Brian Phillips
Image: Rene Barnes
FatherThomas James Phillips b. 2 May 1897, d. 8 Dec 1980
MotherIrene Gladys 'Sis' McDonald b. 4 Apr 1903, d. 17 Jul 1987
Pedigree

Birth, Death, Marriage

Brian Maxwell Phillips was born on 30 January 1936.1 
He married Maureen Therese McMahon on 7 February 1968 in Gardenvale, Victoria.2 
He died on 20 November 2022 in Shepparton, Victoria, at age 86.3 

Family

Maureen Therese McMahon
Children
ChartsCampbell, John, descendant chart
McDonald, Archibald, descendant chart
O'Loughlin, Michael, descendant chart
Phillips, James, descendant chart
Steer, Edward, descendant chart

Story

Brian Maxwell was born in 1936. He was the sixth and youngest child of Irene 'Sis' and Tom.1
 
Jack in Assumption College uniform with Brian Phillips, Nixon St, Shepparton, 1936
Image: Catherine Wayman
When Brian was born, he received a cup from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) with his name engraved. Tom was an officer of the local lodge of the 'Buffs'.4,5
 
Nixon St Home 
In March 1928, Tom put the family's Nixon St house up for sale. It was advertised as having six rooms (one more than when purchased in 1924), bathroom, washhouse and electric light. Terms were half cash, £100 in six months, balance in 30 months and 6½ per cent interest. It wasn't sold.

Between 1924 and 1931, the address (in the Shepparton rates or electoral roll) is 62 Nixon St. From 1933 to 1937, it is 16 Nixon St. They didn't move, this was due to streets being renumbered.

The youngest three children, Rene, Don and Brian, were born while the family was in the Nixon St home. All six children spent some of their time growing up in Nixon St, though for the youngest Brian, it was only for a couple of years.6,7,8,9,10,11
Laurie Phillips
Image: Rene Barnes
Irene Phillips, flower girl in Queen competition, Nixon St, Shepparton, May 1936
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian Phillips inside the aviary, Nixon St, Shepparton, c. 1938
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian Phillips, Nixon St, Shepparton, c. 1938
Image: Rene Barnes
Back: Reg & Laurie; front: Rene, Brian & Don Phillips, c. 1937
Image: Rene Barnes
Visiting Grandma Phillips 
Grandchildren loved visiting their Grandma Phillips in Bacchus Marsh, either at the House on the Hill, Lerderderg St or Millbank St. They would also get to play with their Bacchus Marsh cousins, Roylyn and Joy Phillips. At different times, their Auntie Mary and Auntie Eilie were also living with Ellen.

They would visit for two to three weeks during school holidays. The older grandchildren stayed at the House on the Hill.
The house had a cow. Grandma would squirt them [Jack, Reg and Laurie] in the face. Also chooks. The water tank had 'wrigglers' [mosquito larvae]. Grandma said 'They won't hurt you'. [Laurie Phillips]

At the House on the Hill, the nearby railway embankment was a popular play area.
After they [Dot, Beryl and Marge] had - again - been sliding down the railway embankment, Grandma told them that this time she was not going to patch the seats of their pants again. Marge remembers hearing from Auntie Eilie something like 'Why do we have to look after those b__y kids again?' [Marge Deveney (O'Loughlin)]

At Bacchus Marsh, they [Jack, Reg and Laurie] visited Gran up on the hill. They had good times. At the railway embankment they'd shout 'Paper! Paper!' as the train went by and people would throw out newspapers. They'd flatten pennies or halfpennies on the railway line or roll rocks down the embankment. They'd also try to trap rabbits by blocking some of the exits with rocks. [Jack Phillips]

When Grandma and Auntie Mary lived up on the hill near the railway line, Jack, Reg and myself used to wait by the line as the train went by calling out 'Paper! Paper!' and the people would throw out papers, minties, different goodies they didn't want, we used to reckon it was as good as Xmas. Many trains went by on that line so we had a ball. Those were the days. [Laurie Phillips]

When Jack, Reg and Laurie stayed with their grandma during school holidays, they would bring their blue school shirts to wear. These got grubby and needed changing every day, and Eilie remembers 'an endless stream of those damn blue shirts to clean and iron'. [Eileen Redden]

The children would get to ride on the horse and jinker to get to church.

The younger grandchildren visited their Grandma at Lerderderg St or Millbank St and would make their own fun.

At the Millbank St house, when Don and I used to visit, there was an ant track along the back of the house. We'd put sticks in the way so the ants had to go over hurdles. [Rene Barnes]

When Brian spoke of visiting Grandma, he said it was at the Lerderderg St house, and Auntie Mary and the cockie quickly came to mind.12,13,14,15,16,17,18
 
Pine Lodge Hotel 
Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1929
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook
The family had their first taste of what life could be like while living in a pub, when they moved into the Pine Lodge Hotel in Shepparton East in 1938.

The three older boys were boarding at Assumption College in Kilmore, returning three times a year during school holidays. At home they lived in an old cable car under the peppercorn tree. In summer the mosquitoes were so bad they burned cow pats to keep them away.19,20,21
Brian O'Neill (friend) & Brian Phillips, cable car bedroom, Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1939
Image: Rene Barnes
When Mum was driving in in the Fargo ute with Jack, Reg and me in the back, one of us would yell out 'Duck!' as we went under the peppercorn tree. Then we all laughed when she did. After a while she did it anyway. Someone would say 'She's done it again!' [Laurie Phillips]

While at the hotel, Rene and Don went to the nearby Shepparton East school. Brian had not yet started school.

There were cigarette machines at the Shepp East hotel. You put sixpence in for a chance at getting a pack of ten cigarettes. At one stage the lads and I tipped one of the machines upside down to get at the cigarettes. [Jack Phillips]

While Tom was busy running the business, it was also a busy time for Sis. As well as looking after the children and the usual domestic duties, she worked the bar and kitchen. And she made time to be involved with community activities.

