Oral History - Thomas Mullarkey
2025This is an oral history about the life of Busselton resident Thomas Mullarkey. Tom was born in Boyle County Roscommon Ireland in 1934. He talks about his family, education and growing up in a country town following with his move to Australia and eventually Busselton.
Tom was born in Boyle County Roscommon Ireland in 1934. He talks about his family, education and growing up in a country town.
Later he worked as a panel beater in East London, Cooma in New South Wales and then in Perth Western Australia.
Tom was always keen to live in a country town and they relocated to Busselton when work became available in the town. Tom worked for George Payne in a panel beating business which Tom later purchased. He describes the business which operated in a shed behind the house in Thomas Street Busselton. It was a small business with two apprentices working for him.
Tom mentions his involvement in many community organisation's. The Busselton Brass Band has been one of these organisation's where he played the bass drum, and in about 1998 the band competed in the National Brass Band Championships in Melbourne.
Today Tom still plays in a small band group with other seniors who in past years have provided entertainment for senior groups in Busselton.
Tom at almost 91 years of age is still active in community affairs
For a copy of the full transcript, please contact us at oralhistory@busseltonhistoricalsociety.org.au
Details
Details
Tom is an active member of the Busselton Historical Society as at January 2026.
Other items from Busselton Historical Society
- Toby Jug - Man in Bowler Hat
- Souvenir - WA 150th Anniversary 1979 glass mug
- Promissory Note - Davies Karri & Jarrah Co
- Souvenir - Busselton glass bell
- Glass Sugar Bowl
- Bridge set
- Framed Locality Plan - West Busselton Subdivision
- Photograph - Busselton Womens Hockey Association Parade
- Girl Guides - photo of Busselton Unit
- Photograph - Southern Districts Agricultural Society 1990
- Photograph - Picnic group (Druids & Foresters)
- Photograph - Mary Earnshaw
