Frank Halloran
Born on the 7th of December [1928] at Mudgee to Francis and Helen Halloran of Gulgong, Frank had a life-long interest and love for Gulgong. He worked assiduously for the preservation of Gulgong's historic past and its many beautiful old buildings as well as the promotion of the town.
Frank Halloran was a devout Catholic. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, St Vincent De Paul and the St John Baptists Parish Council. For many years he was secretary of the Parents and Friends Association at the Gulgong Convent School.
He was the first Secretary of the Gulgong Pioneers Museum and a founding member. As the instigator of the purchase and restoration of the Prince of Wales Opera House, Frank was energetic in his work to carry on the project with the Gulgong Music and Dramatic Society. He also served as Secretary and President of the Society as well as producer of many of the Society's productions.
Mr Halloran was the founder member of the Henry Lawson Society and former President, a founder member of the Heritage Committee and the Conservation Society.
He was Secretary of the Baths Committee which brought about the construction of the Olympic Pool at Gulgong. Frank Halloran also served a period on the Mudgee Shire Council Tourist Committee and was Secretary of the back to Gulgong Weekend.
He had been the instigator of Gulgong obtaining a Steinway piano and the formation of the Steinway piano trust as well as the instigator of the Gulgong Eisteddfod.
He was also a member of the Gulgong Memorial Hall Committee and a member of the Maryvale Sandy Hollow Railway Committee. Frank also had a regular Saturday morning program on 2MG promoting Gulgong.
Frank Halloran was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident on the 20th April 1982 and on this day Gulgong lost its greatest advocate.
An extract from a tribute from Betty Owens of the Gulgong Writing Group follows which expresses the feeling of those who respected and loved Frank.
Let's not say "Goodbye" to Frank Halloran for despite the moving service in his memory he is still very much with us.
he's here in every building of the small town of Gulgong that he knew and loved so well
he's here in every committee he ever formed, in the minutes of every meeting he ever chaired, in every idea he put forward for the betterment of Gulgong.
his enthusiasm was contagious and his optimism moved mountains, his shoulder bore the brunt of much criticism but his gay unflagging spirit refused to recognize defeat.
so let's not say "goodbye" to Frank for how can he be gone when he has left so much with us?
Source: Mudgee Regional Library
1954 - WEDDING - HALLORAN—JEFFERYThe marriage was celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, Gulgong, on May 8th, by Rev. Father Crowe of Jill Jeffery, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Jeffery of Gulgong, to Mr. Francis Halloran, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. F. Halloran, of Gulgong.
The bride wore a ballerina length frock of white organdi, over pale blue taffeta, with a cap of pale blue feathers and early Victorian posy.
Mr. Paul Halloran attended his brother as best man.
The reception was held at the home of the bride's parents. Guests were present from Sydney and Dubbo and congratulatory telegrams were received from England and Canada.
Frank and Jill Halloran, Gulgong Cemetery
1988 - [TEN DOLLAR NOTE]
When the Government called for themes for the new decimal currency in the early sixties, it was local journalist Frank Halloran who suggested that Lawson and Gulgong be featured on one of the notes.
Source: Sun Herald, The (Sydney, Australia) May 15, 1988