During the war, Tom bought a 1938 Studebaker 'President' from Hank the Yank. This became the family car and was used on holidays.20,19,14,22
Sis Phillips in the 1938 Studebaker 'President', possibly Brian & Don at the rear window, possibly Jack & Reg on the running board
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Tom Phillips and his 1938 Studebaker 'President' convertible, c. 1940
Image: Roylyn Phillips
Around 1939, Effie Lee stayed with her cousin Sis Phillips and the family at the Pine Lodge Hotel where Tom found work for her. Effie greatly enjoyed being with Tom, Sis and the three youngest children, Rene, Don and Brian (the oldest three were at boarding school in Kilmore). The camera recorded an occasion when they all dressed up for a day at the Shepparton Show.

There were two Albanians known as Sam and Louie who did work for Tom and lived at the back of the hotel. They made a necklace with intricate beadwork for Rene and another for Effie. Rene still had her necklace 80 years later.23,16,24
Don, Rene, Brian & Irene Sis (McDonald) Phillips, & Effie Lee, c. 1939
Image: Rene Barnes
Sis Phillips (McDonald) & Effie Lee, c. 1939
Image: Rene Barnes
Don, Rene & Brian Phillips, c. 1939
Image: Rene Barnes
Rene Barnes (Phillips) & Effie Lee wearing necklaces made by Albanians Sam & Louie while at the Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1939
Image: Peter Phillips
Mum's Major Lung Operation 
Around 1940, Sis had a major operation in which one lung was removed. It came about suddenly following a haemorrhage. Sis was taken from Shepparton to a hospital in East Melbourne, possibly St Vincents or St Ives, where the operation took place.

This may have been around November1940 when Sis spent three weeks in Una hospital.

The three eldest boys, Jack, Reg and Laurie were at Assumption College in Kilmore at the time. One day at morning rosary the Brothers announced to everyone that the boys' mother was about to have a serious operation and that they should all say a few prayers for them.

The family rallied around to help. Sis's mum came up from Melbourne to help look after Rene, Don & Brian. Tom's sister Eileen came up from near Bacchus Marsh. Sis spent time recovering at the home of her sister-in-law Tess in Essendon. And her sister Bub helped out with the kids and housework when Sis returned home.25,26,27,28,29,30
 
Laurie and Brian
Laurie and Brian were ten years apart and for a time, Laurie took Brian under his wing.

He was my shadow those days.

When I was told I was going to Assumption, I said 'But who's going to look after Brian?'[Laurie Phillips]21,31

Brian, Laurie & Don Phillips, c. 1938
Image: Rene Barnes
Laurie (left) & Brian (right) Phillips; Ford coupe with dickie seat belongs to Charlie Britnall, friend of Bub Williams (McDonald), c. 1938
Image: Rene Barnes
Laurie Phillips and his haul of birds. His response seeing this 80 years later: 'Will never forget the day, all in one shot. They called me deadeye'
Image: Rene Barnes
Sightseeing in 1940
Around 1940, Jack and Ruby were on a sightseeing trip with Tom, Sis and youngest son Brian. This was around the time Sis had her lung operation. Photos show they went in Tom's Studebaker and visited a koala park, but details of the trip are unknown.
Ruby Irene Phillips with koala, c. 1940
Image: Rene Barnes
Sis (Irene), Brian & Jack (John Marion) Phillips, c. 1940
Image: Rene Barnes
Sis Phillips (McDonald), c. 1940
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian and Sis (Irene) Phillips
Image: Roylyn Phillips
Tom Phillips and his 1938 Studebaker 'President' convertible, c. 1940
Image: Roylyn Phillips
When Bub Williams had the Cricketers Arms hotel in Mooroopna during the war years, John remembers being perched up in the tree at the pub with Don and Brian watching the servicemen pass by.32
 
At the time I would have been only four or so and as a kid can remember a huge convoy of military vehicles passing through Mooroopna at the time and the Phillips boys being up the peppercorn overlooking the fence. [John Forrester]32
 
Orr Street Home
Tom bought the weatherboard residence at 77 Orr St from Mr Ben Seth in July 1941, though the family likely lived there earlier.

Between moving out of the Pine Lodge Hotel in early 1940 and into the Orr St home, the family lived in a house in Nixon St, near Harold St.

Yes it [77 Orr St] was a good stopover house at that time. You boys were all away in services then. Mum wasn't at all well when we were there, we had help in the house and Dad was at the Court House hotel mostly. Heaps of memories, some good some not so good. [Rene Barnes]33,34,35,20,36

Tom & Sis Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Back: Sis Phillips, Val Irwin; front: Brian, Don & Rene Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Rene Phillips (with dog), unknown, Sis (Irene) Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942
Image: Suzanne Cheshire
Sis Phillips (Irene McDonald), 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
When they bought the Hotel Australia, they kept the Orr St house which the whole family called home until at least mid-1945. And years later, two sons lived there after they married.37,38
 
Brian was living at the hotel when it was announced that Japan had surrendered. He remembered the night well because he woke crying with all the noise coming from the beer garden.39
 
Education
Brian went to primary school at St Brendan's like his brothers and sister. In Brian's early school years, the family lived nearby in Orr St, then the Hotel Australia. He later went to boarding school.40
Brian Phillips
Image: Rene Barnes
Cousins
Don and Brian Phillips, and cousins Don McDonald, Graeme Williams and John Courtie enjoyed each other's company whenever they could.
Back: Don Phillips & Don McDonald; front: Graeme Williams & Brian Phillips
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian & Don Phillips, and Graeme Williams, Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1938
Image: Rene Barnes
Donald McDonald, Don (back) & Brian (front) Phillips, Graeme Williams
Image: Rene Barnes
Graeme Williams (back), Brian & Don Phillips
Image: Rene Barnes
Don McDonald & Graeme Williams, cousins
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian & Don Phillips, & Graeme Williams
Image: Lesley Blythman
Brian Phillips (bike), Don McDonald (boxing gloves), Graeme Williams (hidden, boxing gloves), Don Phillips (ukulele), unknown boy (front)
Image: Lesley Blythman
Don & Brian Phillips with cousins Graeme Williams & John Courtie, Aussie Hotel, May 2021
Image: Leah Phillips
Graeme Williams & Brian Phillips, Laurie's 80th birthday, Oct 2005
Back: Jack, Don & Brian Phillips, Graeme Williams; front: Cass, Laurie & Lorraine Phillips, Shepparton Club, Oct 2011
Brian Phillips, Graeme Williams, Laurie Phillips, Shepparton Private hospital, Oct 2019
Image: Maureen Phillips
Boarding School
At age 11, Brian went to boarding school at St Patrick's college in Ballarat. He disliked boarding school, and left school after intermediate.18,40
Tom & Brian Phillips, Ballarat, c. 1948
Image: Roylyn Phillips
Don and Brian were once both boarding at St Patrick's College in Ballarat. It was near enough to Bacchus Marsh to visit their Uncle Jack and Auntie Ruby. [c. 1948]
Don, Ruby (Williams) & Brian Phillips
Image: Roylyn Phillips
Sometimes during school holidays, Brian visited his Auntie Eileen and Uncle Tom Redden at Balliang.41
 
