Thiam-Koen Lauw
| Town/City | Ipswich |
|---|---|
| First name | Thiam-Koen |
| Last name | Lauw |
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
| Date of Birth | 6th December 1933 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1953 |
| Submitted by | Lorna Lauw |
Story
Koen flew from Jakarta to Sydney on 15th May, thence travelling to Brisbane Grammar School to complete his studies and matriculate for a University course (his Chinese school qualifications not then recognised in Australia).
He commenced University in 1955, however being an indifferent scholar and meeting the young lady who became his wife curtailed his studies. He worked at various jobs and was naturalized in January 1961 at the Brisbane City Hall.
In August 1961, with 3 children to support, he joined the Australian Defence Force serving in Victoria, NSW and QLD. He now had a daughter and 3 sons. For over 4 years, he served in Lae, PNG, returning to Australia until his retirement as a Warrant Officer in 1981.
He was employed by Telecom and worked for a further 10 years, however ill health, resulting from the effects of cobalt treatment for cancer in 1975, forced his eventual retirement.
Koen enjoyed playing badminton as a boy in Indonesia and continued the sport at University playing Club fixtures for the A Grade Team. In 1955 he won the QLD A Grade Singles Championship. In 1957 he again contested the A grade Singles (grade allowed, as no fixtures played since the 1955 championships) winning the title as well as the Mixed Doubles and Mens Doubles. Koen played for the Army within Australia in inter-service matches and also in PNG.
He has, as of 12th May 2009, 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren but unfortunately does not enjoy good health.