Oral History - 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.
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 organisations. The Busselton Brass Band has been one of these organisations 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