A century of service, stories, and stage

Ron Vickress on his 100th birthday Photo Chris Hietbrink

15th Jul 2025

Around 90 close family members and friends gathered at the Armidale Ex-Services Club on June 28th to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the 100th birthday of Ron Vickress, a man whose life has been defined by service, creativity, and community.
Ron, who spent many years living in Guyra, remains a proud member of the Guyra RSL sub-branch. He also served as a long-time trustee of the Guyra War Memorial Hall and was an active member of the Guyra Probus Club. His ties to the region run deep, and his contributions have left a lasting impact.
The celebration was rich with tributes, including a special video message from actress Rhonda Burchmore and official letters of congratulations from King Charles III, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Armidale Mayor Sam Coupland, RSL NSW, and University of New England Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran.
Ron’s life story is remarkable. From his early days as a 16-year-old air raid warden during World War II to his service aboard HMAS Pirie as a signalman in the Royal Australian Navy, his journey has been one of courage and conviction.
He was present at a pivotal moment in history — the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Harbour in 1945.
Yet it was in the years that followed, in classrooms, theatres, and community halls, that Ron truly left his mark. A former teacher and lifelong lover of the arts, he performed in dozens of plays and wrote novels, stage works, and even a musical. After completing a Bachelor of Letters at the University of New England in 1963, he went on to earn a Master of Education with Honours. From 1972 to 1985, he served as a respected lecturer in English and Drama at UNE.
Ron’s community involvement has been wide-reaching. He helped establish swimming clubs, ran amateur theatre productions, and championed causes of social justice and Indigenous support. He was awarded the UNE Alumni Community Award and named Armidale Regional Council’s Senior Citizen of the Year.
Among his many roles, one stands out for its longevity and symbolism: Ron was the oldest trustee of any Crown Land entity in New South Wales, through his service with the Guyra Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

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