Mr Brian Phillips returns today from College, Ballarat, to spend the school vacation with his parents Mr and Mrs T Phillips, Hotel Australia. [May 1949]42
 
When Brian left school, he worked at Parker orchards for a year or so. He then worked at the Hotel Australia.18
 
Dogs
Brian joined the kennel club and showed his dog 'Tweedside'.

Kennel Club Do Well
...
Master Brian Phillips won two firsts and a challenge certificate with his English setter 'Tweedside.' [Apr 1951]

Major awards were:- ... Best English Setter or Springer Spaniel, Mr Brian Phillips' 'Tweedside'

Parade Awards
...
English Setter: Open dog. Mr B Phillips' 'Tweedside, 1. [Nov 1951]43,44

 
Hotel Australia 
Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1950
The Hotel Australia became home to the Phillips family in mid-1945 after a move from Orr St, though Tom had signed the lease in November 1944.

Sis was keen to move in but Tom insisted that her sister Bub would need to help out first.

At the time, Jack, Reg and Laurie were about 21, 20 and 19. Jack and Reg were serving in the Second World War and Laurie was about to do the same. Rene was about 15, Don 13 and Brian 8, and so were still at school.

Jack, Reg and Laurie moved into the hotel as they returned from the war, so Jack around February 1946, Reg March 1946 and Laurie January 1947.35,16,37,45,46,47
 
May Jones was officially the laundress, but she was also an excellent cook. She used to give regular cook Mrs Chatterton the day off on a Wednesday. Everyone, Phillips family and long-term residents, looked forward to Wednesday night, when her fricassee of lamb, braised steak and onions and all sorts of other delicacies were so good they had trouble deciding which to have.

The 'Cupboard' was a small room under the stairwell where after hours drinking would occur, often well into the night. Unfortunately for Sis, the stairwell was near their bedroom causing many a disrupted sleep.16
 
When the drinkers got a bit rowdy while drinking late at night in the 'Cupboard', Sis would drop a little soap into one of their pots. She said 'you get to be a pretty good shot after a while'. [Rene Barnes]

One night a few of the boys were there [the 'Cupboard'] drinking and making a bit too much noise. At about 1am Mrs Phillips opened the hatch and dropped a briquette through. Unfortunately for Brian Tresize, it landed on his head and knocked him out cold. [Tom Carey]48,16,49
 
THEFTS FROM HOTEL
Found guilty in Shepparton General Sessions yesterday on four charges of larceny of a wireless set and several suit cases of clothing from the Australia Hotel on January 9, Lawrence Noel Chambers (37), motor mechanic, of Belmore road, Burwood, NSW, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on each of the first three counts and 14 days on the fourth count.
...
Chambers was charged with having stolen a case containing coats and trousers the property of Mr TJ Phillips; with having stolen a wireless set the property of Mr W. Keighley; with having stolen a case and some shirts and singles the property of Mr L McKeand; with having stolen a bar of chocolate, a sum of money and some peanuts from Miss I Phillips.
...
Mr Cussen, outlining the evidence of the prosecution, said that the accused entered four bedrooms in the Hotel Australia occupied by the proprietor, Mr T Phillips, his daughter, Miss Phillips, Mr W Keighley and Mr L McKeand and stole articles from each room.
... [Feb 1947]50
 
The family's living arrangements changed as the children married. Reg was first to wed, marrying Madge in March 1948, and they lived in the Orr St home. Jack was best man, Laurie was groomsman and Rene was bridesmaid. In 1952 they returned to the hotel with baby Michael and stayed until soon after Susan was born in 1953, when they moved into their newly constructed home in Maude St.

Rene was second to marry, and in 1951 moved to Warrnambool with new husband Keith Barnes.

Laurie closely followed Rene, when later in 1951 he married Lorraine and they moved into a home in Maude St.

Jack married Cass in 1952 and they moved into the Orr St home, prompting Reg and Madge to return to the hotel.16,51
 
Don and Marion married in 1958 and initially moved out. They made the hotel their home around 1964 and remained there with sons Trevor and Paul until around 1973.

Brian and Maureen married in 1968 and daughter Peta was born when they lived in the hotel. The three moved out around 1972.52
Brian Phillips, Hotel Australia, c. 1945
Image: Rene Barnes
Compulsory National Service
At age 18, Brian did his compulsory national service with the Navy at Cerberus.40
Brian Phillips
Image: Rene Barnes
National Service training, 1951–1959
Compulsory military training for young Australians was reintroduced in 1951 by the Liberal and Country Party alliance Government. It was the third such scheme to have existed in Australia since Federation. Eighteen-year-old men were required to undertake 176 days of military training as part of the National Service scheme. Those who elected to undertake their training in the army could break up their training requirements into two periods, 98 days in the Australian Regular Army and 78 days in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). Those who elected to undertake their training with the Royal Australian Navy or the Royal Australian Air Force had to complete their 176 days in one stretch.53
 
Basketball
The Hotel Australia once had a basketball team. Players included Jack and Brian Phillips, and Bill Haddock.

HOTEL AUSTRALIA WINS GRAND FINAL
Hotel Australia defeated Athletic Maroon in a thrill packed grand final to win the premiership of the men's basketball competition.
...
Teams: Hotel Australia: J Phillips (captain), J Wise, W McNamara, R Nicholson, L Morris, W Haddock, B Phillips.
...
Points: Hotel Australia: B Phillips 10... W Haddock 6...
...
Best players: Hotel Australia: B Phillips, W Haddock... [Sep 1952]54

 
Football
Brian played football with the Shepparton Football club. Then after an overseas trip, he played for Shepparton United.

