Tom Ryan

Awarded the Shire of Campaspe (Waranga ward) citizen of the year - 1996
He was also awarded the CWA citizen of the year - 1988

Tom Ryan was born in Port Lincoln, South Australia on 7th November 1924. He did all his schooling in Port Lincoln.

After leaving school Tom moved to Adelaide, where he served an apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker in 1939 and continued to work in that trade until 1948

During his school years and working life Tom played a lot of football. In 1948 he decided to come to Melbourne and try out with South Melbourne. He played a total of sixty one games with South Melbourne before coming to Stanhope as a playing coach. Tom coached Stanhope for three years in the Goulburn Valley League in 1953 – 54 & 55.

Tom then became a share farmer on a Stanhope Dairy farm. He eventually bought the farm in 1966.

Whilst playing football for South Melbourne, Tom married Wilma Johnston in 1966 at Port Melbourne. They had four children, Gayle, Michael, Raelene and Shane. Wilma passed away in 1993.

Tom has been a great community worker for Stanhope serving on many committees including:

       The Stanhope School Council
       The Stanhope Swimming Pool (14 years)
       The Stanhope Mardi Gras (26 years)
       The Country Education project
       The Merrigum Herd Improvement co-op
       The Stanhope Lawn Bowls (Currently)

Tom, who is now retired and lives in the Stanhope township, enjoys keeping an eye on his grandchildren. He also plays the odd game of bowls.