Living Legends and Pillars of Bathurst Biographies

Living Legends

Lachlan John Rendall

Lachlan John Rendall has been a practising Chartered Accountant in Bathurst for the past 52 years, employing many locals during this time. Lachlan has been an Honorary Auditor for various community groups and has been a Justice of the Peace since 1970. Lachlan was a Councillor with Bathurst City Council from 1987 to1991 and Councillor with Southern Mitchell County Council from 1987 to 1991. Lachlan was President of the Scots School P&F from 1982-1986 and a Member of Scots School Council from 1987-1995. He has been a member of the Bathurst East Rotary for 37 years holding the position of president in 1995/96. Lachlan was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International in 1997. He is also a Probus Club of Bathurst Plains Member, was President of the Churches United Soccer Club from 1975 to 1979 and Delegate to the Bathurst Sports Council.

Geoffrey Porter

Geoffrey Porter is a proud fourth generation Bathurstian, having lived all his life in the Bathurst and Yetholme communities. Geoffrey did an apprenticeship with local business Hobson Bros in 1980 and was named the most Outstanding Graduating Student of the Western Institute of TAFE. Receiving the Richard Tosich Memorial Award which recognised his outstanding results. Geoff taught his trade at TAFE and established his own construction company in 1999. Geoff Porter Constructions completed large works at Charles Sturt University, and other various schools and businesses and employed 30 locals over 16 years. Geoff was involved in Camp Quality Tractor Trek in 2012-2016 in the position of Deputy Director raising $1.4 million for Camp Quality. In 2016, Geoff founded the Central West Charity Tractor Trek which raised funds for the charity "Little Wings". He was awarded the 2BS Bathurst Citizen of the month in December 2018 for his efforts. Geoff runs a beekeeping business, focusing on pollination and honey production to support the Apiary and Agricultural industry. Geoff with his brothers, set up the Ted Porter Memorial Award for Champion Honey Exhibitor at the Royal Bathurst Show. He is an active member of the NSW Apiarist Association and the Central Tablelands Beekeeping Association. Geoff became a member of the Yetholme RFS in 2007 as Deputy and Senior Deputy. He volunteered more than 300 hours fighting against the Gospers Mountain Fire in the Lithgow District.

Jane Esme Rawlings

Jane Esme Rawlings is heavily involved and has volunteered at Daffodil cottage in Bathurst over many years and in many roles. Jane has been President and Vice President of the Volunteer Group for Daffodil Cottage and was an integral member along with her husband of the small Fund Raising Committee in 2014/15 to extend the cottage. $700K was raised by the committee in 18 months. Jane is a member of the Daffodil Advisory Council to maintain relationships with Bathurst Health Service and the wider community. Jane is also a fundraiser for Can Assist. She has supported many local, rural, state, national and international students and their families during her career with the Mitchell College of Advanced Education and All Saints College. Jane was one of the Foundation Committee members for the Combined Bathurst Probus Club. Through this club she helped provide opportunities to retirees in the community to progress healthy minds and active bodies through social activities and interaction.

Arthur Davis

Arthur Davis has been a dedicated Patron of the Bathurst Light Car Club since 1970 and became a Life Member in 1995. He has served on the Club’s Committee since 1980 to the present holding the position of Treasurer for most of those years. Arthur has been a life member of The Beef, Steak and Burgundy Group since 1983, receiving a life membership in 2013. This committee focuses on local produce and supports local farmers and wine producers. Arthur was Director of the Kidney Kar Rally from 2005-2018 and raised more than $15 million for young children through the Kidney Foundation. Arthur completed the London to Sydney car rally in 1977, receiving a special achievement Award from Bathurst City Council. He has actively promoted the city of Bathurst for over 46 years.

Dr Martha Gelin

Dr Martha Gelin moved to Bathurst in 1984 from Tasmania. Martha was the first HIV- AIDS Coordinator for the Central West. She was also the first volunteer guide for the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and volunteered unpacking and cataloguing fossils, and minerals donated by Professor Warren Somerville. Martha is still a volunteer guide today. Martha was an early member of the Bathurst Panorama Chorus (Sweet Adalines) and served on its Management Committee. Martha has been a supporter of the Mitchell Conservatorium and served on is board for several years and has made significant financial contributions to it. Martha has also played in and supported the Bathurst City Orchestra for many years.

