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YALLOURN FOOTBALL CLUB 1945-65 VIC LAWRENCE

Perhaps it was no accident that three prominent North Melbourne footballers played with Yallourn in the 1950’s. It may have been good luck; but it could have been the result of astute recruiting that ruckman Laurie Shipp (1954-56), centre man Gerald Marchesi (1955-56) and defender Vic Lawrence (1958-59) were lured to the club. All had been team mates at North Melbourne FC at some time.

Designed by La Gerche and with a similar style to the Hotel, the Hospital opened on 13 January, 1929 by Sir John Monash. About 2,000 people attended the official opening costing with equipment over 32.000 pounds ($50,000).

Situated on one of the town’s main corners, opposite the railway station, was the two storeyed hotel with its Spanish Mission influences of triple arches and the small balcony over the entrance.

Built by the Electricity Commission and opened on October 1, 1928, at a cost of 30,000 pounds ($47,000) the hotel used electricity extensively in its all-electric kitchen and bar which were the height of modernity. The first Christmas dinner was in 1928 which was such a success that it started a tradition. Thereafter, tables had to be booked well in advance of the festive meal.

Educational needs were recognized as early as 12 February, 1922 when the Yallourn State School No 4085 was opened with 13 pupils. The first school building was a weatherboard cottage at No4 Hillside. By 1923 enrolment had reached 139 pupils - they came from the Camps and outlying areas, so a move to new and bigger buildings in Outlook Road was needed. This would become the Secondary School when a new Primary school was opened in 1932, on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Banksia Crescent.

The report on the establishment of the town of Yallourn was drawn up by the 15th December, 1921. The architect was A.R. La Gerche, the State Electricity Commission’s own architect. His plan was influenced by those of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England.

YALLOURN KINDERGARTEN

Yallourn was a great place for children in the 1950’s and 60’s there were so many of them and so much for them to do, they were part of Australia’s post-war baby boom. Yallourn had five schools and 1948-1949 saw the opening of the Infant Welfare Centre and the Kindergarten.

YALLOURN FOOTBALL CLUB 1945-65

AN AMAZING OFFER IN 1954

Yallourn Football Club hit the headlines in 1954 when the Blues went “all out” to entice Fitzroy champion Bill Stephen to coach the club.

‘The Argus’ headline on 4th November 1954 read...£3500? NO-SAYS BILL

The article continued...

“Bill Stephen rejected a £3500 offer, spread over five years before recently accepting the playing-coach post for Fitzroy Football Club next season. The offer was made by Yallourn Football Club”. Percy Taylor ~’The Argus’ 4th November 1954 page 22

YALLOURN V YARRAGON AUGUST 7th 1954 FOOTNOTES ~GEORGE BATES

Yallourn held off a determined Yarragon team to take four premiership points in the 1954 LVFL season. Recent rain had affected the playing surface of the Yarragon Oval and the game was a most physical affair with skill errors creating pack football, heavy traffic and plenty of physical contact.

“…the trainers had their busiest day for the season with players frequently flattened.” (Morwell Advertiser.)

The players in the group …….. Frank Kelly…….Jimmy Shaw…Des Madden….Claude Whitbourne…..Bruce Knight……Stan Brown…Bernie Nairn…George Bates...possibly Kevin Fanning….Alan McIntyre….perhaps Daryl Knight ..perhaps John Paice.

History of the Latrobe Community Concert Band (information and photos kindly given by Latrobe Community Concert Band - www.Iccband.com)

Introduction The Yallourn and District Band, over almost sixty years has played a significant part in the life of the Latrobe Valley, and particularly of Yallourn and its immediate environs.

Yallourn & District Band - 1937

Yallourn & District Band - 1932

Yallourn & District Band at Stawell - 1922

Yallourn & District Band at work - 1922. Check out the stage!

Yallourn Band at rest - 1922

Live Wire Retirement Notice - Ernest Dann - 8 January 1947 - rear