Fred Clark, a local personality

Fred Clark 2005 
Source: Marianne Purdie

In 1932 Fred’s parents bought 4a (1.6ha) on the south-west corner of Progress and Garden Roads – opposite where Richlands Station now stands. Fred was born there in 1934, the first baby born in Richlands. He attended Richlands State School: the one-teacher school then had about 30 students.

In World War II, Fred’s dad joined the Volunteer Defence Force. When in 1942 the American Army established the Darra Ordnance Depot (now Forest Lake/ Inala), their munitions road to Wacol rail yards took part of the Clark property. Fred, his brother and mates marvelled at the huge machinery and often evaded the guards to explore the munitions depot.

Fred joined the Army in 1952. He was posted to Greenbank with the Army engineers; saw active service in Korea, and was later posted to Army Survey, conducting survey works in Queensland and New Guinea. Fred has been a member of the Historical Wireless Society of South East Queensland since 1998. He has a collection of over 100 radios and VCRs which he repairs and exhibits.

Fred received his Australian Defence Medal from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, 2009 Source: Fred Clark

In 2004 Fred joined Richlands Inala History Group “to correct some errors I had seen published about the local area.” Since then he has written or co-authored a number of local history books – “Richlands’ early history,” “Serviceton: the Soldier Settlement that became Inala,” “The Cleveland Roads.” Fred was also involved in the restoration of the Cannon Hill School of Arts.

Fred’s work in local history was acknowledged when he received a Lord Mayor’s Citizenship Award in 2008.