In March 1956, he signed up with the Richmond Football ckub. He was playing well until injured, though continued to played with the Richmond seconds for the 1956 and 1957 seasons.

He was a passionate Richmond supporter for the rest of his life. At his funeral, the Richmond footy club was a recurring theme.55,56,57,58,59
Brian Phillips (back left), Shepparton Football club, 1954
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook, Padge Power
Brian Phillips (3rd row, 2nd left (1st player from left)), Shepparton Football club, c. 1955
Image: Shepparton News
Brian Phillips
Image: Phillips Family, Facebook
Other Sports
In addition to basketball and football, at different times Brian played tennis, cricket and golf.40
 
The Hotel Australia as a workplace supported all five sons at various times. Jack, Reg and Laurie began working there as they returned from serving in the Second World War. Don and Brian worked elsewhere for a couple of years after finishing school before working at the pub.

With five sons, Tom could share the physical workload. He had developed heart problems when serving in the First World War and so had limited physical ability. And Sis was limited having had a lung removed a few years earlier.37,18
 
Jack worked at the hotel from early 1946 until it was sold in September 1979. He ran the saloon bar off Maude St, later named 'Jack's Bar'. He also did the banking.

Reg worked there from early 1946 until early 1955. He left because the beer aggravated the dermatitis he developed during the war.

Laurie worked there from early 1947 until about 1963. He also collected the beer from the railway station. And there are reports that when a troublesome character was about, and a bit of 'biffo' might be required, Laurie got the job.

Don worked there from around 1950 until it was sold. He gradually became more involved with the running of the hotel. Wife Marion ran the residential and function parts of the business.

Brian worked there from about 1954 until it was sold. He also collected the beer from the railway station after Laurie left. During school holidays, both Laurie and Brian would take nephews and nieces with them to the station, usually perched on a wooden booster seat. Brian's wife Maureen ran the functions and weddings for six months in 1971 while Marion, Don and the family were on holiday.

In summer Tom's wartime beer quota meant he ran out by the end of the month. At at the start of the month the small main bar on the Maude and Fryers St corners meant he didn't have enough room for the drinkers. In November 1945, after just twelve months there, he applied:
... to instal a saloon bar on premises now occupied by the Shepparton Agricultural Society office ...

Mr LC Abemethy, who appeared for the applicant stated that the present bar accommodation was insufficient and caused complaints from customers that they could not get a drink in comfort. Greatest width in the main bar was only about six feet and the dimensions of the present small parlor bar were only 10 feet by 10 feet. The proposed additional bar space was 12 feet by 28 feet. [Shepparton Advertiser]

The application was successful, taking effect from January 1st, and the Agricultural Society held their last meeting there in December. Many other groups held meetings there and it had also been a billiard room. Jack and Reg returned from service in February and March. Jack ran the saloon bar with most of the others also working there at some stage.

All five sons worked at the main bar at some stage.60,61,18,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,24,74
Reg Phillips at the cash register, main bar, Hotel Australia, c. 1950
Image: Madge Phillips
When Jack, Reg and Laurie returned from war service, they brought with them hordes of mates and the family business was in full swing. There are enough stories from the family's days in the Aussie to fill a book. [Tom Carey]

At about 6:10 pm the head barman in the main bar would shout 'Time gentlemen, please!' After everyone shuffled out, there would be a tap-tap-tap on the front door with a coin, and the hardier ones would sneak in again and meet in the 'Cupboard' to continue drinking. They were from all walks of life, including cops. There were times it seemed like there were a hundred blokes in there. [Tom Carey]55,49
 
Bill Condon, racing expert: The Phillips boys perpetrated many pranks on former Shepparton News reporter and later Sporting Globe racing expert Bill Condon. He raced to more hoax 'fatals' at his peril, and went out to see more gelded sires than any other newsman in known history. Yet for all his naivety, he was still a brilliant journalist, according to the boys.

Tiny Moylan and the cellar: One night, locksmith genius, wag and trick cyclist Leo 'Tiny' Moylan, the only man who could ride a bike down Mt Major backwards mounted on the handlebars, rode into the cellar in the 'snake pit' before a crowd of patrons crying with laughter.55
 
For the enjoyment of the drinkers, every effort was made to serve the beer as fast as possible and as cold as possible.

There was only one beer available on tap, Carlton Draught. This was probably all you could get in Shepp as CUB were the only supplier. No bottled beer was picked up from the station, only barrels, plus wine, spirits, etc. So the only beer you got, at least in the early days, was Carlton Draught from the tap. Initially they used a single barrel at a time and tapped another when it was empty. Later we worked out a way to have 4-5 supplying the bars. The main bar had maybe 6-8 taps.

The beer was cold. There was a chute that funnelled cold air from the cellar over the next tray of glasses, under the bar. To pour the beer faster, we got Plutos so we could take the tap to the glass for refills. It was maybe 6 foot long, but because it warmed the beer slightly, you only used it in busy times. [Laurie Phillips]75,55

 
As beer sales increased, so did the need for cold beer and bar space. In early 1950s renovations, the underground coolroom was extended, a beer garden was added, the saloon bar was expanded, and the first floor accommodation wing above above it was added.

Two Beer Gardens
Shepparton and Mooroopna will shortly have two beer gardens - one at T Phillips' Hotel Australia, Shepparton, on vacant ground next [to] the saloon bar, in addition to the fernery; and Nev Coe, Royal Mail, at Mooroopna, has built a trellised shelter above the lawn in the back yard. Both should be [in] use for incoming summer. [Oct 1952]

Tiny Moylan would ride around the beer garden. He was known to bump into the well and go A over T. [Brian Phillips]

Extensions At Hotel
A building permit to extend the accommodation facilities at the Hotel Australia has been received by Mr TJ Phillips.

Plans provide for the remodelling of the premises so that additional bedrooms for the travelling public can be included.

Work will commence as soon as possible and will alleviate to some extent Shepparton's notoriously acute shortage of accommodation. Daily there are complaints from travellers that they are unable to obtain accommodation. They often have to go as far afield as Numurkah or even Echuca in search of a bed. [May 1950]60,76,18,77

 
The saloon bar run by Jack had become so popular it was made two to three times longer and named Jack's Bar.

