an outstanding summary of Brigadier Field’s achievements.

    1945
    05/07/2019 - 16:34
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  • 33025
    IMAGES OF YALLOURN - THE BARBER OF YALLOURN - MR WALTER LACEY (Better known as Wally Lacey)

    This photograph will bring back many pleasant memories about life and times in Yallourn. The picture shows Mr Wally Lacey, a most popular barber in the town for some 40 years, cutting Ray Cordell’s hair - supposedly the very last hair cut in Yallourn by Wally.

    The photograph was taken in 1981, just before Mr Lacey closed his shop in Yallourn and relocated to new premises in Rutherglen Road in Newborough. Those who remember Mr Lacey will recall his great love for the outdoors and the game of chess.

    VERONICA LACEY LOOKS BACK
    Wally’s daughter, Veronica, has kindly assisted this website article by forwarding information about her family and also her recollections regarding growing up in Yallourn. Veronica was born in December 1945 at the Yallourn Hospital; and is one of seven children born to Wally and his wife Susannah. Veronica’s memories add another colourful chapter to the social history of Yallourn.

    Note: All members of the Lacey family were actively involved in the various organizations of the town; and a list of website links has been added, at the conclusion of the article, to give younger readers an idea of the cultural and sporting life of Yallourn in earlier times.

    THE EARLY YEARS OF WALTER LACEY
    Walter Lacey was born in 1915 on a farm at Haddon (Ballarat). At the age of 14 his father, a mine manager, died whilst working in Malaya. Due to the widespread hardship caused by the Great Depression, Wally, like so many other young children, during those austere years, was forced to leave school and seek employment.

    Despite the challenging times and the scarcity of work, Wally was fortunate to undertake and complete an apprenticeship in hairdressing in Ballarat. Little did he know, at that time, that it was the beginning of his career as a hairdresser, which would last for more than half a century.

    On completion of his training, Wally set up a business in the south-western Victorian town of Ararat and he worked there for seven years. His next stop ‘along the way’ was at the Flinders Naval Base (later to be renamed HMAS Cerberus) where he honed his ‘short back and sides’ skills on hundreds of men (mainly sailors) involved in Naval duties.

    WALLY LACEY ARRIVES IN YALLOURN
    Veronica stated that Wally arrived in Yallourn during 1940; and worked initially, as a barber, for Mr. O’Shannasey. The shop was located on the upstairs floor of the building situated on the corner of Broadway and Centreway.

    With so many men living in the camps at Yallourn, Wally was always busy; and he made many new friends and learnt much about life in Europe when speaking with the men who came into the O’Shannasey’s hairdressers. It is no secret that some amazing topics are breached, via the barber’s chair, and Wally’s days would have been far from boring.
    A clever man once wrote….
    “Therapy is expensive …get a haircut instead!”

    ....to read the article in full, click on the title above the photo and then click the pdf link below....

    05/07/2019 - 16:34
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  • 33043
    FROM THE NEWSPAPERS - 1930 - Yallourn's Gloomchasers Orchestra & Jock Sloan

    YALLOURN’S GLOOMCHASERS ORCHESTRA & JOCK SLOAN

    The following brief advertisement was published in ‘The Advocate’ in 1930; and refers to a popular local orchestra known as ‘The Gloomchasers’ being the main attraction at Yallourn Catholic Church’s Annual Ball.

    The background information regarding the Gloomchasers is interesting; and underlines how the group became ‘much sought-after’ for social functions throughout the district. The Gloomchasers Orchestra played a major role in the social gatherings in Yallourn and other nearby towns during those years.

    The orchestra was established sometime in the late 1920’s. The name of the group may have originated from the type of music that endeavored to chase away the gloom that burdened so many people during those austere times of the Great Depression.

    The footnotes, which accompany this article, attempt to provide some background information regarding the death of a local musician named Jock Sloan. Jock appears to have been a popular figure in the Gloomchasers and a vibrant personality in and around Yallourn.

    September 25th 1930 ‘ THE ADVOCATE’ Page: 25
    YALLOURN. On Tuesday next, the Annual Catholic ball will be held at Yallourn, when a record attendance is expected. The committee has engaged the services of the famous ‘Gloomchasers’ orchestra, which has become so popular at functions of this kind.
    The catering arrangements are being planned on a lavish scale by the ladies' committee. Secretarial duties will be in the hands of Mr. A. V. Slater.

