Athol Bennett Oral History

DETAILS

Overview
Athol Bennett, born in 1925 in Cooroy, Queensland, reflects on his childhood during the Depression, describing early years on his grandparents’ farm, his family’s financial hardships, and schooling at Cooroy State School, where he experienced both academic success and persistent bullying.

He recalls early forms of work including caddying, delivering newspapers, and later completing a demanding joinery apprenticeship.

Bennett describes moving into carpentry across Cooroy, Noosa, and surrounding districts, followed by his marriage to Betty Fairer in 1950. The couple worked in rural Queensland, saving enough to purchase land and build a home in Bundaberg. In the late 1950s he retrained as a manual arts teacher, leading to postings in Babinda, Lowood, Redcliffe, Townsville, and ultimately back to Bundaberg, where he later secured permanent work at Kepnock State High School.

He discusses lifelong interests such as fishing and, from the 1960s onward, orchid growing—a pursuit that became a major passion and led to involvement in judging and travelling for shows. The interview concludes with reflections on family life, his wife’s passing, retirement in Hervey Bay, and his eventual move to Cleveland Gardens Retirement Village, where he continues to maintain ties with family and enjoy community activities.

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)FarmingChildhood

CONNECTIONS

PersonAthol BennettSchoolCooroy State SchoolMotels & Guest HouseLaguna HouseMenuDecade | 2010-2019

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