Jack's Bar developed a reputation for its hijinks. Events included racing Trevor and Paul's bikes around the bar which sometimes resulted in minor injuries and often required the bikes to be fixed the next morning so the kids could get to school.62,18,78
Jack's Bar, saloon bar, Hotel Australia
Image: Hotel Australia
Jack was a keen Collingwood supporter, and for years only had a black & white TV in the bar. He refused to get a colour telly, much to the displeasure of many of the regulars. One day, Ned McDonald came into the bar and shot the telly! People scattered and ducked for cover; Jack bought a colour TV. [Tom Carey]79,62
 
There were lots of characters like Ned McDonald and Ron Higgins who enjoyed the different atmosphere Jack and the family had created in the saloon bar. Many became lifelong family friends.

The Phillips family returned to the saloon bar in March 2013 for a family reunion. This coincided with the renaming of Jack's Bar and with Jack's 90th birthday. Jack Phillips died a year later on his 91st birthday.
Phillips reunion in Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Mar 2013
Image: Shepparton News
Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Dec 2014
Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Dec 2014
Back in the main bar, Tom was the consumate publican.

Perfect Host
Business man or battler, Mick or Proddy, indigenous or import; it didn't matter to Tom, he treated you just the same.

The consummate host, if Tom didn't know somebody's name, he would go up beside Trevor or one of the other barmen, and with a voice even softer than usual ask 'Who's that bloke over there?' Just so he could address them by name.

Genial and small in stature, Tom could easily blend into the background if it wasn't for his crop of silver hair. As he mingled with the patrons, he'd be nursing his 'foursie', a small 4 ounce glass of beer that looked much like everyone else's, but allowed him to socialise all day without getting sozzled.

With the perfect attributes for his line of business, Tom would also offer a glass or round on the house, all but guaranteeing patrons would linger and be back. [From (House of Phillips), 'Chapter 3: Punters, Players and Politicians']

His mother had a saying: 'It's no good being poor and looking poor', and all six sons were noted for being well dressed. Tom has been described as 'always impeccably groomed'.

Such was the atmosphere Tom had created, the hotel was referred to as "Uncle Tom's cabin", "Phillips's hotel", or simply "Tom's".55,80,73
 
Tom was the master at getting people to go quietly, with tricks like:
'Have this one last drink on the house, then on your way.' [Laurie Phillips]

They once had a customer in the main bar who was extremely annoying and driving patrons away. One day Papa [Tom] asked me for ten Bob, which I gave him. Papa then proceeded over to this bloke and gave him the money. I had no idea why. A week or so later, Papa asked me how business had been lately. I thought, then said: 'Very good since so-and-so was gone. How did you do it? And by the way where's that ten Bob I gave you?' Papa told me if you loaned money to someone like that, you'd never see them again - and that that valuable lesson had cost me ten Bob. [Brian Phillips]18,81

 
Beer sales continued to climb into the late 1950s and six o'clock closing created the need for further renovations.

... [during] the peak of the 1950's and early sixties ... the Australia was regularly in the top 10 liquor sales figures of country Victoria and a couple of times in the top three. [Tom Carey]

Six O'Clock Swill
Six o'clock closing was introduced during the First World War, partly as an attempt to improve public morality and partly as a war austerity measure.

Six o'clock closing often fuelled an hour-long speed-drinking session, as men raced to get as drunk as possible in the limited time available. An unintended consequence was that patrons would save their glasses during the hour before closing time until the last call came for drinks, where the glasses would be refilled and patrons attempted to drink them all in the time left. The pressure to serve customers led to innovations such as a pipe from the taps so that the bartender did not need to carry the customer's glass to them. [Known as a 'Pluto']

Hotels catered for the short heavy drinking period after work by extending their bars and tiling walls for easy cleaning. The phenomenon changed Australian and New Zealand pubs as rooms in the building were converted to bar space; billiard rooms and saloon bars disappeared and separate bar counters were combined. [Wikipedia]

Tom had renovation plans approved but was financially stretched. In late 1956, he still owed £35,000 on the hotel and had estimated the renovations would cost a further £25,000.

Papa [Tom] was in debt to the hilt. For the renovations he borrowed money from Joe. [Laurie Phillips]

The late 1950s saw the new long bar added. To make way for it there was work on the dining room, lounge, kitchen and downstairs dormitory style rooms, and the beer garden was removed. There was now a bottle shop at the northern end of the bar, and this was run for eight years by Tom's sister-in-law, Bub Williams, who had recently sold the Junction Hotel in Toolamba. The verandah with its rotting timber was also removed during these renovations.55,82,83,60,84
Sis Phillips on the end, Brian Phillips next to her, main bar, Hotel Australia, c. 1960s
Image: Trevor Phillips
Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1963
These renovations left a single dormitory style room downstairs for staff, and consolidated all family and guest rooms on the first floor. In renovations around 1963, the central bedrooms were recast as self-contained units and a main/guest lounge provided. Of the seventeen rooms upstairs, four were now occupied by Phillips family. A March 1962 licensing report shows the renovation plans also included 18 new bedrooms in a wing over the main public bar, but they were never built.

Accommodation was managed by a number of different people up until the 1960s. From then, Don's wife Marion took over.60,85
 
Guests and other 'bona fide travellers' could legally be served drinks out of hours. It helped with beer sales but had unintended consequences.

Despite 6pm closing, there was a rule that 'bona fide' travellers (from 20 miles away) would be allowed to get a drink out of hours, including on a Sunday. You then had the situation where the Mooroopna drinkers would drive to Echuca, and the Echuca drinkers would drive to Mooroopna to get a drink. And then they would all pass each other on the way home again. [Tom Carey]

Some drinkers liked to place bets on the horse races. Tom's brother Joe was an SP (starting price) bookmaker and operated from the hotel. Though risky for Joe, it was more risky for Tom who could lose his licence if he was found to knowingly have bets placed on or near his premises. In 1968, there was a close shave with the gaming squad which ultimately resulted in a $50 donation to the Richmond football club.49,86,72
 
Renovations in 1962-1963 allowed the hotel to run large functions. The ground floor central area between the public and saloon bars was gutted, with provision for a new modern entrance foyer, large lounge and dining room. There were also new and enlarged toilet blocks in all sections and changes to outbuildings including store rooms.