    FOOTNOTES
    1. ‘The Advocate’ was a Melbourne based newspaper that was first published in 1868. It was once described as the ‘Australian Illustrated Weekly’ with a major emphasis upon news from Ireland and, in later years, it was published for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
    2. The first documented record of the Yallourn Gloomchasers Orchestra (or band as it was sometimes called) was in February 1929 when the group performed at the Morwell Ladies’ Croquet Club Grand Ball at the Mechanics Hall….
    “The hall was tastefully decorated, the floor in excellent order and good music provided by the "Gloom chasers" Orchestra of Yallourn. Supper, provided by Meadows, was served and nothing was left undone to ensure all present spending an enjoyable time.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser.’ 1st March 1929.
    3. It seems that the orchestra was well-accepted for its entertainment value and, according to the newspaper reports of the time, had a steady stream of bookings for functions in Yallourn and the surrounding district.
    4. Advertisements of that era highlighted that the orchestra could provide music for both old time and modern dancing. Perhaps the size of the group depended on: (i) The nature of the event and (ii) How much local clubs and organizations could afford to pay for professional musicians in those grim times. It is difficult to establish the number of members in the group and the complete range of instruments that they played. In those days, most bands comprised at least a piano, drum, accordion and perhaps a wind instrument (eg saxophone).
    5. From studying the papers of that era, it was discovered that the orchestra played at various clubs and venues throughout Gippsland including…
    • Trafalgar Rovers Football Club Annual Ball
    • Morwell Tennis Club Ball
    • The Hibernian Ball
    • Morwell Spinsters at Home Gathering
    • St Theresa’s Church Hall - fund raising dances at Yallourn
    • Yallourn Football Club End of Season Ball
    • Mirboo South Grand Ball
    • The ANA dances at the Yallourn Fire Brigade Hall
    • Brown Coal Mine dances
    • The Yinnar Wanderers Football Club Annual Ball
    • St Mary’s Church of England Building Fund Grand Ball (Morwell)
    6. The list goes on; and documented reports, from the various functions, indicate that the orchestra always gave spirited and energetic performances. One press report described the music of the orchestra as ‘delightful’ while another comment was ‘excellent.’
    7. It is known that the Gloomchasers Orchestra and another local musical group called ‘The Sundowners’ provided continuous dance music, from 8.30pm until 2.30am, at the Foundation Ball of the Australian Natives Association which was held at the St John’s Hall in Yallourn in January 1933.
    8. One of the special events at which the orchestra featured was the Yallourn Grand Charity Ball in October 1930. The function was organised by the Yallourn and Brown Coal Mine Benevolent and Distress Society and all proceeds were donated to those local residents who suffered hardship (ie due to unemployment). The evening was a resounding success and the Gloomchasers Orchestra, together with the Yallourn Brass Band, received great praise for their contribution in assisting the organizers to raise more £140.0.0 (pounds)….
    “The "Gloomchasers" Orchestra afterwards took up the strains and modern and old-time dancing was indulged in to excellent ta music provided by them till the early hours of the morning.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser.’ 31st October 1930.
    9. There is no evidence to support the following idea but perhaps there were many talented musicians among the hundreds of men in the camps at that time.
    10. The names of the musicians were difficult to uncover but it is known that one of the principal members of the Gloomchasers, in earlier times, was a young man named Jock Sloan. Unfortunately, Jock died in the most tragic of circumstances. On the morning of 20th August 1930, Jock was hit by a train while crossing the railway line on his way to work one morning near the Yallourn Power House …
    “Jock passed away, death being due to internal injuries. Deceased, who was 22 years of age, was a member of the well-known Yallourn Gloomchasers Orchestra, whose services have been much in demand for some considerable time past-both at home and abroad. He was also a member of the Morwell football team and took part in second semi-final match played at Mirboo North, on Saturday last. He was a sober, industrious young man, and was held in high esteem by all with whom he came in contact.”
    11. Furthermore, in the same article…
    “Much sympathy is expressed for the deceased's father and brothers in their sad and sudden bereavement. The coffin was carried from hearse to grave by members of "Gloomchasers" Orchestra, whilst the President, Secretary and other members of Morwell Football Club were the pall bearers. Among the many floral tributes were beautiful wreaths from Morwell Football Club, Gloomchasers Orchestra, Comrades, and others.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser’ August 22nd 1930.
    12. ‘In Memoriam’ notices, regarding Jock’s passing, were placed in local papers in 1932 and 1933. The 1933 notice read as follows…
    “In Memoriam SLOAN. In fond remembrance of our much-loved comrade and esteemed member of our orchestra-Jock Sloan, who passed away on August 20th, 1930. “Gone but not Forgotten." -Inserted by members of the Gloomchasers Orchestra, Yallourn. Thanks.” Source: ‘The Morwell Advertiser.’ 24th August 1933.
    13. There appears to be no obvious references to the Gloomchasers Orchestra in Gippsland newspapers after 1934. However, the same name ‘crops up’ again in an item published in the Crookwell CWA Gazette in 1937…
    “In 1937 ….A baby show and C.W.A ball were held to raise funds for the rest room. The "Gloomchasers" orchestra was engaged for the ball. (What a lovely name for an orchestra, particularly considering the state of the economy at that time!)”
    Note: Crookwell is a small town located on the Southern Tablelands of NSW about 240km South-West of Sydney.
    14. The name Gloomchasers Orchestra appears regularly in various New South Wales newspapers in the period 1920-50. It seems fair to suggest that there was more than one Gloomchasers Orchestras.
    15. ‘Gloomchasers’ is also the name given to a band that was formed by Australian guitarist Nic Dalton (born 1964).

