Vale Bill Monahan

“The announcement of William Emmett’s birth on October 2 1925, the first born to James and Frances Monahan of “The Rookerie” Terrick Terrick East, did not reach the reverberations of the artistic statement “The Race that Stops a Nation”. But within the Terrick Terrick district, however, the announcement of his birth was so momentous, it triggered a“Stop to the Shearing” at The Rookerie.

“Siblings followed with twin girls Joan and Mary (February 1927 with Mary surviving only her first five years due to a faltering heart, Pat (May 1928), Frances (March 1930), James (November 1932) and Therese (August 1938)

“William later became affectionately known to many as Bill and or Uncle Bill.

“Bill had several values and beliefs, which had defined and influenced his life which were materialised in: faith, family, friendships, community, philanthropy, and generosity, grace, gratitude, intelligence and love of career.

“ From the beginning of his life, Bill held his devotion to his Catholic upbringing with regular attendance to the Mass and sacraments on either side of the state border- Sacred Heart Church Yarrawonga and or St. Bridgid’s Church Mulwala.

“Bill’s appreciation and gratefulness of his siblings was uplifting and although at times it may not have been animated or demonstrative, it was more refined and understated. A similar approach he often repeated with his nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

“ Bill treasured his friendships, which have been longstanding and inaugurated through his professional career, community services, church attendances, golf club and racing interests having maintained lifelong near and dear relationships.

“ Bill commenced his education at Terrick South Primary and from a relatively young age was given the responsibility of harnessing the horse into the shafts of the gig and would drive it with his siblings to and from school.

“ In 1941 the Monahan family moved to Henry Street Echuca. Bill continued his education at St. Joseph’s Brigidine Convent.

“Bill achieving an entry score after sitting the Commonwealth Government Entrance examination launched his career which extended for 46 years with the Commonwealth Government.

“On January 12, 1943, Bill left Echuca after being assigned to the Brighton Post Office. His initial consignment was as a telegram delivery rider, through the bayside suburbs often delivering sorrowful news to families of fallen serving defence members.

“Families likely disliked seeing Bill approach the front door, which would have taken an emotional toll on a 17-year-old youth.

“His next posting followed with the Commonwealth Government Marine Engine Works in Port Melbourne before he commenced the role of Clerk at the Commonwealth Health Laboratory Bendigo in 1948, later transferring back to Echuca, taking an administration role at the Government Ordinance Factory in the early 50s.

“Bill and his sister Pat cared and supported their Mum before she sadly passed away in November 1956.

“Bill having joined the Apex Club, was on the committee which in 1960 discovered the Adelaide paddle steamer originally built in Echuca and arranged its return.

“You may say Bill had a hand in the commencement of Echuca becoming a renowned tourist destination with Port of Echuca.

“Bill remained in Echuca until 1965 during which time his Dad passed in February 1962 at 82 years.

“In the mid-point of the decade, Bill gained a temporary transfer to Mulwala Munitions Factory. This so called temporary appointment only lasted 24 years followed by retirement in 1989.

“With his so-called temporary appointment to Mulwala Munitions Factory, Bill rented a room for an extended term in the Terminus Hotel in Yarrawonga before renting a flat owned by the Commonwealth Government near the factory which he occupied for an extended time while awaiting a permanency.

“In the decades of the 70s and 80s Bill commenced his voluntary and important role as Treasurer for the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club which saw him fulfill the responsibilities of the role for a term of 10 years, and since then, the 10-year term as Treasurer has never been surpassed.

“In 2008 Bill received his Life Membership at the Golf Club for his tireless effort and commitment to the role.

“Bill retirement found him increasing his services to voluntary roles within a range of community organisations, which included Lions Club, Probus Club, and St. Vinnies. He was also a member and financial donor to the Knights of the Southern Cross for 70 years.

“Bill maintained his farming interests over many decades and would often attend The Rookerie on many a mission walking the acreage with shovel in hand to eradicate the horticultural pest Bathurst Burrs.

“Bill spent many Easters in Sydney attending the Easter Race Carnivals. No bookmaker or tote was likely to be at a threat of losing a bundle when accepting Bill’s stake, and he did like the long shot odds.

“As a resulting broken hip in 2017 from a fall and subsequent movement limitations, Bill bid farewell to Mulwala and entered permanent care at Wharparilla Lodge, Echuca in March 2023, where he remained until his recent passing.

“Bill snicked a delivered and was caught, stranded on 99, passing away at the age of 99.75 years which incidentally is the batting average of the great Don Bradman, so you may say he’s in rare company.”

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort shared their own sentiments to members and through their social media channels, recognising Bill’s service to the club over many years.

“Originally from Echuca, Bill moved to the region and went on to become a dedicated and long-standing member of our club. He was elevated to Life Membership in 2008, nominated by Pasco Ellis and Bill Gorman, in recognition of his outstanding service.

“Bill served as the Club’s Treasurer from 1970 to 1980 – the longest tenure in that role in our history.

“Bill was set to celebrate his 100th birthday in October. We honour his remarkable contribution to the Club and congratulate him on a lifetime of service and community spirit.

“Vale Bill.”