Functions varied from formal to entertainment, with weddings the main part of the business. They were run by Don's wife Marion. Brian's wife Maureen could take over if Marion was unavailable. Other functions included a reception for Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria) as part of an RSL function, a football (handball) competition, and Tom's favourite, the Can Can Cabaret. Tom had a special connection with France from his First World War service.60,87,61,88,55
Laurie Phillips, Blair McKay (Shepparton RSL president), Tom Phillips, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria), RSL function, Hotel Australia, Oct 1963
Image: Lesley Blythman
Don Phillips, Hotel Australia handball competition
Image: Don & Marion Phillips
Can Can Cabaret, Hotel Australia, c. 1960
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook
The Can-Can during French night at the Hotel Australia with Tom and Sis Phillips
Image: Terry Sier
The final renovations by the Phillips family were in 1972. The long bar was split and the gents toilet moved between the two parts. The larger part was effectively the new ladies lounge, and a new bar, 'The Arches', could service it and the main function room. The driveway was widened and the bottle shop moved next to it to become a drive-through.60,89
Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1972
A number of factors contributed to the timing and nature of the 1972 renovations.

The timing was prompted by a fire in the main bar around October 1971. That was when the Shepparton Show was held and they had to wake up the man who ran the Ferris wheel, who usually stayed at the hotel. The fire was damaging and disruptive but not enough to stop trading. A liquor licensing inspection in November resulted in a January 1972 'show cause' notice requiring advice on why certain damage had not yet been rectified. In April, Tom advised that the plans had been finalised.

The nature of the renovations resulted from the changing licensing laws and general availability of alcohol.

The licensing laws restricted the sale and service of alcohol almost exclusively to pubs for decades. Alcohol could usually be purchased only in pubs, and many states placed restrictions on the number of bottles per customer that could be sold over the counter. It was not until the late 20th century that 'bottle-shops' and chain-store outlets (where liquor was sold but not served) became common and restaurants and cafes were more widely licensed to serve liquor or to allow customers to 'bring their own'. [Wikipedia]

Tom once said:
There are more hotels to go around, or more particularly a lot more places selling bulk liquor, while the labor aspects in costs and quality are making things tough for publicans.

With the more relaxed norms around drinking, visitors of note were more likely to be seen in the main bar than in the function room. Such visitors have included Bob Hawke when he was ACTU President, Gough Whitlam shortly before he became Prime Minister, well-known Footscray football player Ted Whitten, and Harry 'Soapy' Vallence, a Carlton football player from Tom's home town of Bacchus Marsh.55,90,91,92,87,93
From left, John Riordan & Tom Phillips sharing a drink with Gough Whitlam (right), c. 1971
Image: Don & Marion Phillips
Carlton footballer Harry 'Soapy' Vallence and Tom Phillips 1975
Tom did all he could to keep the business viable, and son Don aimed to diversify.

Perhaps due to his early financial stress, he had some habits that seemed unusual.

I remember in the mid- to late-1970s, in the safe at the pub, Pa Pa had all his unopened paypackets. Easily 10, could have been 20. These were weekly pays and the amount was written on the front. $260 odd rings a bell (each). [Trevor Phillips]

Papa was funny with money. One day when I was working in Jack's Bar, in came JGB McDonald, Prime Minister McEwen and Moss, from Numurkah, asking to see Papa. I told Papa who was in his old clothes working out in the yard and didn't bother getting changed. Papa shouted them all a drink and when they left asked if I had any money on me to cover the beers. I convinced Papa that maybe this time the pub could pay. (Brian Phillips).

In 1977, Don had an idea to generate additional income, and the Phillips family purchased the Goulburn Valley Winery in Vaughan St.

By 1979, Tom and some of the family were ready to leave the business, though others were keen to continue.

Tom Phillips poured his last beer in September 1979.

The last of the great old time hosts has retired ...

State Governors and regular customers are treated with the same efficient and friendly greeting.

Tom and 'Sis' Phillips have built the Australia into an institution, which is now not only one of Shepparton's landmarks but a meeting place known throughout the State.94,95,96,97,55,18

 
TJ Phillips & Sons was formed in mid-1948 after Tom Phillips and his family purchased the Hotel Australia, having leased it from Dunnes since November 1944 for £25 a week. Initially there were no partners in the business. In August 1948, Tom's licence was transferred to the new partnership of TJ Phillips & Sons, consisting of Tom and the three eldest sons, Jack, Reg and Laurie.

The first half of 1955 saw major changes in the company structure. In April 1955, they formed a proprietary limited company consisting of Tom, Sis, Jack, Laurie, Don and 19 year old Brian. Reg took his share from the earlier partnership to persue other business ventures. Sis was now a shareholder in the company for the first time, as were Don and Brian. Between them, Tom and Sis had a small majority share holding. Tom was nominee in the new company and Jack was company secretary. In 1963, an allotment of shares to Reg meant all five boys were shareholders simultaneously for the first time. After a small share allotment to Brian in 1967, this share allocation remained until liquidation. Tom's estate plus Sis now accounted for 47% of the shares, and the others held between 4% and 17%.

In September 1979, the Hotel Australia licence was transferred from TJ Phillips & Sons to Biltel Hotels Pty Ltd. TJ Phillips & Sons was liquidated in November 1981.98,60,97,99,100
 
[Tom Phillips had purchased the Hotel Australia in mid-1948 for £50,000 and in September 1979 the Phillips family's business was valued at over $1 million. Their investment had resulted in an average rate of return over a 30 year period of about 8%, well above inflation.]
 
Tom's Will
Tom wrote a will in February 1962. As executors he named wife Irene Gladys and sons John Lawrence and Laurence Lloyd.

His shares in TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd were to be held and dividends paid to Sis during her lifetime. Upon her death, Brian was to get 2000 shares, Rene was to get 2000 shares and Reg was to get 500 shares. The remaining shares were to be divided equally between the six children. The balance of his estate, including proceeds from sale, was also to be divided equally between the six children.101
 
Marriage and Family
Maureen Therese McMahon and Brian Maxwell Phillips were married at St James' church in Gardenvale on 7 February 1968. They had four children.2
Brian & Maureen Phillips, Feb 1968
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian & Maureen Phillips, Feb 1968
Image: Rene Barnes
Brian, Maureen (McMahon), Tom & Irene 'Sis' (McDonald) Phillips, Feb 1968
Image: Beth Phillips
Reg, Brian, Maureen (McMahon), Don & Laurie Phillips
Image: Beth Phillips
When eldest child Peta was born, they were living at the Hotel Australia. Soon after, they moved to McCracken St, then later Knight St.

