(Y)Our Stories

It’s history in the making with the Gawler Oral History Project’s first-hand accounts of the stories, experiences and memories of our residents.

Whether someone has lived here all their life, or just for a few months, whether they are getting on in life, or just starting out, whoever they are – young or old – everyone has a story to tell.

Gawler Swimming Pool: Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Coralie Clayson…

Gawler Swimming Pool: Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Mayor Karen Redman…

Gawler Swimming Pool: Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Kym Meaney…

Gawler Swimming Pool: Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Teddy and Margaret Sankey…

Gawler Swimming Pool: Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Esther Barker…

Gawler Swimming Pool: Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Patricia Sankey, Bronwyn LaMont, Meredith Smith, Steve Haaren…

Gawler Swimming: Pool Oral Histories

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. John Lyons…

Gawler Swimming Pool; Oral History

In November 2022 Gawler Swimming Pool celebrated its’ sixtieth anniversary. Some of those who have been instrumental to the pool’s history share memories about this beloved local institution. Ann McGonigal and Helen Hitch…

Helen Hennessy talks with Patricia Booth about E.H. Coombe

Ephraim Henry Coombe (26 August 1858 – 5 April 1917) was editor of the Bunyip Newspaper in Gawler for many years and a very active politician representing the Gawler and Barossa areas, from 1901 to 1912, and from 1915 to 1917. He died in office. His memorial can be seen in Tanunda. It includes the following…

Malcolm Lucas

Malcolm Lucas was born in the Hutchinson Hospital and has been a very successful farmer in the Gawler region. Wonderful stories of the changes in farming practices, school days, inventions, and bush fires…

Lyn Lillecrapp

In 1992 Lyn Lillecrapp was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. She has competed successfully in the 1976, 1988 and 1992 Paralympics as well as the Masters Games. In 2009 she was inducted into the SA Swimming Hall of Fame. In October 2019 Judy Gillett-Ferguson spoke to Lyn about her “growing up years”. Listen to this delightful interview and . be inspired.

Karen Redman

Karen Redman is mayor of the town of Gawler. In an interview with Judy Gillet-Ferguson she talks about her experiences as a child and teenager growing up in Hamley Bridge, Rushworth, and Gawler. They are wonderful observations and reflections told with humour, a sense of mischief, and love. It’s a cracker of an interview…

Jean Evans

Jean Evans commenced working at the Gawler Hutchinson Hospital in 1942 at the height of Australia’s involvement in WW2. In a delightful chat with Judy Gillett-Ferguson she reflects on her nursing life. It’s funny, sad, informative, and generous. Her zest for life at 95 years of age still shines brightly…

Wayne Clarke

Wayne Clarke was born in Gawler. He is a long term active member of the Gawler RSL who, after being called up for National Service in 1965, served a tour of duty in Vietnam. His recollections of his boyhood in Gawler are a treat. His experience as an infantry soldier in Vietnam is told with candour and respect…

Gawler Classic And Veteran Vintage Car Club

Rhonda enjoyed looking at the display of cars and took some time out to tell us about her first car…

Kat’s First Car

Kat agreed to share memories of her first car with us…

Judy’s First Car

Judy tells a hilarious story about her first car and her honeymoon…

Gawler Veteran Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club

Triumph TR2 and Mini Cooper S in foreground. 1913 Ford behind the Cooper S. Image by Paul Barnett. On 6th May 2018 the Gawler Oral History Team and Gawler Car Club jointly hosted an event at Pioneer Park. Owners of cars such as Mini Coopers, a Ford Side Valve, 1913 T Model Ford, E-Type Jag…

Sidney Ey (Rat of Tobruk)

Sidney Ey was born in Gawler on the 31st May 1916. In early 2018 he sat down with his friend, Wayne Clarke, and told a story of; growing up in Gawler, enlisting in the AIF in 1940, and serving in the 9th Division in North Africa, the Middle East, and the South West Pacific. He is one of Australia’s esteemed “Rats of Tobruk”…

Lil Crosby

22,000 women served in the WAAAF (Woman’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force ) during World 2. Lil Crosby was one of them…

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