James Garvin

My father James [Jim] Thomas Garvin was born in Bendigo in 1905. He was educated at the Working Man's College, later renamed Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. In May 1926, Jim started work as a Survey Assistant in Yallourn. At this time, Single Staff accommodation was provided in four-man tents at the Western Camp with meals provided in the Staff Mess, which was still in operation in 1948.

In March 1929, Jim was appointed as an Engineering Assistant to the Construction Branch Yallourn, at a salary of 7 pounds a week. On 20 March 1930, Jim married Ellen [Nell] Murray McKie in Coburg, Melbourne. In May 1930 Jim & Nell moved into a new 2 bedroom timber and tile roofed house at 7 Heather Grove.

First child, Christina Margaret Garvin, was born in Melbourne on 26 January 1931. In September 1931, owing to curtailment of construction works, Jim accepted a position with the survey section. Salary would be reduced under the Financial Emergency Bill to 5 pounds per week. Robert [Bob] James Garvin was born at the Yallourn Hospital on 25 August 1935. Chris started Primary School in 1936. In March 1937, Jim transferred to Melbourne as a Survey Draftsman. Joan Ellen Garvin was born on 5 August 1938 at the Dandenong Hospital.

Jim was demobilized from RAAF in November 1945 and had a long period of service with the SEC associated with the Yallourn area, Yallourn and Yallourn North Open Cuts. On his untimely death, Jim was Superintendent, Yallourn Open Cut responsible for the co-ordination for the various functions of Overburden, Coal and Auxiliary Operations - Supervisors were Tim Harvey, Gerry Sutton and Ted Lewis.

23 February 1953 – Jim was appointed to the position of Coal Operations Superintendent, Production (Coal) Yallourn at 20 pounds 5 shillings per week, plus availability allowance of 6 shillings and 8 pence per week. In 1954, Jim received his Bachelor of Under Management at Queen’s College, Melbourne University, with 50 other senior SEC officers. Nell played croquet for a number of years, joined CWA and enjoyed gardening.

29th April 1955 – Jim was appointed Superintendent, Yallourn Open Cut, Production (Coal) Yallourn – salary 1750 pounds per annum.

12th October 1963, Jim died at home. The “Live Wire” reported:
Death of Jim Garvin
Rifleman left worthy legacy. One of Australia’s outstanding riflemen, James T Garvin, left behind a legacy of achievements and sportsmanship when he died suddenly at his home on Saturday, October 12. Jim was 58 and at the time of his death was Superintendent of the Yallourn Open Cut. He joined the State Electricity Commission as a draftsman more than 37 years ago. During the Second World War, Jim saw service in the Pacific Area with the RAAF holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant as an engineer surveyor in an airfield construction squadron. Jim was possibly best known for his exploits as a rifle shot. His ability and initiative in administration was also widely acclaimed throughout Australia. He followed in the footsteps of his father, also a remarkable rifle shooter. In the famed Commonwealth Rifle Matches, Jim represented Victoria three times – in Tasmania (1949), New South Wales (1950) and Western Australia (1951). He won many aggregates and trophies and his outstanding sportsmanship earned him admiration and respect wherever he went. As an administrator, Jim had an imposing record. Foundation member of the Yallourn Rifle Club in 1930, he was also captain for many years. Jim was the driving force behind the restoration of the Yallourn Rifle Range in 1947 after it had been burnt out by disastrous fires a few years earlier. A committee man of the Central and West Gippsland Rifle Club’s Union from 1930 to 1949, Jim was elected secretary in 1949 and served until 1952. He returned to the committee as well as accepting the roll of handicapper. In 1954, he was elected Vice-president of the Union and held that post for several years. On Tuesday last, October 15th, a service was held in the Yallourn Presbyterian Church, before the funeral proceeded to Springvale Crematorium. Many of Jim’s workmates, firm friends and shooting comrades from many parts of Gippsland paid their last tributes. The four casket bearers were all captains of rifle clubs - Messrs Alan K Schroeder (Yallourn), Harry King (Rosedale), Fred C Jones (Warragul-Drouin) and Bill G Brealey (Moe-Trafalgar). The eight pall-bearers were also riflemen including Mr Bill M McIndoe, Gippsland Council member for the Victoria Rifle Association. As the casket was borne from the church, Jim’s Returned Serviceman’s League associates, led by sub-branch president Mr Jim Jamieson, conducted a brief ceremony. “All who knew him offer sympathy to his wife, three daughters and son”. The Garvin home is in Parkway Yallourn.

In 1964, Nell and Beryl moved to 47 Parkside, a two-bedroom house opposite the ovals. Beryl attended Burwood Teachers’ College and taught in various primary schools in Victoria.