Lauris Stanger

Lauris Irene STANGER, daughter of Thomas Stanger and Irene (Rene) Alice Jane Mitchell was born Wednesday 17 September 1930 at Yallourn, Victoria, Australia; baptised 13 October 1930 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Yallourn (Minister: William Simpson). Lauris died Thursday 31 August 2017 at Regis-Marleston, South Australia. Lauris was cremated and her ashes interred at Springvale Botanical Cemetery Springvale, Victoria, Australia.

Lauris married Ivan Sidney William Brill 10 July 1954 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Yallourn (Minister: Reverend Fraser; Best Man: William Harkin; Bridesmaid: Betty Mitchell. Reception: 50 guests at Keith & Laura Mitchell’s home, Edgehill Road, Yallourn. Catering by May Broberg & Tot Slatter]

Ivan, son of Sidney John Brill and Flora Elizabeth Birch was born 11 August 1928 at Cow Roast, Wigginton, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England; died 6 July 2014 at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

Children (4): Kaye Elizabeth born 1955 Yallourn; Robert John born 3.1.1958 Yallourn died 8.1.2025 Adelaide; Helen Joy born 20.6.1960 Yallourn died 17.6.2011 Adelaide; Gordon Charles born 1965 Frankston.

Education: 1935-1942: Yallourn Higher Elementary School No 4085

Occupation/s:
1946: - 1951: Self-employed weaver, knitter, dressmaker, Yallourn; Photographer Receptionist, Yallourn; Shop Assistant at ‘Raymond’s Shoes’, Rutherglen Road, Newborough, Victoria (store owned by brother Raymond)
1952; Qualified Chiropodist (Podiatrist) – Lauris established a Chiropody Practice at rooms within Rockmans Store, Yallourn, Morwell Chemist, Moe Dental Practice and established a Yallourn home visiting practice. Lauris also treated Yallourn Hospital inpatients and Repatriation Department patients.
from c1969: Public Relations and Fundraising – Miss Australia Quest, Royal Adelaide Hospital and other organisations. Lauris was admitted to the Public Relations Institute of Australia (SA) in 1987

Residence/s: Yallourn 1930 – 1960; Cranbourne, Victoria 1961 – 1965; Adelaide, South Australia 1966-2017

Community Service:
1948-1951: Property steward, keen supporter and one time 'Pin Up' girl for the Yallourn Football Club
1952 – 1956: Honorary Chiropodist, Yallourn Football Club.
1953: Participated in the Queen Carnival as Miss Sport, Yallourn. 2nd highest fundraiser for Latrobe Valley Community Hospital, Yallourn site (raised £1086 3s 10d). The Final Pageant was held at Yallourn Theatre, June 1953
1956: Won the ‘popularity award’ in the Yallourn ‘Penny Parade’. The ‘Penny Parade’ was a local radio popularity event to raise funds for the Yallourn Hospital.
1957: Appointed Life Governor, Latrobe Valley Community Hospital (formerly Yallourn Hospital) and Moe Annex Hospital, June 1957.

Volunteer Activities: Adelaide Grand Prix 1985-1995; Sydney Olympic and Para Olympic Games, 2000; • XV111 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, 2006; Australian Masters Games 2007 & 2011; World Police & Fire games 2007 & many more.

Yallourn Highlights/Memories:
- Starting primary school with friends Fay Leather, Josie Fletcher, Margaret Andrew & Josephine Lynch and in the same class for first 3 years
- Swimming in the first ‘town pool’ near Lake Avenue (opened December 1936)
- Walking along the Latrobe River with friends after Sunday School
- WW2 - an Army Unit was stationed at the Ovals. Blackouts were strictly enforced.
- First bicycle on 11th birthday, then saving to buy a new Malvern Star bicycle costing £2 7s 6d at age 15
- Yallourn Open Cut Bushfire in 1944
- Exploring the bush, blackberry picking and swimming in the Latrobe River with teenage friends Winnie Watkinson, Fay Leather, Molly Pollock, Nan Mallows, Elvie Robinson, Phyllis Johnson
- Weekly delivery of ice chests with food delivery; the family meat safe; bagging fire wood (used for stoves, grates) and wood chips (used for bath heaters)
- Playing as a session pianist in her brother Raymond’s five-piece Yallourn band; Raymond played trumpet (Lauris played piano by ear as she could not read sheet music
- Attending local dances 3-4 times / week at Morwell, Traralgon, Moe & Hearn’s Oak and often coming 2nd in ‘Belle of the Ball’[Lauris’ mother sewed all her ballgowns]
- Long days on the beach with friends at Inverloch.

In 2001, Lauris compiled and published ‘Our Yallourn’ a book containing a collection of family memories and stories of former Yallourn residents. The book was launched at the Moe Civic Centre.

In 2007, Lauris was nominated for and Australian of the Year Award

Compiled by Kaye (Lauris' daughter)