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Born in Townsville in 1935, Stan commenced his education at Railway Estate
State School, and in 1950 won an Academic Scholarship to Townsville
Grammar School, where he completed his Junior Certificate.
On leaving school he commenced work as an office boy with the Adelaide
Steamship Co. in Townsville. Later becoming a clerk. As a boy, Stan's
leisure activities mainly included soccer, a sport he was very passionate
about.
After several years as a clerk, he wanted to experience some life
elsewhere. He requested a transfer, which took him to Newcastle NSW. Not
what he wanted at all, and eventually he resigned.
1958 saw Stan on his way to the bright lights of London. Whilst in the big
city, he was introduced to "theatre". He became fascinated, and in the
next four years he saw as many shows as his finances would allow.
Back in Townsville in 1962 he took employment with the Townsville Regional
Electricity Board (TREB) (which later became NORQEB/Ergon). He also re-aquainted
himself with Estate Soccer Club firstly as a player, then later into
administration and refereeing. He became the founding President of the
Townsville Junior Soccer Association and also The Junior Soccer Referees
Association. Stan also served as a coach and a committee member of Estates
Soccer Club
Stan married his wife Betty in 1967 and had two children, Sharon who is
now a Vet, and Bradley who became a pianist and accompanist of
considerable note.
Always a keen follower of politics, he joined the Labor Party in 1973. He
was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Townsville City Council in 1983.
During this time he attended state conferences as a Townsville delegate.
In 1985 Stan successfully contested the Council elections and during the
next few years work pressure forced him to cut back on his soccer
commitments. Working full time at NORQEB, whilst an active councillor and
trying to also have a family life. However, Stan became a member of the
Townsville Eisteddfod Committee and stayed with the committee until 2006.
Other key points in Stan's life:
1988-1990 He served as a
member of the Board of Directors of the New Moon Theatre Co.
1989-1995 Vice-President
of the Townsville Committee of the N.Q Eisteddfod (now The NQ Festival of
Performing Arts)
1990
As Alderman Newman, Stan was very prominent in establishing the City
Council's Annual Arts, Culture, & Entertainment Awards
1990-1997 Stan was a
member of the Board of Tropic Line Research Theatre Co.
1991
Granted life membership of The Townsville Choral & Orchestral Society
1992-1994 Chairman
of the Civic Theatre Advisory Committee
1993
Stan claimed is proudest achievement was re-establishing The NQ Festival
Of One Act Plays which is an annual event. The last
occurred as the Drama Festival in 1973.
1994
He received a 'Special Award' at the Arts, Cultural, & Entertainment
Awards
1996-1998 Was a
committee member of the Townsville Little Theatre Co.
1999
Stan was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) at the Australia Day
Awards
1999-2004 Stan was
President of the Amateur Theatre Alliance Townsville Region Inc (ATATARI)
2000
Received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Annual Arts, Culture, &
Entertainment Awards.
1980's - 2003 Served as committee member,
Vice-President, and also President of Friends Of The Theatre (FOTT)
From 1980's Stan frequently
worked backstage for the Townsville Juvenile Eisteddfod and also Ann
Roberts School of Dancing.
He also served on the committee and as Treasurer of the Townsville
Community Music Centre
2004
Stan was a founding member of the Performing Arts Historical Society
Townsville (PAHST)
He was passionate and devoted to the Arts, especially to Townsville's
wonderful performing arts history. During his lifetime he
personally collected a large quantity of programs, news items etc which he
donated to PAHST.
references:
Railway Estate State School 75th Jubilee Book 1991
History of Townsville Grammar School by Kim Allen 1988
FOTT Newsletter 2/1997 'Column Vine' by Ron Hamilton 1997
Townsville Community Music Centre, 25years by Jean Dartnall 2008
Misc. records held by PAHST
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