Brian retired in 2001 and after almost twenty more years at Knight St, they downsized and moved to Rae St.40
 
Work Post-Hotel
After the Hotel Australia was sold, Brian had a number of jobs including as an 'inspector', running a laundromat in Wyndham St, and working for St Brendan's, where he was greatly appreciated.24,61,94,102
 
The Twins' 80th Birthday Celebration 
When twins Nene and Sis turned 80 in 1983, the family gathered to mark the occasion.
Sis Phillips (McDonald) & Nene Courtie (McDonald), 80th birthday party, Apr 1983
Reg & Laurie Phillips, Rene Barnes, Jack, Sis, Don & Brian Phillips (one of few photos with all six siblings), Amber Court, Shepparton, Apr 1983
Image: Pete & Di Phillips
Extended Phillips family at Sis & Nene's 80th birthday party, Amber Court, Shepparton, Apr 1983
Image: Peter Phillips
Sis's Will
Sis Phillips left a simple will with the balance of her estate being split equally between all six children.103
 
Jack's 80th Birthday
The family gathered in Shepparton in 2003 to celebrate Jack's 80th birthday. After lunch, some of the family visited Jack's Bar to reminisce.
Jack Phillips's 80th birthday party, Terminus Hotel, Shepparton, Apr 2003
Image: Pete & Di Phillips
Don, Laurie, Rene, Jack & Brian Phillips, Jack Phillips's 80th birthday party, Terminus Hotel, Shepparton, Apr 2003
Image: Pete & Di Phillips
Don, Laurie, Rene, Jack & Brian Phillips, Jack Phillips's 80th birthday party, Terminus Hotel, Shepparton, Apr 2003
Image: Pete & Di Phillips
John, Jack & Brendan Phillips, Catherine Wayman (Phillips), Brian, Claire, Tom & Robyn Phillips, Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, 2003
Image: Catherine Wayman
Social and Holidays
Brian and Maureen were very social and loved catching up with the rest of the Phillips and McDonald families, wherever they were.24
Back: Brian, Maureen & Don Phillips; front: Madge, Jack, Cass, Laurie & Lorraine Phillips; Phillips family reunion, Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Mar 2013
Image: Trevor Phillips
Don & Brian Phillips with cousins Graeme Williams & John Courtie, Aussie Hotel, May 2021
Image: Leah Phillips
Graeme Williams & Brian Phillips, Laurie's 80th birthday, Oct 2005
Brian & Laurie Phillips, Rene Barnes, Don Phillips, Portland, Mar 2017
Image: Lesley Blythman
Brian Phillips, Graeme Williams, Laurie Phillips, Shepparton Private hospital, Oct 2019
Image: Maureen Phillips
They also loved travelling and went to Western Australia to see Brian's Redden cousins and other Phillips family.24
Brian Phillips, Lesley Blythman, Maureen Phillips
Brian Phillips
Back: Pat Redden, Brian Phillips, Moyna Redden; front: Lesley Blythman & Maureen Phillips
Pat Redden & Brian Phillips
Following retirement in 2001, Brian and Maureen went to Bali and had a cruise every year untii 2018.

They also had a holiday house in Rosebud, and this was a favourite family destination.40
 
Brian Phillips died in Shepparton on 20 November 2022, aged 86.3
 
Brian was remembered as fun-loving, gregarious, friendly, kind and loyal, with a deep love for his family.40
 