    CAN YOU HELP WITH FURTHER INFORMATION?
    Jock Sloan was the eldest son of Mr D. Sloan (a Yallourn resident). Perhaps relatives or friends of the Sloan family may be able to add to the above story of the Gloomchasers Orchestra. Please contact Julie if you can provide further information for the website. Thank you.

    The footnotes for this story were researched and written by Roger Spaull and the article was presented and posted by Julie George for the Virtual Yallourn website in June 2019. The above advertisement from ‘The Advocate’ in 1930 has been faithfully reproduced. The only amendments to the original copy are the font style, font size and spacing, to enhance the article for purposes of posting on the Virtual Yallourn website.

    27/06/2019 - 13:48
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  • 33035
    IMAGES OF YALLOURN - Stan Brown & Doug Brown - Yallourn Football Club & Yallourn Tennis Club

    STAN & DOUG BROWN

    The first photograph (taken in 1969) shows a former popular sporting identity of Yallourn, Stan Brown with his son, Doug. Stan Brown was a star for Yallourn Football Club and played in the club’s last premiership in 1948. That season, Stan won the Kevin Comber award for the Most Improved Player.

    Stan won a string of awards at YFC including the Most Consistent Player trophy in 1954 which was the inaugural (and momentous) season of the Latrobe Valley Football League.

    The group photo, which accompanies this article, shows Stan in the 1955 Grand Final team (next to the then coach of Yallourn, Gerald Marchesi). Although Carlton FC took an interest in recruiting Stan to play VFL, he ‘stayed and played on’ with Yallourn FC and amassed a total of 167 senior games with the Blues.

    Stan also gained a handsome reputation as a tennis player and represented Yallourn at the Country Week Championships on more than twenty occasions.
    The full story of Stan Brown can be found by:
    1. Typing the word ‘Contact’ into the Search box at the top right hand corner of the screen.
    2. Hit ‘Apply.’
    3. Scroll down until you find the April 1969 edition of the ‘Contact’ magazine.
    4. Scroll to page: 14.

    Another article about Stan Brown can be found on this website by simply typing the word ‘Brown’ into the Search box above.

    A series of stories about the Yallourn Football Club, Yallourn Tennis Club and other former sporting stars of the town can also be found on this website. Simply type in the word ‘Football’ (or ‘Tennis’) into the Search box above.

    Stan Brown can be seen in the group photograph in the second row, second from the right (next to Yallourn’s coach that season and former North Melbourne FC star Gerald Marchesi).

