General News
7 March, 2025
Community contributors, The Egan Family - By Brian Lennen
The Egan family have contributed throughout the community for many years.
Martin Egan came to Maryborough to play football.
He was recruited to join the Magpies from Mount Gambier.
After an excellent season he looked forward to a long career, unfortunately disaster struck.
While shunting carriages at the Maryborough Railway Station he was crushed when a co-worker pulled the wrong lever.
He wasn’t expected to live and “last rites” were administered.
Despite severe injuries he survived to live a full life.
Incredibly the Victorian government paid him £25 in total as compensation.
Martin’s luck changed when he met Ada Muriel Belle Jones and in August 1940 they married.
Together through good times and tough times, they raised six children.
Like many of their contemporaries they made the most of their lot.
Fruit trees, vegetable gardens and rabbits were essential to providing a healthy diet.
On a regular basis Martin could be seen heading out with his ferrets.
Ada prepared in a variety of ways the cooked bunnies — stewed, roasted, crumbed, rissoled — were some of the delicacies.
A variety of fruit trees, especially a large almond tree, gave a bountiful harvest.
Martin’s health issues continued. While serving with the AIF he contracted malaria in New Guinea.
Later in the 1970s he came down with tuberculosis.
Throughout all of this Ada was a pillar of strength.
While attending to Martin’s needs, she raised six healthy children.
At St Augustine’s (a local parish school) she was an institution.
Ada was a “can do” person, and along with Flo Robinson she ensured the students would learn to swim. Together they marched the children to and from the pool.
In the days of free school milk, hot cocoa was provided on a daily basis.
In addition to this she was made a Life Member of St Augustine’s, and the Royal Park Football Club.
Pat, the eldest child, was an essential “side kick” to her mother, as was often the case, as the oldest daughter or daughters in general were involved in domestic duties at home rather than continuing their studies.
At that time most girls suffered this form of inherent discrimination.
The second daughter, Lauren had a distinguished career in education across all spectrums.
She worked at secondary level and pre-school. During her career she taught overseas for three years, Highview for seven and finally at Staughton College, Melton for 12 years.
Peter, the eldest son, started his working days at Pilkington’s in Geelong.
A period was spent at Parson’s Motors, followed by Patience & Nicholson.
His last 25 working years were as a certified practising accountant in High Street.
Life membership of the Maryborough Trotting Club was a significant recognition for 32 years of service as both president and treasurer.
Bob Egan left his mark on the sporting field as a coach and player.
At Royal Park he helped engineer a period of dominance that the old time “Bushy Park” supporters wouldn’t believe.
As a coach and player his no nonsense approach and professionalism stood out.
Bob had several coaching stints at Maryborough and St Arnaud (his adopted home) and Kyabram.
Bob played in a premiership at the Magpies.
He played cricket successfully at Colts Phelans. In a grand final he caught the last batsman to ensure victory in a tense match.
Bob was conscripted during the Vietnam War and served at Queenscliff Barracks.
He has also served as a publican at the Farmers’ Arms and the Botanical in St Arnaud, and the Park Hotel in Maryborough.
He still plays an active role in harness racing.
Michael, who recently retired from running SportsPower in High Street, was an outstanding basketballer who played an important role in Royal Park’s success.
Chris graduated from Ballarat Teachers’ College and after a time at Sunshine and Avoca, he has spent 36 years at Highview where he is much loved by staff and students.
He is a talented musician and with his band “Cosmos” they have entertained across the state.
Jan (Peter’s wife and Flo Robinson’s daughter) was an outstanding athlete at both netball and basketball.
Peter Egan junior has to be singled out for his contributions to the community, both as a businessman (currently in BiRite) and all aspects of sport.
He is a life member of Royal Park having its games record and having served in every role possible.
His contribution to Colts Phelans Cricket Club is equally impressive.
He recently was conferred as a Life Member of the Maryborough and Castlemaine District Football League.
It is worthy to note that the Egan family is still heavily involved in promoting local sport.
