Eastick AM (Mayor) Hon Dr Bruce Charles
| Type of person | Individual |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1927 |
| Place of birth | Reade Park, South Australia |
| Date of arrival | 1951 |
| Principal occupation | Veterinarian |
Mayor 1968-72 and 1993-2000
A popular figure in Gawler, Bruce Eastick was born at Reade Park, Col. Light Gardens, South Australia, to Thomas Charles Eastick and Ruby Sybil (nee Bruce) on October 25, 1927. First introduced to the town while studying for his Diploma of Agriculture at Roseworthy College from 1944 to 1947, also finding time to play football for the college. He then trained at Sydney University for his Veterinary Degree.
On December 8, 1951, Bruce married Dawn Marsh, the grand daughter of Hermann L. Marsh, who was Gawler mayor in 1918-19. Another of Dawn’s ancestors was John Riggs, from a Gawler pioneer family, and who exhibited wheat in Europe through the mid 1800s, which was grown in Gawler. The Easticks had four children – Andrew, Phillip, Michael and Meredith – eight grand children and two great-grandchildren.
Bruce joined the Gawler Council in 1963, representing the Willaston Ward, before his first tenure as mayor from 1968-72. From May 30, 1970, he was a Member of the House of Assembly for over 23 years, and then again served Gawler as mayor for seven years from 1993.
The most important change in Gawler for Bruce in his time as mayor was: “the advancement of Gawler as a destination for visitors and tourists, while the commitment to a barrier between the northern metropolitan spread with a buffer zone, so as Gawler can retain its country character was another important aspect”, he said.
Involved with many local community groups, Bruce took pride in his membership with Rotary, where he is a past president, and was a charter member in March 1954. He also received a presidential citation for service. Also sporting minded, Bruce played for Gawler Bowls Club, as well as offering his experience to various other Gawler sporting clubs. Dr. Eastick is also the Chairperson of other local organisations, namely the Building Committee for the Gawler Swimming Pool, Gawler and Districts Aged Cottage Homes and Meals on Wheels Kitchen.
For more photos of Dr. Bruce Eastick, AM, please click here.
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Memories of Eastick AM (Mayor) Hon Dr Bruce Charles
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