Sir Raymond Garrett

In the early 1950s, Sir Raymond and Lady Garrett came to live in Council Street Doncaster where they took an active interest in local affairs. 

Twelve years ago Sir Raymond joined the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society and later became a life member. 

Sir Raymond led an active and interesting life.  In the 1920s, he learned to fly and became a pioneer aviator, in the Citizen Air Force and with Larkin Airways.  He surveyed and flew a pioneer mail route in the Northern Territory - at that time, a hazardous adventure.  In the 1930s, he was a successful photographer, his main client being General Motors and he experimented with colour photography for advertising. 

On the outbreak of war, as a member of the Air Force reserve, he was immediately called up by the Air Force, eventually becoming a Group Captain.  

After the War, Sir Raymond set up business packaging photographic chemicals in a factory in Doncaster and became a director and chairman of Ilford Australia.  

In 1954, he was elected to the Council of the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe and in 1958 was elected to the Legislative Council where he became President of the house till he retired in 1976. 

Sir Raymond Garrett was 93 at the time of his death in October after leading a full and successful life.

Source: 1994 12 DTHS Newsletter