When Paul and Irene Halliday stepped off a plane in Darwin on December 2, 1966, they were a young married couple beginning a new life in Australia, with no children and little idea of what lay ahead. Sixty years later, the couple, now aged 85 and 88 respectively, are preparing to celebrate their remarkable milestone surrounded by three generations of family and friends, many with deep connections to Nambour.
Their journey began with flights from London to Darwin to Sydney and Brisbane before they were driven to Nambour, where they would spend their first eight years in Australia and become actively involved in the growing community.
Paul and Irene quickly embraced local life, becoming involved in the Jaycees and Jaycettes, while Paul helped with the establishment of Nambour Reds Soccer Club and developing its sporting grounds. The club’s legacy continues today through Nambour Yandina United Soccer Club. Paul was also Nambour’s first Prudential Insurance representative, remembered as the insurance man with a briefcase, and later worked in real estate with Jack Payne Real Estate.
Among the couple’s lasting contributions was their involvement in the building of Cilento Bushland Conservation Park in Waterfall Road (with Jaycees and Jaycettes), a place that remains particularly close to their hearts. Fittingly, it is here that their family will gather on Wednesday, December 2, exactly 60 years after their arrival in Australia.
Their son Andrew Halliday, who with his wife Kathleen is involved in The Shack Nambour, said the celebration would bring together family and friends who played important roles in Nambour during the 1970s. Many of those attending are now in their 80s and 90s.
While some of the friends who originally welcomed the Hallidays to Nambour have since passed away, the gathering will also celebrate the generations that followed and the community connections forged over six decades. The celebration at Cilento Bushland Conservation Park, 49A Waterfall Road, Nambour, begins at 10am with morning tea, lunch and refreshments provided.
Family and friends are encouraged to bring photographs and memories to share.
• For more information, contact Andrew Halliday on 0438 585 239 or adhkmh95@gmail.com.
Paul & Irene Halliday pictured recently.