    24/06/2019 - 10:34
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  • 31164
    Mackeown Family at play - 5 Heather Grove
    1
    24/06/2019 - 10:33
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  • 24585
    Yallourn Football Club YFC - Grand Final Team 1955

    YFC Grand Final Team vs Sale at Morwell in 1955

    Back Row: K Fanning, P Cook, B Knight, K Gibson, L Shipp, P Watkinson, K McColl, J Watt
    Middle Row: M Williams, J Brown, R Cullinan, G Marchesi, S Brown, J Vinall
    Front Row: D Madden, R Kitney, C Whitbourne, J Shaw, B Coad, M Crane

    1955
    21/06/2019 - 15:19
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  • 33034
    The Fewster Family

    The Fewster family moved to Yallourn in the early 1920's. Arthur William Edson Fewster and his wife Hilda Isabell Fewster, along with their six children, the youngest being Alfred Lewis (my father). AWE had served in WW1 as a lieutenant in the Australian Army and then settled in Warragul before moving on to Yallourn as an Engineer. When AWE and hilda arrived they were moved into 8 Northway. AWE was very involved with the progress of the town and a great orchid grower having a large hot house and glass house on the property. Five of the six children slowly moved on to other ventures away from Yallourn. Alf stayed on as a fitter and turner at the briquette factory, played local tennis and other sports. He married Joyce Mitchell who was a "local" from Morwell Bridge and The Brown Coal Mine (Yallourn North). They lived initially at 47 Narracan Ave and then moved to 6 Southway with their 2 children Suzanne (1945) and Lindsay (1947). Suzanne was hit with polio at the age of 7 in 1952. Alf and Joyce were very involved with the Methodist church, as well as Alf's involvement with the Technical School, junior chamber international. After many years at the briquette factory Alf took on the job as a personal officer for apprentices, he remained in this position until our departure form Yallourn, when he took a position in Millicent South Australia around 1964. Alf passed away in 2001 and Joyce 2003. Both were aged 78 and living in Kyneton at the time of death.
    To come, the story of a boy who left Yallourn at 17.

    3
    06/06/2019 - 10:30
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  • 33033
    Yallourn Hockey Club YHC - The Beginnings and Inaugural Minutes by Veronica Lacey

    The ‘beginnings’ of YALLOURN HOCKEY CLUB by Veronica Lacey – 1.3.2017
    The following article is a brief account of Yallourn Hockey Club which includes available information up to approximately 1984.
    The Yallourn Hockey Club was formed in 1956 as a result of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey team (a High School team led by teacher, Mr. Nicholls) resolving to form an independent team and affiliate with the Traralgon Women’s Hockey Association (later becoming the Latrobe Valley Women’s Hockey Association (LVWHA).
    Note: The minutes of the Inaugural meeting and following meetings are supplied.
    • Life Members of the Club:
    Mr. Ted Polkinghorne (1965), Veronica Lacey and Janice Houston (1978)
    • Winners of many L.V. Premierships:
    “A” Grade Premierships: 1957, 1972,1975, 1977,1978,1979,1980,1981 &1983
    “B” Grade Premierships: 1976, 1978,1979
    “C” Grade Premierships: 1976, 1979
    The Yallourn Town Advisory Council held a Civic Reception for the Club in 1979 in honour of winning all three Premierships, presenting all players with an individual pennant.
    • Yallourn players featured in LVWHA Best & Fairest Awards:
    The first “A” Grade winner was star winger Pat Middlemiss in 1969, Val Harrigan, Judy Mitchell, Veronica Lacey, Bev Malpass, Jill Williams (Dolphin), Leonie Baxter, Julie Smith (Lacey)
    • LVWHA Lightning Premierships:
    “A” Grade: 1963,1964,1969,1978 1979,1981,1982 &1983
    “B” Grade: 1962,1964,1978,1980 &1982
    “C” Grade: 1982
    Yallourn regularly entered a team in the Victorian Country Week, winning “C” Grade in 1959, until LVWHA teams were entered.
    Many Yallourn players were selected for LVWH Association teams to compete in Country Week, Country Carnival, Inter-Zone Championships and Junior and Senior State & Country teams.
    Apart from long term coach, Ted Polkinghorne, Veronica Lacey and Janice Houston held coaching and selectors positions for LV teams.
    The Yallourn team were Runners-up to Geelong in the prestigious 1983 Victory Cup losing 1-0.
    • Yallourn members have been regulars on the Latrobe Valley Association’s list of Office-Bearers.
    Association Presidents include Mr. Ted Polkinghorne (‘65/66), Janice McHenry (‘61), Lesley Grebe (72/73), Anne Stewart (78/79) and Di Kennedy (?).
    Association Secretary: Veronica Lacey (72-74 & 80-83), Julie Lacey (?)
    Association Treasurer: Veronica Lacey (72-79), Julie Lacey (?)
    Match Secretary: Ted Polkinghorne (66-75), Gordon & Anne Stewart (76-80), Dianne Kennedy
    Umpires’ Convenor: Gordon Stewart (81-83)
    Victorian Country Week Secretary: Veronica Lacey (’82 &83)
    • LVWHA Life Members: Mr. Ted Polkinghorne (1967), Veronica Lacey (1976), Gordon Stewart, Janice Houston (1984) and Julie Smith (Lacey)
    More details of teams, players and dates will be posted when these can be confirmed by minutes or photos, however at the moment I can only confirm up to 1984.