George Gaal

George Gaal migrated to Australia in 1949, was employed in various insurance businesses and served 18 years as a member of the NSW Police Force. His last posting was as the Detective Sergeant in Charge in the Bathurst District, before he retired in 1995. George is a member of the Bathurst Bridge Club and served as treasurer of the club for 11 years. He is a Committee Member of his retirement village and has been Secretary-Treasurer for a number of years. George has been a Justice of the Peace for the last 45 years. He has represented Police Legacy in the Central West for 20 years and assisted Police Widows with general administration and social events. George was awarded the Police Medal for Diligent and Ethical Service. He has been a member of two Rotary Clubs in Bathurst for approximately 30 years and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Medal for his service. George was made a Veteran Member of the NSW Retired Police Association in 2010 and received a letter from the then NSW Premier Nick Greiner for his part in the Bicentennial Celebrations in Bathurst for being a member of the then Migrant Reunion organising committee. George organised a similar event for the 50th anniversary of the Bathurst Migrant Centre.

David John Pennells

David John Pennells has served for 40 years with Fire Rescue NSW, initially joining the Bathurst Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1976 as a volunteer fireman. David has served many major critical incidents in the Bathurst area and fought the fire at Kelso High School in 2005. He was awarded the Fire Brigade Good Conduct and Service Medal and the Australia National Service Medal. David is the owner of Inland Building and Construction which has carried out major rejuvenations of the Bathurst Central Business District with the Bolam Family.

David serves on the Board of Verto as secretary and is a member of the Bathurst East Rotary Club, where he has served in many roles including International Director. David was President of the Australian Simmental Association and served as Cattle Steward at the Royal Bathurst Show. David is passionate about motor racing and was the second life member of the National Motor Racing Museum. He has given significant donations through his business and as an individual to the community through disaster relief and the Community Op Shop.

Pillars of Bathurst

George Basha (1921-1996) Mary Basha (1927-2016)

In 1938, at the age of 17, George Moses Basha left his native Lebanon to begin a new life in Australia, initially in the Riverina. Not long after arriving in Bathurst in 1945, he established the Aussie Fish Café on George Street, followed in 1948 with a new business venture as a “draper and mercer” (manchester and clothing). With radio and newspaper ads declaring George Basha The Prices Smasher!, his shop at 79 Keppel Street soon prospered. Mary Anne Sarkis, a dressmaker, who had also migrated from Lebanon in 1938 lived nearby. George and Mary married in 1950, with no.79 providing both their family home and business premises. In 1952, they expanded their business to include fruit and vegetables. George and Mary continued to run their mixed business until retirement in 1973. George often said, “Australia is a land of opportunities for those who worked hard”. A view proven not only by his and Mary’s success, but also by the many neighbouring businesses run by other migrant families, coming from as far afield as China, England, Greece – and Lebanon. George and Mary Basha were truly Icons of Keppel Street. Their story is an important chapter in the history of their street.

Haydn Larnach (1918-2011)

Haydn Kenneth Larnach was born in Bathurst and grew up in Newbridge. A baker’s apprenticeship brought him to Bathurst, where during World War II he became the sole qualified bread dough maker serving the entire town, as well as the gaol and army camp. His daily commitment to his essential work as the town’s baker, which included training the army’s bakers, was physically exhausting. Haydn was a passionate photographer, his talent recognised with an Australian Portfolio Photographic Society award in 1958. For his community, the lasting legacy of his camera lies with his photographs of Bathurst life last century, now in the Bathurst District Historical Society’s collection. His knowledge of cameras led to his invention, and manufacture in Bathurst, of an innovative photo finish camera, the Race-O-Graph, for horse and greyhound race tracks. Hayden’s invention was taken up by race tracks across Australia and as far afield as Hong Kong. Hayden also lent his creative talents in 1967 to the making of a replica Holterman nugget, the sculptural centre piece of the fountain outside Council Chambers, still appreciated by locals and visitors over fifty years later. Through his skills and talents, Haydn Larnach gave a lifetime of service to his community.

Ivan Cranston (1934-2007)

Born in Bathurst, Ivan John Cranston overcame childhood illness to become an all-round sportsman who went on to represent Bathurst in tennis, cricket, table tennis and squash at state level. Ivan is fondly remembered by Bathurst’s sporting community as a coach and mentor who over many years willingly shared his sporting knowledge and skills with hundreds of Bathurst children (and adults). A vivid memory etched in the minds of many is their Sunday morning sessions with Ivan at the Bathurst City Tennis Courts. There, clad in tennis whites, the hopeful tennis stars would be lined up to perfect their “serve”. His voice would ring out, “One! Two! Three!”, and, although the exercise was hated by some, the “Ace” would be served. Ivan’s own amateur sporting career began while at Bathurst High School, where he participated in the Astley Cup. His sporting interests continued into adult life, with his family remembering travels around the state accompanying Ivan to sporting events. Ivan could be relied upon to deliver centuries in cricket and awesome tennis rallies, with his lightning agility overwhelming many a squash and table tennis opponent. A true sportsman, Ivan Cranston made an important contribution to the story of sport in Bathurst.