Citations

  1. [S55] Maureen Phillips, personal communication.
  2. [S171] '[no title]', The Age, 1854-, newspaper, 8 February 1968, p. 14, viewed 21 September 2019.
  3. [S695] Leah Phillips, personal communication, 20 November 2022.
  4. [S693] Dawn Kiley, personal communication, 9 November 2014.
  5. [S2] Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, online, RAOB, Prospect, South Australia, viewed 3 February 2021, https://www.raob.com.au/
  6. [S201] 'Watch this: Shepparton town land sale', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 1 March 1928, p. 5, viewed 5 May 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/179172549
  7. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, Commonwealth division of Echuca, state division of Goulburn Valley, subdivision of Shepparton, 1931 & 1936.
  8. [S233] Shepparton Shire & Town Rates Index, 1885-1939/1941, computer file, Shepparton Family History Group, Phillips entries.
  9. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Echuca, subdivision of Shepparton, 1934.
  10. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, Commonwealth division of Indi, Victorian division of Goulburn Valley, subdivision of Shepparton, 1937.
  11. [S550] 'stage II: Heritage place datasheets, vol. 4 datasheets Murchison -Z, 2004', Greater Shepparton Heritage Studies, online, GSCC, 2001-, viewed September 2019, http://greatershepparton.com.au/bpi/planning/…
  12. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 26 May 2014.
  13. [S37] Margaret Deveney, personal communication, 11 March 1996.
  14. [S102] Jack Phillips, personal communication, 30 November 1996.
  15. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, 9 January 2012 post by Laurie Phillips.
  16. [S15] Irene Barnes, personal communication, 4 December 2013.
  17. [S31] Eileen Redden, personal communication, 25 February 1996.
  18. [S408] Brian Phillips, personal communication, 2 June 2015.
  19. [S15] Irene Barnes, personal communication, 5 December 2012.
  20. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 31 August 2019.
  21. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 27 July 2019.
  22. [S265] Graeme Williams, personal communication, 31 January 2013.
  23. [S148] John Forrester, personal communication, 12 January 2012.
  24. [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection.
  25. [S15] Irene Barnes, personal communication, 5 October 1996 and 5 October 2012.
  26. [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 1 September and 30 December 1996.
  27. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 10 December 2012.
  28. [S201] 'From Patricia's diary', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 28 October 1940, p. 2, viewed 21 September 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174617792
  29. [S201] 'From Patricia's diary', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 11 November 1940, p. 3, viewed 21 September 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174618183
  30. [S201] 'From Patricia's diary', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 18 November 1940, p. 2, viewed 21 September 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174618348
  31. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 20 January 2011.
  32. [S148] John Forrester, personal communication, 26 December 2011.
  33. [S260] 'J McNamara & Co: Houses', Goulburn Valley Stock and Property Journal, 1910-1963, newspaper, Horan & Simpson, 23 July 1941, p. 4, viewed 4 May 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/217932986
  34. [S15] Irene Barnes, personal communication, 5 October 2012.
  35. [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 28 September 1996.
  36. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, comment by Irene Barnes in 3 September 2013 post by Laurie Phillips.
  37. [S264] Don Phillips, personal communication, 28 June 2015.
  38. [S201] 'Patricia's diary', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 9 Mar 1945, p. 9, viewed 4 May 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425812
  39. [S408] Brian Phillips, personal communication, 18 August 2020.
  40. [S696] 'Brian Phillips', eulogy, 25 November 2022.
  41. [S31] Eileen Redden, personal communication.
  42. [S18] 'From Patricia's diary', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 13 May 1949, p. 7, viewed 23 November 2022, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188081171
  43. [S220] 'Prize awards in kennel club parade', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 13 November 1951, p. 5, viewed 19 September 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170019292
  44. [S201] 'Kennel Club do well', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 10 April 1951, p. 10, viewed 9 December 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170013901
  45. [S255] 'Phillips Laurence Lloyd', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips L L', service record, 1944-1947.
  46. [S256] 'Phillips Reginald', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips R', service record, 1942-1946.
  47. [S254] 'Phillips John Lawrence', A9301 RAAF Personnel files of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and other ranks, 1921-1948, control symbol 58064, service record, 1942-1946.
  48. [S16] Catherine Wayman, personal communication, 2 March 2013.
  49. [S214] Tom Carey, personal communication, May 2001.
  50. [S201] 'Thefts from hotel', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 28 February 1947, p. 1, viewed 3 October 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173893663
  51. [S201] 'Easter weddings celebrated: Bridal gown of Swiss organdie worn by Miss Madge Helmer', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 2 April 1948, p. 9, viewed 8 August 2017, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169558527
  52. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 21 November 2013.
  53. [S42] 'National Service Scheme, 1951-1972', Australian War memorial, online, military encyclopedia, viewed 8 December 2022, https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/conscription/…
  54. [S201] 'Hotel Australia wins grand final', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 9 September 1952, p. 5, viewed 21 June 2017, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/172853668
  55. [S247] 'Mine host pulls his last glass', Shepparton News, 27 September 1979, p. 9.
  56. [S220] 'Richmond starts with a headache', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 2 March 1956, p. 23, viewed 19 September 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71789848
  57. [S220] 'WA lad could be a Tiger', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 26 March 1956, p. 18, viewed 19 September 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71794089
  58. [S408] Brian Phillips, personal communication, 4 June 2015.
  59. [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection, 25 November 2022.
  60. [S310] 'Hotel Australia Shepparton', VPRS 7712 License Case Files (sample only retained), consignment no. P0002, unit no. 11, 1944-1981.
  61. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 28 October 2013.
  62. [S102] Jack Phillips, personal communication, 2 March 2013.
  63. [S201] 'New hotel bar', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 30 November 1945, p. 1, viewed 19 July 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170430054
  64. [S201] 'Show society moves offices', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 14 December 1945, p. 5, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170430342
  65. [S201] 'From Patricia's Diary', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 24 August 1945, p. 2, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170428405
  66. [S201] 'Meetings: Football', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 13 March 1945, p. 8, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425856
  67. [S201] 'Meetings: [Shepparton District Young Farmers' Clubs Council]', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 13 March 1945, p. 8, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425856
  68. [S201] 'Public Notices: Shepparton Co-operative Society Limited', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 16 October 1945, p. 10, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170429283
  69. [S201] 'Meetings: A meeting of Shepparton traders', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 6 March 1945, p. 8, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425755
  70. [S201] 'Meetings: Shepparton Golf Club', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 6 March 1945, p. 8, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425755
  71. [S201] 'Meetings: Shepparton and District Progress Association', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 2 October 1945, p. 8, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170429002
  72. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 17 February 2015.
  73. [S280] 'Hotel restoration returns landmark to former glory', Shepparton News, 28 August 1992, p. 24.
  74. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 12 March 2015.
  75. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 21 February 2015.
  76. [S201] 'Two beer gardens', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 31 October 1952, p. 1, viewed 4 October 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/172854579
  77. [S201] 'Extensions at hotel', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 26 May 1950, p. 1, viewed 4 October 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189067949
  78. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 10 February 2015.
  79. [S214] Tom Carey, personal communication, 29 September 2001.
  80. [S61] Beverley Scott, personal communication, 12 July 1996.
  81. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication.
  82. [S246] 'Six o'clock swill', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 10 April 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_o%27clock_swill
  83. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 15 November 2013.
  84. [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 7 July 1996.
  85. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 10 March 2015.
  86. [S190] Tom Carey, 'At last, 25 years ago, it's 1968!', The Shepparton Adviser, 1984-, newspaper, The Adviser, 31 August 1993, p. 45, copy held by Peter Phillips.
  87. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 15 February 2015.
  88. [S269] Lesley Blythman, personal communication, 27 April 2016.
  89. [S663] [Hotel Australia Shepparton floor plans 1971 and 1972], drawing, February 2015.
  90. [S246] 'Australian pub', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 26 April 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_pub
  91. [S18] Tom Carey, 'Football styles have changed', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 10 January 1975, p. 26.
  92. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 27 October 2013.
  93. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 4 March 2015.
  94. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 31 October 2013.
  95. [S18] '$83000 paid for winery', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 1977.
  96. [S259] '50 years of memories', Shepparton News, September 1972.
  97. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 29 October 2013.
  98. [S400] 'TJ Phillips & Sons', 1955-1981, company documents.
  99. [S629] TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd: Report on shareholders valuations, document, 8 May 1981.
  100. [S664] Memo to: Shareholders: TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd (in liquidation), document, November 1981.
  101. [S628] 'Thomas James Phillips', will, 22 February 1962.
  102. [S400] 'TJ Phillips & Sons', 1955-1981, company documents, document no. 910104196.
  103. [S697] 'Irene Gladys Phillips', will, c. 1984.