Stanley Alfred Newman OAM
1935-2007
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.
Stan Newman with his Lifetime Achievement Award received on 12 Nov 2000
