Sambell Cr (Mayor) Brian Donald
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Brian Sambells was born at Lockleys, but all of his childhood was spent in Gawler . Went to the Gawler Primary School down near the Show Grounds, and then to Gawler High School which was then on Lyndoch Road, (and now Emanuel Lutheran School) and has been involved in the Gawler Town ever since.
His younger days around Gawler were spent growing up with his father, who was a railway man, and when he retired out the railway , he bought the BP service station ( opposite McDonald's) , and Brian worked there with him. To get extra money, he said " I also worked for a Bee keeper, extracting honey, and lots of other jobs to get a bit of money together to buy my first car.
And my first car was the 36 Ford coupe, bought that off of Trevor Fryer, who had a Building company at Willaston, and that was the beginning of me being involved with automobiles and bikes and different groups and so forth. I enjoyed every bit of being involved in the community.
Brian Donald Sambell was Elected Mayor of Gawler from 2006 to 2014. He then was elected as Area Councillor from 2018 and continues in that role now (2025).
please click here for Brian's presentation on the history of the Gawler Roadknights in March 2025
Glenys Sambell reflects on Brian’s 8 years as Mayor.2014
MOVING ON
Eight years ago Brian became Mayor – had lots of ideas for the Council to share
My advice to him was be honest just do your best – do your job and let God do the rest
8 years commitment to our town you see – a voice for the community was your reason to be
Late nights at meetings – community events, school presentations and greetings
to send Energetic, enthusiastic, proud and mad are some of the words I have uttered – while around me your brain always seems to flutter
I guess this has been a lifelong trend – but I confess it nearly sent me round the bend
You’ve been a hard man to catch in the past 8 years – but now with a job well done its time to move on and have some fun
but I must admit, there is now a list on the fridge – work to catchup on, I hope you don’t cringe.
A sounding board I’ve been for years – lots of emotion laughter and tears.
The Gawler car was there to promote – out hops this ordinary bloke
a bloke who’s always been proud of his town – although at times people have looked on with a frown.
Your term as Mayor has come to an end – yeah more time to spend with family and friends.
I know there are lots of plans going round in your head - But keep it simple and relax awhile instead.
Take a breath, take a rest – do the things you want to do
cut your pace from run to walk – take some time to visit friends and a talk.
People say what are you going to do with him now? – my answer to them is “time will tell” somehow.
But it’s not the end it’s a new beginning – and let’s move forward tonight.
Your one ambition is to write a book - or who knows you may learn to cook.
Round your head rolls a thousand things – but take time to reflect and see what the future brings.
Your joined tonight with family and friends – special people in your life who supported you to the end
the support and interest they have shown to you - has been your lifeline all the way through.
Your family loves you – take time for them - cause in the end they will always be your true friends
From Glenys xxx Nov 7th 2014
Please click here for Brian`s chat on Gawler Roadknights formation
Please <click here> to read a Bunyip newspaper article regarding Brian being elected Deputy Mayor, dated 9 Dec 2020.
For more photos of Brian Sambell, please click here.
click here for Brian's oral history
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References
Memories of Sambell Cr (Mayor) Brian Donald
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