Mick Lambert, small business operator, entrepreneur, musician, local legend with a vast array of stories to tell, captivated us with a brief story of his life so far. Mick opened with the news that he had a mild stroke two weeks ago and felt like he was in a second life.For 12 years, Mick has conducted a local segment called “Remember When”, recalling stories and events in local history.
Mick’s parents came to Australia post WW2. His father, ex military, had to work for 2 years to repay the fare, hence the family was constantly on the move. Mick was born in 1949 in tent in Quindanning.
The family broke up and Mick and his siblings were placed in an orphanage. His mother eventually remarried and the family reunited.
Mick hated the cold and moved to Geraldton in 1967 when he was 15 and took an apprenticeship as an auto electrician.
He met Lorraine , who was from Sydney on a working holiday, and duly went to Sydney to pursue the romance. He returned in 1978 with Lorraine and continued to specialise in auto air conditioning.
In 1984 he purchased GMS. Mick diversified for a while and told of his experiences at the Albany Whaling Station back when it was in operation and the unique method of herring fishing.
Mick and his Music:
Mick taught himself guitar and started performing with a couple of mates. Many remembered “The Stunned Mullets” and their gigs around Geraldton. They were regulars at the Shepheards Hotel and The Blue Room, working six days a week.. The Mullets were together for 12 years. Mick has been in 81 different music line ups.
The Moresby Rangers are the current line up and have been playing for 27 years. He is currently rehearsing for Christmas gigs.
Mick easily drifted off on tangents and voiced his thoughts on the difficulty of being in small business with bureaucratic interference. Mick also made some comments about migration and the housing crisis.
Mick finished by saying he will never retire as he loves his life and refuses to be a burden on his family or society.
Questions from Laurie Dines and comment from Barry Dring.
Vote of thanks from his neighbour, Jim Dillon.