Honouring Jim’s lifetime of music
A lifetime of service earns Jim an Australia Day honour
For Jim, music has never been a hobby – it’s been a lifelong commitment.
Now 82, the great-grandfather has spent more than four decades with the Ballina Shire Concert Band, helping shape it into one of the region’s most respected ensembles. Over 44 years, he has held almost every committee role, including 25 years as Vice President, 10 years as Librarian and many years as Deputy Band Master.
That contribution was formally recognised on 26 January this year, when Jim received the Arts and Culture Award from Ballina Shire Council on Australia Day. It was a moment that reflects a lifetime spent in service to music.
But Jim’s story began long before Ballina.
A musical journey that began at sea
At just 16, he joined the Royal Australian Navy as an apprentice musician. Starting out as a percussionist, he went on to master the flute and piano, performing aboard HMAS Sydney and completed two tours to Vietnam.
It was the smallest branch in the navy because they had had the most killed pro rata during World War II than any other branch of the Australian navy.
“It made it special,” Jim reflects, speaking of the HMAS Sydney branch and band, a close-knit group shaped by shared experience.
Music remained a constant throughout his service. Alongside his naval duties, Jim performed with orchestras and various groups, and spent several years as musical director for well-known Ugly Dave Gray.
After leaving the navy, Jim’s commitment didn’t slow. He continued his service as a Warrant Officer Band Master in the Army Reserve – a legacy of dedication that runs through his family.
“My daughter was in the Navy, my late son was in the Navy, and my grandson still is,” Jim said.
Building community music in Ballina
In Ballina, Jim found another way to serve through community music. “The Band started off at a reasonable standard,” he says. “Now you could put it up against many city bands, which is a pretty high standard. It’s held in pretty high esteem by other bands.”
Building that standard hasn’t been easy in a regional area. “If you’re short an oboe player, you can’t just phone the next suburb and get one from there.”
Today, the band spans generations, with members ranging from 14 up to players in their 90s. Something Jim believes is part of its strength.
As for his own future with the band, Jim laughs. “I’m 82, it’s in the hands of the gods,” he says. “I’ve got knee and hip problems like most people. I can’t stand for long periods anymore, so I’m quite happy playing while someone else conducts.”
These days, staying active looks a little different. Jim and his wife Lindy attend the Ballina Wellness Centre, each week, helping him manage those physical challenges. “It’s very good indeed,” he says. “A pleasure to go along every week.”
And while the pace may have changed, one thing hasn’t – music remains at the centre of Jim’s life.