|
Cole's family were dairy farmers who then moved to Bendigo where they operated a café. Cole was one of 14 children. He began his working life in the cattle industry then joined the army and was transferred to Western Australia. He met his future wife, Joan, on a trip to the northwest of New South Wales. Moving to Tamworth in 1948, he joined the local council in 1953, becoming mayor in 1959. He was Tamworth's longest-serving mayor, a position he held for 10 years. He lost his seat as an alderman in September, 1983. During 30 years he served with the Peel-Cunningham County Council and was president of the Local Government Association and the Country Mayors' Association. In 1973 he was awarded the rare honour of life membership of the Smith Family. In 1980 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to local government and the community. Cole has a long list of achievements in welfare. He was responsible for the formation of the Australian Birthright Movement in Tamworth; he was a member of Tamworth Homes for the Aged for over 30 years; he was a foundation member of the Civil Rehabilitation Committee. He was chair of many major appeal committees and, in 1993, was patron and life member of 20 organisations , a Justice of the Peace and a marriage celebrant. [Brief Biography compiled by Robin Hammond, January/February 2004]
|
