Don Phillips
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
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

Donald Phillips married Selina Quilty on 22 November 2014. 
He married Marion Gordon Plant on 19 March 1958 in East Melbourne, Victoria.1 

Family 1

Marion Gordon Plant b. 25 Nov 1938, d. 19 Mar 2012
Children

Family 2

Selina Quilty
ChartsCampbell, John, descendant chart
McDonald, Archibald, descendant chart
O'Loughlin, Michael, descendant chart
Phillips, James, descendant chart
Steer, Edward, descendant chart

Story

Donald Michael was born in 1931. He was the fifth child of Irene and Thomas. He was known as Don.2,3,4,5
 
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
 
 
 
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 
 
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
 
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
 
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 and Rene were only two years apart and spent a lot of time together. They enjoyed visiting their grandmother Ellen and Auntie Mary in Bacchus Marsh and would make their own fun.25
 
Education
Rene started at St Brendan's primary school in Shepparton in 1935, and Don in 1937. In 1938, they are both in the Grade I to IV class photo for Shepparton East School no. 1715.26
 
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.27,28,29,30,31,32
 
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.33
 
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]33
 
Letters to the newspaper were popular during Don's childhood in Shepparton.

Corner for the Children
Readers' letters
...
Shepparton.
Dear Aunt Mollie: Will you please enrol me in the children’s corner. I am nine years old and in the fourth grade. I came second in the exam at school. I have been home from school with a sore foot, for a week but it is much better now. I am entering this week’s competition. Love from DON PHILLIPS [Jul 1941].34

 
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]35,36,37,20,38

 
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.39,40
 
Cousins
Don and Brian Phillips, and cousins Don McDonald, Graeme Williams and John Courtie enjoyed each other's company whenever they could.
 
Boarding School
Don went to boarding school at St Patrick's College in Ballarat. He began second term in mid-1945, and was there for four years.39
 
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]
 
Following school Don worked at the Caltex depot (opposite the lake). He commenced in April 1949 and was there for about three years. He drove the truck and did general work.
Mr Don Phillips of Hotel Australia, commenced duties at Caltex Oil Company yesterday. [Apr 1949]39,41

 
Rowing
Don rowed with the Shepparton Rowing club.

OARSMAN BREAKS HAND
Shepparton rowing club four in training for contests on the Yarra next Saturday, to be following Saturday’s Henly on the Yarra received a set-back at the week-end when their No. 2 Leo Morrison, sustained a broken hand.

However this important position in the boat has been filled by Don Phillips who, in his college career, was considered a coming oarsman.
... [Nov 1950]42

 
Hotel Australia 
 
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 1947.37,16,39,43,44,45
 
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]46,16,47
 
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]48
 
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.16,49
 
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 1972.50
 
Football
It is reported that Don and Brian followed Reg in playing for the Shepparton Football club.51
 
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.39,18
 
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.52,53,18,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,24,66
 
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]51,47
 
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.51
 
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]67,51

 
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]52,68,18,69

 
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.54,18,70
 
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]71,54
 
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.
 
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".51,72,65
 
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]18,73

 
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.51,74,75,52,76
 
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.52,77
 
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.47,78,64
 
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.52,79,53,80,51
 
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.52,81
 
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.51,82,83,84,79,85
 
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.86,87,88,89,51,18

 
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 1981.90,52,89,91,92
 
[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.]
 
Overseas Holiday
In the early 1950s, Don went overseas for about 18 months with Brian Lunn. They drove around Europe and other places in a Mk III Jaguar.39
 
Marriage and Family
Marion Gordon Plant and Donald Michael Phillips were married at St Mary's church in East Melbourne on 19 March 1958. They had three children. Daughter Allison died at two days old.1
 
Don and Marion lived in several places in Shepparton. They made the pub their home around 1964, when they moved in with sons Trevor and Paul. Around 1973 they moved to Nixon St.39,93
 
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.94
 
Solo Venture
Around 1969, when coin operated billiard tables were new, Don got one for the pub. He soon got another by going shares with someone from a pub in Kyabram. They quickly had them plus jukeboxes in pubs in Murchison and all over the local area and made a lot of money. They were Don's venture, and not connected with the Aussie. Uncle Larry and Marion used to drive all over the countryside collecting the money.39
 
'World Tour'
In March 1971, Don, Marion, Trevor and Paul left via cruise ship on a round-the-world 'World Tour'. They travelled through New Zealand, Tahiti and the Panama canal, arriving at Lisbon. Here they picked up a VW campervan and travelled through Portugal, Morocco, Spain and France to Holland. Instead of flying home from there, they chose to drive overland to Singapore. Don recorded a movie of their trip.95,96
 
GV Winery
In 1977, Don bought the Goulburn Valley Winery for $83,000.97
 
He won a bronze medal for his Phillips GV Winery 1983 shiraz at the 100th annual Rutherglen wine show.98
 
He later produced a commemorative port.
 
Don sold the GV Winery in early 2007.86,99
 
The Twins' 80th Birthday Celebration 
When twins Nene and Sis turned 80 in 1983, the family gathered to mark the occasion.
 
Sis's Will
Sis Phillips left a simple will with the balance of her estate being split equally between all six children.100
 
Community Work
Cousins Don and Graeme were active members of the Lions Club. In 2021 they received awards for 60 years of service.
 
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.
 
