When you talk about people who have made a difference to Eaglehawk you can’t go past Jack Taylor as a stand out Borough man. Sadly, Jack passed away in July this year and here at 3556 Magazine we remember the amazing contribution he made to our community and the wonderful man that he was.
Leon Scott said the following at Jack’s memorial service:
“Jack always stated that he has lived a lifetime in Eagl ehawk and could think of nothing more fulfilling than having been able to contribute to the progress of the Borough and welfare of the Citizens of Eaglehawk.
Jack gave service to numerous committees of council and other associated roles:
•Appointment as Justice of the Peace. Jack always had the stamp and pad ready for appointments to sign or witness documents
• Serving as President and Treasurer of the Committee of Management of the Bendigo Base Hospital as well as a committee member for 20 years with a Meritorious Medal awarded for his services
• Long Service Medal from the Northern District Municipal Association
• Original Trustee of the Eaglehawk Community Health Centre
• Member of the first Advisory Council of the Eaglehawk High School
• 49 years of continuous service as Trustee of the Eaglehawk Cemetery Trust with the Jack Taylor Drive named in recognition of his service
• Chairman of the steering committee for the development of the Badminton & Table Tennis Stadium in Eaglehawk
• Former Secretary of the Eaglehawk Branch of the Australian Natives Association
• Former Treasurer of St. Peter’s Church of England
• Awarded OAM 1991
• Life Member of Eaglehawk Citizens Band
• Life Member of Eaglehawk Fire Brigade
• Titular Honour Award “Freedom of Borough” in 1990 – (one of only two that have ever been awarded.)
• Honorary Member Bendigo Jockey Club and Penciller for many Bookies
• Eaglehawk representative Municipal Association of Victoria
• Delegate on Planning & Operating committees for St. Laurence Court
Honorary Member Rotary Club Eaglehawk
• After the Eaglehawk Band played a farewell recital and during Jack’s 1972 Mayoral year, together with a co-driver, he drove the last tram from Eaglehawk to the Fountain in Bendigo.
Plus serving on many other committees of council – too numerous to mention.
“One of Jack’s last official engagements was in March this year when he officially opened the Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival under the theme of “Myths & Legends”. He also took his place in the Saturday Street procession. During the parade an Ode to the Legends of the Borough was recited which included –
Now we have Jack Taylor, a Borough man for sure,
He only left the Borough to defend us in the war,
Over the 97 years that he has been on earth,
Our Jack worked for the community with a large degree of worth,
From footy to the Council, the Fire Brigade and Band
He has his name on the Cemetery Road and it sure does look grand.
Now Jack is about to take his final journey as his remarkable life on earth has ended.
We conclude by saying
A life well lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and grace
From someone who has made our world a brighter, better place.
It’s filled with moments sweet and sad,
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared with laughter through the years,
A life well-lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure,
A loving, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.”
We revisit Issue 19, 2015, when Jack was in his early nineties and 3556 spoke to him about his life and hopes for his community:
Proudest achievements in the Eaglehawk Community:
Well I loved my involvement in the Eaglehawk Council. Early on we formed the ‘Eaglehawk Society’ in Melbourne as many Eaglehawk people had to go down there to find work. It was great to keep the Eaglehawk spirit alive and I had to attend meetings in Melbourne. There were over 500 people in it.
Another thing that happened was when we got a ‘Mayoral Chain’ which is an important garment worn by Mayor. Each Mayor gets a name on a gold link and each link is worth $2,000. To be the first man to wear the Mayoral Chain which was to be worn by so many great Eaglehawk people after me was great. I was on council for 27 years, being Mayor five times. It was a great time and we made many improvements and helped many people in the local area in many different ways.
Thoughts on the Eaglehawk Community today:
The Eaglehawk community today is expanding rapidly and that is a great thing as the more people that live here – the stronger the borough becomes. The children at school have been educated now to take an interest in the community which is great. An example of this is ANZAC Day and 3556 Magazine.
Where would you like to see Eaglehawk in 20 years?
I would love to see Eaglehawk develop the way it is. If we continued to develop a good industry it would strengthen the community. Also to keep encouraging people in the town.
What advice have you got for young people today?
When you are studying do the best you can do, take every opportunity and don’t bypass. Don’t let anything stop you. Work hard at what you want to achieve. Just like you work hard at your sport.
Images of Jack with the Mayoral Chain and holding photograph courtesy of Eaglehawk Heritage
In September 2012 Jack Taylor spoke to ESC students for 3556:
What does Eaglehawk mean to you?
Well, I’ve been here my whole life and been heavily involved in different community groups including the council and football club, but I truly love Eaglehawk and as so long as it’s progressing and is going strong,
The big changes in his lifetime…
One of them was the sewerage system long ago. It was held up a little bit but once it began away it went.
When did you come to Eaglehawk?
Well I was born here, like all good men were, which was in 1921 and lived at 21 Panton Street my whole life, I think that is one of the greatest qualifications a man can have.
Special memories…
One was the Dahlia and Arts festival, which was 46 years ago.
Another is when the football club in the community won the premiership.
To you, who has been the best at football?
Bootz Esposito in the day though now it’s probably George Iisley.
His career at the Borough…
I played in both the 1938 and the 1941 premierships, I played as a half forward flanker and the pictures are up on the club wall.
How do you see Eaglehawk today?
I love it just as always. I see it evolving and growing as a community every day and that makes me truly happy.
Jack Taylor will be sadly missed but his legacy in the Borough will live on forever.
In September 2012 we interviewed Jack.
What does Eaglehawk mean to you?
Well, I’ve been here my whole life and been heavily involved in different community groups including the council and football club, but I truly love Eaglehawk and as so long as it’s progressing and is going strong, then I’m truly happy.
The big changes in his lifetime…
One of them was the sewerage system long ago. It was held up a little bit but once it began away it went.
When did you come to Eaglehawk?
Well I was born here, like all good men were, which was in 1921 and lived at 21 Panton Street my whole life, I think that is one of the greatest qualifications a man can have.
Special memories…
One was the Dahlia and Arts festival, which was 46 years ago.
Another is when the football club in the community won the premiers.
To you, who has been the best at football?
Bootz Esposito in the day though now it’s probably George Iisley now.
Your career at the Borough…
I played in both the 1938 and the 1941 premierships, I played as a half forward flanker and the pictures are up on the club wall.
How do you see Eaglehawk today?
I love it just as always. I see it evolving and growing as a community every day and that makes me truly happy.
1. Greatest memory? When I got married to Ida.
2. Favourite Place in Eaglehawk? The Eaglehawk sports grounds and Canterbury park.
3. Who do you barrack for in the AFL? Carlton (tough season)
4. Favourite food? Steak and potatoes.
5. What scares you? Snakes.
6. What annoys you? Young people wearing piercings all over the place.
7. Best holiday? Taking my family to Barwon Heads in the summer many years ago.
8. Favourite movie? Rear Window.
9. Can you cook? Very little I’m afraid.
10. Who are your heroes? The Royal Family.
