Sometimes we don’t quite understand what treasures we have in our midst until we truly get to know them. Eric McCullough is one of these treasures.

He was born in Warrnambool in 1933, and left there 70 odd years ago. His parents were dairy farmers, and he helped them every day after school. Eric and his brother are the only remaining siblings. He was 19 when he left Warrnambool, to commence employment with Permewan, Wright and Co, general merchants which had a wharf in Hay. 

The company had been trading since 1863, as carriers in Ballarat, and had branched out into the general merchant field. 

He was an internal auditor, and he completed his role in conjunction with another auditor, and they would audit half of the state each, and then swap stores the following year. 

They each had 32 branches to audit. 

“It was an interesting but difficult role, if things happened to go wrong, you weren’t the most popular person,” he said bemusedly. 

“Each store took one month to audit.” 

He stoically completed this role for six years, before realising that he was tired of living out of a suitcase, and applied for a permanent role. 

He was sent to Hay to be an accountant. 

In 1952, Eric commenced National Service in the Army. It was in Hay where he met a very lovely girl, his beloved Helen. Eric married Helen Keys on her parent’s wedding anniversary, in 1959. 

“It was so hot, 108 degrees,” he laughed. 

“It was somewhat different back then though; it did not get so humid.” 

Four months after their wedding, Eric was transferred to Traralgon, as merchandise manager. After a time, he was promoted to assistant manager. 

It was a big rural supplies store, also with gro ceries. His only child, Yvonne, was born in 1961 in Traralgon. 

“She was a tiny baby, and they were initially unsure if she was going to make it. Wonderfully, she did. 

“She was eight weeks premature, and two and a half pounds when born. She spent two months at the hospital. 

“It was after Yvonne was born that Helen became ill with a kidney disease, and spent weeks at Royal Melbourne Hospital. She never got over it, although she did go into remission for many years.”

Eric remained in his role for five years, before transferring, to become Branch Manager for Rochester store. 

During that time, the company bought G and G, which included Maclure’s, and many other stores in New South Wales. 

After a time, he transferred to General Manager in Deniliquin, and during that time, all of the Permewan, Wright and Co. executives passed away. 

Their roles were assumed by executives of G and G. Many bad decisions made after this time weaken the company, and so much so, that it was purchased by the Libman family, from Melbourne. They proceeded to sell up and divide the company, for a huge profit. 

Eric was left without a job, so the couple returned to Hay. He joined Hay Hospital as Maintenance Supervisor. He remembers those times very fondly. 

“It was the best job I ever had,’ he said. 

Eric’s home is adorned with his shooting sashes and beautiful family photos that tell a tale of a life of love. 

“There were a lot of fun times. I had seven staff, and we all got in and got the job done. 

After 18 years of performing this role, he bought a farm, and decided to finish up paid work and look after the farm. Leaving the farm in his only daughter, Yvonne’s very capable hands, Eric and Helen took off in their new motorhome, and travelled all around Australia. 

“It was the most wonderful time,” Eric said. “We went everywhere, completely around Australia. Norfolk Island, and the Kimberleys and surrounding areas, which we truly loved. 

“There is so much to see.” 

After 61 years of blissful marriage, Eric sadly lost his love Helen in 2021. 

The loss is very raw. Eric has always been an avid, adept shooter. 

“I was never on a sporting team, as my job at the time was always moving, it was very hard to commit to anything. 

“Then by the time I had finished at Permewans, I was too old. 

“I had a big interest in shooting, right from more or less when I was a year old. “Shooting 22s. “Ammunition was impossible to get, Dad had to go to the police station and obtain a permit for one packet of ammunition a year. 

“Naturally, we were not allowed to waste bullets; you had to make every shot count. ‘So, we became proficient. “When I became old enough to work, I would buy a packet of shotgun cartridges whenever I could, and when they were available. 

“We would game shoot, ducks, quail and snipe. You can’t do that nowadays, of course.” 

When he first came to Hay, Eric was invited to join the Hay Gun Club, and he counts himself as very fortunate, and won a lot of prizes. 

Eric has, over the years, won a trophy in every state except for Tasmania, and that is because he has never been to Tasmania. 

Having represented Australia five times, on various teams, he has won approximately 300 champion sashes and medals over the years. 

He has represented Riverina seven times in total. 

He is a life member of the Club. 

“I still go to the Hay Gun Club, and regularly go away to shoot. “I was in a much higher grade when I was younger, but now I am more general handicap.” 

Eric always maintained an interest in Hay Lions and AFL. 

A steward at the Hay Show for over 30 years, he was made a life member of the Show Society. 

While Eric has always loved the show, he doesn’t get there any more, as there is a major shoot over in Broken Hill at the same time, and he goes there. 

Much younger in his presence than the story his birth certificate would tell, Eric agrees when asked if the secret to a long life is keeping busy, and on the go. 

“I love Hay, I have been here 46 years the second time around,” he said. 

He bought a new caravan after Helen passed as he couldn’t bear to use the same one. 

Little things such as this are silent indicators of his love, and depth of his mourning. 

He is heading off later this year for another trek to the places he loves most in Western Australia, and perhaps Queensland. 

“I am looking forward to just grabbing my gun and my rod, and going,’ he said. 

Yvonne visits three times a week, and she lives on the farm now, it is in very good hands.” 

He also treasures his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and Eric is truly loved by all. 

Eric, it is no surprise why you are so highly regarded by every single person that knows you. Your humility, grace, and everything you are is just something to behold. Thank you for sharing your story.