Judy Webb (1925-2018)

Born Judith Weaver in Grenfell, Judy came to Bathurst in 1949 as a resident doctor at Bathurst District Hospital, earning special acknowledgement for her work in obstetrics and family care in Bathurst’s Migrant Camp. Married in 1950, Judy was appointed Medical Officer at Bathurst Teachers’ College in 1960. With a passionate interest in history and architecture, Judy was a driving force for the conservation of heritage buildings in the Bathurst region. She was a foundation member in 1974 of the National Trust’s Central West Women’s Committee, and was instrumental in the donation of Miss Traill’s House to the National Trust in 1976. A prolific writer, Judy wrote the text for Bathurst Sketchbook (1975) and prepared numerous Trust leaflets for Open House Inspections over thirty years. In 1973 the Bathurst Action Committee to Secure Unified Planning was formed, with Judy taking an active role in the townscape survey and study of two key city blocks. The BACSUP report, with its photographs, is considered an invaluable record of Bathurst’s heritage. Recognised through State and National Trust awards for her dedication to local heritage, Judy Webb was an inspirational advocate in many ways. Her contribution to our community continued until her death in 2018.

William Browne (1816-1893)

Born into a lacemaking community in Derbyshire, England, William Browne’s arrival in Australia was the result of extraordinary circumstances. Around 1840, William, a machine fitter, joined the thriving English community employed in the lacemaking factories of Calais, France. The 1848 Revolution saw their flight from France, with many assisted to relocate to Australia. William, with wife Lydia and their young family, in the company of other refugees, were sent to Bathurst. Through his previous experience installing and maintaining lacemaking machinery, William brought hands-on technical skills much needed to develop Bathurst’s fledgling industries. William’s versatile knowledge and reputation for perfection led to a variety of ventures. He soon found employment supervising George Rankin’s steam-powered flour mill and later assisted in erecting Ranken’s famous bridge. Employment as a brewer and maltster at Reliance Brewery included building a malt-kiln. William returned in the 1860s to managing flour mills. In the 1870s, before taking up employment with the railway, his practical skills were engaged in George Fish’s foundry. William also established a farm at Duramana, which remains in family ownership. The respect the Bathurst community held for William Browne might be measured by the number, some 700, who attended at his graveside.

Major General Leslie Beavis CB, CBE, DSO (1895-1975)

Lieutenant General Sir Reginald Pollard KCVO, KBE, CB, DSO (1903-1978)

Educated at Bathurst government schools, these Bathurst-born career soldiers excelled at RMC Duntroon, with Beavis topping the 1915 graduation class and Pollard receiving the 1924 sword of honour. Leslie Ellis Beavis served with distinction on the Western Front in World War I, where he commanded the 53^rd Battery, and was awarded the DSO. In World War II, he served in increasingly senior positions in the Middle East, New Guinea and Australia, overseeing essential logistic support for the army. As Master-General of Ordnance from April 1942, he coordinated wartime production with the army’s supply and operational needs. Retiring in 1952, Major General Leslie Beavis served as Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan until 1954. Reginald George Pollard served with distinction in World War II. In 1941 he was with the 7^th Division’s headquarters in Libya and later commanded the 2^nd/31^st Battalion in Syria. He was awarded the DSO for service in New Guinea. In 1945, he was a deputy director of military operations at Allied Land Forces HQ. During 1953, he commanded the Australian Army in Korea. In 1963, then Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Reginald Pollard retired from the army. He was Australian secretary to Queen Elizabeth during her 1970 visit.

PJ Moodie (1881-1963)

Born in Talbot, Victoria, Percival James John Moodie and his young family came to Bathurst in 1913. A registered pharmacist since 1903, he established a pharmacy which soon became a community mainstay and continues today as Moodie’s Pharmacy, Bathurst’s oldest pharmacy. Known to all as Percy, or more commonly as PJ, he soon became a leading figure in his adopted town. From 1922 to 1962, PJ served continuously, and with dedication, as an Alderman on Bathurst Council, including twice as Mayor. His promotion of tennis, at which he excelled, saw the building of community courts, one of his many lasting legacies. Although not a licenced pilot, PJ was passionate about aviation and the opportunities an aerodrome could offer Bathurst. He knew, and flew with, the great pilots of his day, Kingsford Smith and Ulm among others. In 1929, with their support, Western Aero Company was formed, with PJ as chairman, but the venture soon failed. To paraphrase PJ’s own words, “he was a little ahead of his times”. His strong representations did though in time help achieve a modern aerodrome for Bathurst. In 1963, Percival Moodie’s contributions to local government and his community were acknowledged with the award of the OBE.

