Tuesday, 10 September 2024

John ‘Jack’ Hallowell

Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) (13:19): I am sad to say that a good friend and long-time Altona activist passed away on 13 August: John Hallowell, better known as Jack to his friends and family. I had the great pleasure of meeting both Jack and his beautiful wife Eveline at my first Altona ALP branch meeting. Jack was a staunch Labor man – as staunch as they come – and you always knew that Jack would have your back. He was a staunch Labor member for 34 years, and for 25 of those years he was the secretary of the Altona ALP branch. I must admit Jack taught me everything I knew when I was his deputy secretary at the branch. Jack worked tirelessly on many election campaigns, both state and federal. Jack was in every way a true believer.

Jack was also a keen golfer at the Kooringal Golf Club, where he was a member until recently. He was always supportive of young players coming through, and for many years he volunteered, driving the bus around to many tournaments throughout Victoria. He was president of the Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society for many years and was pivotal in ensuring that the historical site in Altona was preserved for future generations. Jack and his late wife Evie volunteered many hours at the St George’s residential aged care facility in Altona Meadows, helping and looking after residents. Jack eventually found himself living there once he could no longer live alone in his family home, and this is where I last visited Jack.

Jack lived a good and full life, was a mentor and supporter and a good friend to all who knew him. He is now reunited with Eveline. May they rest together in eternal peace. When John Williamson penned True Blue I am sure that he had Jack in mind.