A great night was had by all who attended the Christmas meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society in the Annexe on Dunbar Park.
Although JOHN MURCH died in May this year, his memory is kept very much alive positively by his loving sister Michelle and his loving wife Deb.
Together they took us through John’s incredible life from ‘days old’ to recent times.
Some wonderful photographs took us on the journey, illustrating his life and they were accompanied by some ‘close to the heart’ commentary.
John Murch was born in 1941 at Mona Vale and lived most of his life in Avalon. His parents, artist Arthur and writer, Ria Murch were both well known and loved by the local community.
The Murch family story is powerfully connected to the village. John designed and carved stone to build one of Avalon’s few handmade houses. The sandstone, the open plan, high ceilings, marble dust and white cement floors make it a truly unique and beautiful home
John spent most of his life in Palmgrove Road, Avalon Beach, watching and learning from his Archibald Prize-winning dad, Arthur Murch.
John took on board so much information from his dad – building his own home, repairing his cars, especially his favourite Riley and learning about the different materials for moulding, casting and sculpting.
He helped his dad on a number of sculpture projects, including the Trigg Memorial at the University of Sydney and the incredible Govett’s Leap by the Great Western Highway at Blackheath.
John worked on many films from 1970 to the 2000s and beyond ‘The Bends’ was known as ‘the Legend’ in the Australian film industry working as a sculptor and model-maker on some of Australia’s iconic movies.
The Mad Max films, Crocodile Dundee 1 and 2, Les Patterson Saves the World, The Matrix, Babe 2 and Priscilla Queen of the Desert and many more.
One of John's sets
As one observer wrote - “John’s originality was a gift, a remarkable man who shaped many lives”.
This 3.5 metre high Chianti bottle was sculptured by John from fibreglass at Bill McDonald’s request for his new Drive-in Bottle Shop in Old Barrenjoey Road, almost next to the old Totally Toms. Here’s Sir Robert Askin, former MP for Collaroy and first MP for Pittwater, opening the show.
The night finished with a super supper full of Chrissy fare and the wish that all members and others present have a wonderful Festive Time.
The next meeting will be in March 2026.
Find out more at: abhs.org.au
Geoff Searl OAM
President of Avalon Beach Historical Society