THE one hundredth birthday of Red Rock resident, John Imrie, was celebrated recently with friends, U3A committee members and students from the U3A Australian History and Poetry class.
The party took place at the Seaview Tavern in Woolgoolga.
For more than 30 years, John has inspired generations of U3A members through his Australian History and Poetry classes in Woolgoolga.
His wealth of knowledge, passion for learning, and generosity in sharing his experiences have enriched the lives of countless students.
John is an avid poetry writer and still today gives talks to groups.
His favourite Poem is Reedy River by Henry Lawson.
He likes to talk about people who made Australia great.
John is the Great-great-great Grandson of the Reverend Samual Marsden, prominent and controversial English-born Anglican senior chaplain in New South Wales, a pioneer of the Australian wool industry, a magistrate, and the founder of the first Christian mission in New Zealand.
Woolgoolga U3A member and student, Hendrik Bindels thanked John on behalf of students.
“John has made an extraordinary contribution to U3A and the wider community and we wish him continued good health, happiness, and many more memorable moments,” Hendrick said.
Hendrik sat down with John recently to find out more about his one hundred years of service to the country.
In 1943, at 16 years of age, John Imrie joined the No 23 Squadron Air Training Corps at Chatswood, Sydney, determined to play his part in Australia’s defence during World War II.
At this time the threat to Australia was very real.
In late May and early June 1942, John witnessed one of the war’s most dramatic events on Australian soil when three Japanese midget submarines attacked Sydney Harbour.
Watching from Gore Hill overlooking the Harbour, the experience left a lasting impression on the young Sydney schoolboy.
At the time, John was an active Boy Scout and volunteered as an Air Raid Warden’s messenger.
His role was to carry vital messages between air raid wardens and headquarters should telephone communications be disrupted during an air raid or other emergency.
As soon as he was eligible, John fulfilled his ambition to serve.
On his 18th birthday in 1944, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), beginning his wartime service to Australia.
After completing his basic training at Bradfield Park, Lindfield, John was posted to RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, where he trained as a navigator on the de Havilland Mosquito fighter aircraft.
In 1943, John also joined the Australian Labor Party, beginning a lifelong commitment to public service and civic engagement.
More than 80 years later, he remains an active member and has been honoured with Life Membership in recognition of his dedication.
Another enduring commitment has been to the RAAF Association.
John became a member in 1945 and has maintained that association for more than eight decades, reflecting his lifelong connection to his wartime service and fellow veterans.
Following his RAAF service, John built a distinguished career in the housing industry, as Director NSW HIA, a lobbyist representing the housing industry.
He worked closely with governments during the Whitlam, Hawke and Keating eras, advocating on behalf of the sector and contributing to housing policy discussions during a period of significant national growth and reform.
In 1949 John married Valerie Champion.
When the couple retired, they moved into a home John had built at Red Rock in 1990.
Valerie passed in 1997.
John has two sons, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
By Andrea FERRARI
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