Marion Gordon Phillips died at Ave Maria in Shepparton on 19 March 2012, aged 73. She was buried at Pine Lodge cemetery in Shepparton East on 23 March.101,102
 
Phillips, Marion Gordon
PHILLIPS (nee Plant). - Marion Gordon Passed away peacefully at Ave Maria on Monday, Mar. 19, 2012 Loved wife to Don of 54 years; adored mother of Trevor and Paul and mother-in-law to Karen and Jan; much adored grandmother to Ellie and Anna. Loved and remembered always.101
 
Don & Selina
Selina Quilty and Donald Phillips were married at St Mary's church in Dookie on 22 November 2014.103
 

Citations

  1. [S264] Don Phillips, personal communication, 2 January 2013.
  2. [S24] Marion Phillips, personal communication, 7 June 1996.
  3. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Murray, subdivision of Shepparton, 1954.
  4. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, Commonwealth division of Murray, Victorian division of Shepparton, subdivision of Shepparton, 1980.
  5. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Murray, subdivision of Shepparton, 1972.
  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 4 December 2013.
  26. [S165] History of St Brendan's Primary School 1891-1991, St Brendan's Centenary History Committee, 1991, pp. 70-71.
  27. [S15] Irene Barnes, personal communication, 5 October 1996 and 5 October 2012.
  28. [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 1 September and 30 December 1996.
  29. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 10 December 2012.
  30. [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
  31. [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
  32. [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
  33. [S148] John Forrester, personal communication, 26 December 2011.
  34. [S201] 'Readers' Letters', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 11 July 1941, p. 3, viewed 17 August 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/175191540
  35. [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
  36. [S15] Irene Barnes, personal communication, 5 October 2012.
  37. [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 28 September 1996.
  38. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, comment by Irene Barnes in 3 September 2013 post by Laurie Phillips.
  39. [S264] Don Phillips, personal communication, 28 June 2015.
  40. [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
  41. [S201] From Patricia's Diary, Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, 1 April 1949, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, p. 2, 2017-08-16, viewed http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188080115
  42. [S201] 'Oarsman breaks hand', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 14 November 1950, p. 3, viewed 2017-08-16, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189073067
  43. [S255] 'Phillips Laurence Lloyd', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips L L', service record, 1944-1947.
  44. [S256] 'Phillips Reginald', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips R', service record, 1942-1946.
  45. [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.
  46. [S16] Catherine Wayman, personal communication, 2 March 2013.
  47. [S214] Tom Carey, personal communication, May 2001.
  48. [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
  49. [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
  50. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 21 November 2013.
  51. [S247] 'Mine host pulls his last glass', Shepparton News, 27 September 1979, p. 9.
  52. [S310] 'Hotel Australia Shepparton', VPRS 7712 License Case Files (sample only retained), consignment no. P0002, unit no. 11, 1944-1981.
  53. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 28 October 2013.
  54. [S102] Jack Phillips, personal communication, 2 March 2013.
  55. [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
  56. [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
  57. [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
  58. [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
  59. [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
  60. [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
  61. [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
  62. [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
  63. [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
  64. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 17 February 2015.
  65. [S280] 'Hotel restoration returns landmark to former glory', Shepparton News, 28 August 1992, p. 24.
  66. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 12 March 2015.
  67. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 21 February 2015.
  68. [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
  69. [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
  70. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 10 February 2015.
  71. [S214] Tom Carey, personal communication, 29 September 2001.
  72. [S61] Beverley Scott, personal communication, 12 July 1996.
  73. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication.
  74. [S246] 'Six o'clock swill', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 10 April 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_o%27clock_swill
  75. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 15 November 2013.
  76. [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 7 July 1996.
  77. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 10 March 2015.
  78. [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.
  79. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 15 February 2015.
  80. [S269] Lesley Blythman, personal communication, 27 April 2016.
  81. [S663] [Hotel Australia Shepparton floor plans 1971 and 1972], drawing, February 2015.
  82. [S246] 'Australian pub', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 26 April 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_pub
  83. [S18] Tom Carey, 'Football styles have changed', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 10 January 1975, p. 26.
  84. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 27 October 2013.
  85. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 4 March 2015.
  86. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 31 October 2013.
  87. [S18] '$83000 paid for winery', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 1977.
  88. [S259] '50 years of memories', Shepparton News, September 1972.
  89. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 29 October 2013.
  90. [S400] 'TJ Phillips & Sons', 1955-1981, company documents.
  91. [S629] TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd: Report on shareholders valuations, document, 8 May 1981.
  92. [S664] Memo to: Shareholders: TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd (in liquidation), document, November 1981.
  93. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 29 June 2015.
  94. [S628] 'Thomas James Phillips', will, 22 February 1962.
  95. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 11 December 2012.
  96. [S2] 'World Tour', DVD movie, Don Phillips. Originally recorded on film.
  97. [S18] '$83000 paid for winery', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 1977.
  98. [S18] Jo Lyon, 'Improving shiraz wins bronze medal', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 3 October 1988, p. 8, viewed 18 December 2012.
  99. [S18] '$1.5m for wine centre', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, c. April 2007, copy held by Peter Phillips.
  100. [S697] 'Irene Gladys Phillips', will, c. 1984.
  101. [S271] Herald Sun, 1990-, newspaper, Herald & Weekly Times, tribute, 20 March 2012.
  102. [S271] Herald Sun, 1990-, newspaper, Herald & Weekly Times, tribute, 21 March 2012.
  103. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 12 January 2023.