George Brain

George W Brain was an Australian politician and member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. He was the longest serving member for Willoughby, serving from 1943 until his retirement in 1968. Amongst his many achievements, George W Brain was recognized as one of the primary forces in establishing the Free Library Movement in New South Wales.

Early years

Brain was born 18 January 1893 in Picton. The eldest of nine children, he left school at 13 years of age to work in Scone dairying. At about 20 years of age, he moved to Sydney to look for work and delivered milk at Mascot until all his possessions were stolen forcing him to return home to his parents at Mudgee. These early hardships were critical in forming the substance of the man and Brain was left with a resolute determination to educate himself and a realisation of the importance of access to education to all people regardless of their wealth and status. Such experience motivated his subsequent passion for the free library movement and its importance in society.

Brain studied book-keeping of an evening by the light of a slush light after working 16 hours straight during the day. On moving to the Sydney suburb of Willoughby in 1920 after his marriage to Paula Merkle in 1918, he passed his accountancy examinations and formed the partnership of Brain and Noble chartered accountants. From 1918, he took an active interest in the Progress Association, P&C association and political parties and thus began his political career.

In the 1930s, Brain together with George Morris of Eastern Valley Way, Willoughby promoted the “free milk movement for school children”, a scheme which relieved parents financially during the depression and ensured the health of generations of children. In 1941, Brain was the president of the “Monster war carnival” held at Willoughby park. The carnival which was opened by the Rt Hon Billy Hughes raised in excess of £1,000 sufficient at this time to buy two ambulances for the war effort.

Political life

Before entering the NSW Parliament, Brain was elected in 1941 as an Alderman for the Middle Harbour ward, Municipality of Willoughby where he served with distinction until his entry into NSW Parliament in September 1943.

On the death of the former member, Edward Sanders, Brain won the by election held in September 1943 and all subsequent elections including that held on 1st May 1965. Prior to his retirement in January 1968, he fought nine elections and on each occasion was returned with a larger majority, possibly a record in NSW parliament and certainly a testimony to his dedication and to the faith in which he was held by the voters of Willoughby.

Brain's maiden speech in the NSW parliament implored the parliament to act on the recommendations of the Munn-Pitt report which was scathing in its assessment on the current state of libraries in this country. He had on his own initiative already convened a meeting of like minded individuals in the Willoughby electorate and thus the free library movement of NSW was formed in Willoughby. A subsequent committee was formed with Brain as the Secretary culminating in the drafting of a bill for submission and acceptance by the NSW parliament.

Premier Robert Askin said "memories of his struggle for a higher education—and it was a struggle, as will be appreciated by all those who knew something of his early life—remained with George all his life. They prompted him to work vigorously for the establishment of free libraries. He was dedicated to his work. He regarded free libraries as one of the best means of adult self education." Brain considered the achievement of the free library scheme as “one of the State’s greatest social triumphs”.

Sporting life

Brain was a keen sportsman and later in his life bowls became a passion. As expected from a servant of the people, even in relaxation he could not resist contributing selflessly. His many achievements included being a founder and patron of Willoughby Park bowling club, patron of Valley View bowling club, member of the State parliamentary bowling club of which he was president in 1967-68.

Tribute to a servant of Willoughby

Brain died in his sleep on his 76th birthday in Willoughby. His funeral was held on 21 January 1969 and to that date was the largest that had occurred in the municipality of Willoughby. One month later, Premier Askin, leader of the opposition, Pat Hills and others paid tribute to this outstanding servant of the people of Willoughby.

Currently, consideration is being given to naming the new Willoughby library (due for completion circa 2010) after Brain in recognition of his contribution to the municipality of Willoughy and to the free library movement.

References

* Blatch, Rayleen. (2002) From felony to freedom. 2nd edition.

* Brain, George W. (1943) Drafts and notes of maiden speech of George W Brain.

* Brain, Paul W. George William Brain, JP:FCA.,F.I.C.A.,MLA for Willoughby in the N.S.W Parliament- September 1943 to January 1968 (ret). A paper for the Masonic Society of NSW.

* Russell, Eric. (1966) Willoughby A Centenary History. Pub. by The Council of the Municipality of Willoughby.

External links

* [http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/ec78138918334ce3ca256ea200077f5d/c6282d58478d4f32ca256e20007e8b28!OpenDocument NSW Parliament: Former members.]

* [http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/Parlment/HansArt.nsf/V3Key/LA20060509031 Willoughby Electoral History.]