Laurence (Laurie) Thomas Mullane (SPC 1964-69)

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Old Collegian Laurence (Laurie) Thomas Mullane (SPC 1964-69) on 18 February 2024, aged 70 years.

A large funeral was held at the St Alipius Church in Ballarat on 4 March 2024 to celebrate Laurie’s life. Our condolences extend to his partner Deb and their extended family.

Laurie lived on his family’s Navigators farm his entire life and is remembered for enjoyed country life and the community.

He was a day student at SPC, studying for six years from Form 1 through to matriculation. Laurie was a model student and good scholar, receiving scholastic prizes in Form 2 and his Proficiency class.
Laurie went on to study at SMB in Ballarat and gained his accountancy diploma. He used these skills at Bendix Mintex, PTH Eureka Tiles and Centrelink, before deciding to head home and help his father Gerald on the farm and with the family trucking business, carting sheep, cattle, water, fence posts, and whatever was needed over the years.

Laurie became widely known and respected as a transport driver around the district and one farmer was heard to say “you always knew you were in for a good chat when Laurie’s truck rattled up the road”.

Laurie carried on the family business for many years until only a couple of years ago when his health deteriorated. The trucking business tradition now continues through his extended family.

Laurie was also very involved in country life. He was very active in the Young Farmers movement as state vice president and area and district president over the years. He enjoyed organising debating competitions and the many country balls, which were once a popular destination on weekend.

He was involved in active duty with the Mount Buninyong Fire bridge for 50 years, following in his father’s footsteps. He was brigade president for 16 years and at the time of his passing. He was a life member of the Country Fire Authority.

He was also a life member of the Ballarat Agricultural Pastoral Society, where he was on the committee, and served as president and treasurer over many years.

He was also honoured as a life member of the Dunnstown Football Club, where he realised he was “better off the field than on it”, and took on many volunteer roles, such as club treasurer, secretary, barman, timekeeper, you name it.

Laurie also loved the game of cricket and umpired the game locally for many years, officiating at many A Grade cricket finals over the years.

Lastly, Laurie also enjoyed horse racing and had an interest – and experienced some success – with racehorses over the years. He was remembered for his love of race meets, especially the annual Derby Day.

Ballarat stock agents TB White and Sons remembered Laurie as a “valued member of our team for many, many years, not just as a colleague, agent, livestock carrier and client, but also as a well-respected and good friend to us all” and as a “big man with a heart of gold”.

He was also remembered as a “cherished friend, colleague and a true gentleman” and will be sadly missed.