Leo Grant (1917-2012)

Born in Canowindra, Leo George Grant came to Bathurst as a student at St Stanislaus’ College. In 1943, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bathurst. In 1944, having been asked by Bishop Norton to “do something for the young people”, Leo set about doing just that. Father Leo Grant established a club, St Patrick’s Catholic Young Men’s Society. St Pat’s, as the society came to be known, proved to be a great success in the pastoral care and development of Bathurst’s young people. Under Leo’s guidance, St Pat’s provided a range of youth activities such as monthly dances, musical events, a club newspaper (Uncensored) and sporting events, including a football team. The club provided much needed opportunities for young people to engage in activities that fostered health and well-being. In the 1960s, he responded to another calling, that of a missionary to Peru, where he served for almost 25 years. Following retirement, he returned to live in Bathurst. St Pat’s, the club he established over 75 years ago, remains his lasting legacy. Monsignor Leo Grant’s concern for the needs of young people, and his work to address those needs, has earned him the gratitude of the entire community.

Patric O’Brien (1922-2016)

Born in Bathurst, Patricia (Pat) Maria O’Brien began her training in General Nursing in 1945 at Mater Misericordiae Hospital in North Sydney. It was there she changed her name to Patric as there were several O’Briens on the staff answering to Patricia and Pat. It was an act of duty before self that would characterise her nursing career. Initial nurse training was followed by Maternity and Mother Craft training. Patric went on to become the Night Superintendent at Mater. She returned to Bathurst in the early 1950s to join the nursing staff of the Bathurst District Hospital, taking charge of the Maternity Section. In 1958, she became the hospital’s Deputy Matron. In 1966, Patric took up the position of Matron/Director of Nursing, a position she held for 16 years until retirement in 1982. Patric’s achievements were recognised with her appointment as a Fellow of The Institute of Nursing Administrators of NSW and ACT. Patric played a key role in the transition of nurse education from hospital training to a professional university degree course at Mitchell College (now CSU). In retirement, Patric O’Brien continued to serve her community through her work with Bathurst’s initial Palliative Care Group and, later, Daffodil Cottage.

Arthur Budden (1832-1922)

Born in England, Arthur Blake Budden arrived in Sydney in 1855. By January 1857, he had set up as a storekeeper in a bark hut at Caloola. In 1858, Arthur moved to nearby Rockley, the emerging centre for the area’s mining and agriculture. There he opened a store, The Rockley Stores, in a stable, later followed by a weatherboard store and residence. In 1859, he married Sarah Stanger and, following her death, her sister Emily. Their father, Joseph Stanger, a fellow Wesleyan Methodist, partnered to build Rockley’s flour mill, opened in 1862. Rockley’s growing prosperity called for a bank, which Arthur Budden provided in 1876 with an agency in his store. The agency evolved into a branch of the A.J.S. Bank with an impressive bank building and manager’s residence, with Arthur as resident manager until 1891. His business ventures included a mail coach service to the Cow Flat copper mines. Equally involved in community matters, he helped fund the building of Rockley’s school and establishing its School of Arts. Arthur Budden’s role in the development of Rockley is recognised in the naming of Budden Street, along which his mill, now a museum, and his bank and residence are located.

Harry Hodge (1904-1973) Brian Hodge (1930-2018)

Alfred Harold (Harry) Hodge and his nephew Brian Colin Hodge were instrumental in recording the goldrush and later periods of Hill End and Tambaroora history, based on their personal and family memories and meticulous scholarly research in the Mitchell Library. Their exemplary work forms the basis for subsequent research by family and local historians. Harry, born in Hill End, committed forty years to researching the history of the district, culminating in his trilogy, The Hill End Story (1964, 1965, 1972), together with a guidebook for visitors. In 1971, Harry Hodge was awarded the MBE for his “valuable contributions to historical research, notably in the Hill End district”. Brian Hodge was equally prolific as an historian, publishing six local history books, beginning with Valleys of Gold: The Goldfields Story 1851-1861, Book I (1976), soon followed by a second volume, Frontiers of Gold (1979). His final book was Golden Hill End (2009). Both Harry and Brian followed successful careers in teaching which took them away from Hill End, but they returned whenever possible to their roots. Together with their books, they have left a rich trove of manuscripts and research notes that will prove to be a wonderful legacy for future historians.