‘A simple man, simply extraordinary’

By Samantha Elley

These were the words that described 90-year-old Wilfred ‘Fred’ Hoskins, used by Wyrallah Public School principal, Lisa Fahy.

“This is an historical occasion,” she said at the event that was to see the library named after their most dedicated ex-student.

“It is to show our appreciation of our guest of honour, Fred Hoskins.

“Eighty five years ago Fred came to school on horseback.”

From that time on, Fred became an integral part of the community of Wyrallah Public School and all those connected to it.

“He is a man of many hats,” Ms Fahy said.

“Has been a dairy farmer, steel worker, lifeline counsellor, truck driver and even sings and dances.

“And he has an unwavering love for education.”

Fred is still a regular visitor to the primary school where he first received his formal education from his teacher Mr Hardy, but now he inspires the students of today with his knowledge.

“Fred has a passion for reading and for books,” said Ms Fahy.

“So, naming the library after him was a fitting honour.

“He lives a purpose driven life and has supported the community in ways many people, except those receiving the support, don’t know.”

Janelle and Fred unveil the new sign to the library.

In the 157^th year of the school’s history, making it the oldest continuously operating school in the Lismore district, Fred has been a big part of that.

“Fred climbed the pine tree (on the school grounds) to sketch and graph the school for its 125^th anniversary,” said P&C president, Nathan Rose.

“He was also at the 150 year celebrations.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said Fred had made a difference, not only in the lives of the students, but their parents and the community as well.

Fred was given the opportunity to speak and his love and passion for books and learning was evident.

“My teacher used to read to us,” he said.

“Books like Wind in the Willows, where you became a part of the story.

“Your imagination was everything.”

His favourite book was one about compassion and kindness, entitled ‘The King of the Golden River’.

For Fred the library was the most important building, as it was the place to learn and he enthusiastically encouraged the students who were listening to get a dictionary.

“Words and their meanings influenced my life,” he said.

“Words like kindness, wisdom and compassion, if they are foremost in your mind, they will influence your life.”

Fred Hoskins, Member for Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Wyrallah Public School principal Lisa Fahy.

He said his greatest influence, his saviour, Jesus Christ, was his driving force for all that he did in life and he and his wife, Olwyn taught scripture at the school for more than 30 years.

Current students were keen to ask him a number of questions regarding his own student days, including what he had for lunch, who was his favourite teacher, what was his favourite event at school and what was his favourite toy.

“We didn’t have a football,” Fred said.

“So we used an inflated pig’s bladder to kick around.”

Fred wasn’t always one of the best behaved students either.

“Children today never knew anything about corporal punishment,” he said.

“But I learnt a lot about it.

“But my father taught me that if you do something wrong, you accept the punishment and try not to do it again.”

Whatever his misbehaviours as a child, he has more than made up for it with his support of the school since.

With Olwyn and many friends and family by his side, the veil was released to show the engraved sign renaming that most important building as “Fred Hoskins Library”.

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