Norman Albert Collier

Story

Norman A. Collier born 16th June 1895, was the youngest of five children born to Henry Collier and Esther E. Guy. Norman’s childhood was varied with both the good and not so good experiences. Norman had the attributes of a very strong minded and highly intelligent mother, whom spoke several different languages and taught English children in France, but also witnessed how an alcoholic father can change the whole family structure. Norman became close to his second youngest sister Lillian (who later followed Norman out to Australia). After leaving school at the age of fourteen, he worked in a tailor’s establishment as an apprentice, however the call of the 1914 – 1918 war came, and Norman first joined the Royal Flying Corps, then in the British Army as a “Peace Keeper” After his service had finished, Norman returned to civilian life and resumed working whilst pondering on emigrating to either Canada or Australia.

In early 1921, Norman decided to migrate to Australia, on a scheme he saw advertised called “The Overseas Settlement Scheme”. In September 1921 on the “S.S. Ormond”, Norman arrived in Portsea, Victoria, passing on his way here “The Prince of Wales, Edward” who was returning to England after a visit. Norman had gained some farming experience previously in England, which helped him gain a position as a farm hand on a property at Foster, South Gippsland. There he met and later married the daughter (Claris E-J. Allen) of his neighbour. Norman and Claris married in March,1923, and they succeeded in balloting for a “Returned Soldiers Block” on “Amy’s Track” overlooking Wilsons Promontory. For a time in rural Victoria, things were good, and then a downturn in the markets forced many farmers from the land. Norman, Claris and a young family decided to pack their goods and chattels in the “Model T.” and make their way to Qld. When they left Victoria, Norman had a total of Fourteen Pounds in his pocket.

After many trial and tribulations along the way, the journey took them over not only gravel roads, but also roads that were no more than tracks in Vic., N.S.W. and Qld.country areas. In northern N.S.W.’s the family packed the “Model T’s” tyres with grass, which enabled them to complete the journey. On reaching Qld., Norman, Claris and family, later won a ballot for some uncleared land near Millmerran. The hard work of clearing the land of prickly pear and scrub began. Over time, Norman diversed his property from dairy to wheat, as the family grew from four children to ten. After many years of hard work and when the children made lives of their own, Norman and Claris sold the farm and went into semi-retirement at Buderim, where they did some world tours and enjoyed most of all the grandchildren and great grandchildren until they passed away in 1985 and 1992 respectively.

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