    YALLOURN HOCKEY CLUB
    Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting of Morwell Golds Hockey Team.
    Held 9th November 1955 in Room 16, Yallourn High School.
    Mr. Nicholls as Convenor in the chair.
    PRESENT:
    Mr. Nicholls, Misses B. Gust, L. Gust, L. Gunn, M. Harry, R. Phillpot, A. Van der horst,
    C. King, J. Rust, C. Stitson, O. Maconichie, J. Wallace, E. McConnell, S. McConnell, E. McLaren
    After declaring the meeting open, Mr. Nicholls explained that the meeting was called to discuss the future of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey Team in respect to the 1956 season.
    It was then moved by B. Gust and seconded by E. McLaren, that….”This meeting of members of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey Team of 1955 resolve to form an independent hockey club and to apply for affiliation with the Traralgon Women’s Hockey Association for 1956 season.”
    The motion was carried.
    It was moved by J. Rust and seconded by C. King that the membership shall at present, be open only to those who were regular playing members of the Morwell “Golds” Hockey team of the 1955 season and that the question of the admission of additional members be considered at the next General Meeting.
    This motion was carried.
    Moved by B. Gust and seconded E. McLaren, that “A President and Secretary be elected pro-tem” Officers for 1956 to be elected at an “Annual General Meeting.”
    Election of President:
    Nominations were then called for, for a President. They were as follows:
    B. Gust - nominated by L. Gust, seconded by E. McLaren
    E. McLaren - nominated by B. Gust, seconded by S. McConnell
    S. McConnell - nominated by E. McLaren, seconded by L. Gunn
    As a result of the subsequent ballot, B. Gust was declared elected and took the chair and called for nominations for Secretary.
    Election of Secretary:
    Nominations were as follows-
    A. Van der Horst - nominated by R. Phillpot, seconded by C. King
    E. McLaren - nominated by J. Wallace, seconded by J. Rust
    S. McConnell - nominated by E. McLaren, seconded by O. Maconichie
    As a result of the election which followed, E. McLaren was declared elected.
    GENERAL BUSINESS:
    It was moved by L. Gust, seconded by J. Wallace, that the Annual General Meeting be held not later than March 1956.
    This was carried.
    It was moved by R. Phillpot, seconded by J. Wallace, that the President and Secretary prepare a draft Constitution for consideration at the next General Meeting.
    This was carried.
    It was also left to the President and Secretary to make inquiries for a ground on which to play.
    The meeting was closed at 12:45pm.
    Signed: E. McLaren (tem.sec)
    B. Gust (President)

    To read the Minutes of the General Meeting of the Yallourn Blues Hockey Club - March 1956 - please click on the title above and then click the pdf link below.

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    Yallourn Hockey Club YHC 1957 Premiers

    Yallourn Hockey Club Premiers - 1957 - first team to win the Shield

    Back Row: Marie Williamson, Lesley Smith?, Jan McHenry, Marg McInnes, Lesley Sewell, Jill Carlisle
    Front Row: Judy Wallace, Lois Gust, Gloria Julin?, ? , Elizabeth McConnell or Margot McLaren

    1957
    1
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