At 101 years old, Ron Vickress has seen the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay, taught generations of students and helped shape the cultural life of the New England. Now Armidale is set to hand him the keys to the city.
Armidale Regional Council will formally confer the Keys to the City on Mr Vickress at a special public ceremony on Tuesday, 11 August, recognising a lifetime of service to the community, the nation and future generations.
His contributions have spanned public service, education, community development, the arts, social justice and advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy across the New England region and beyond.
Born in 1925, Mr Vickress began serving his country as an air raid warden in Sydney during the Second World War before enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 17. Serving aboard HMAS Pirie, he witnessed significant moments in history, including the aftermath of the bombing of Darwin and the surrender of Japanese Imperial Forces in Tokyo Bay in 1945.
Following the war, Mr Vickress dedicated himself to strengthening communities through teaching, academic leadership, amateur theatre, peace advocacy and work alongside Indigenous communities. His achievements as a playwright, theatre director, poet and author have enriched cultural life across Australia.
His connection to Armidale and the University of New England has been particularly significant. He completed a Bachelor of Letters and later a Master of Education with Honours through UNE, and in 2023 was recognised with the university’s Alumni Community Award as its oldest alumnus. He was also named Armidale Regional Council’s Senior Citizen of the Year in 2023.
“Ron Vickress embodies the very best of community service,” said Mayor Sam Coupland. “The Keys to the City are reserved for individuals whose service and achievements leave a lasting legacy.
“It is a tremendous honour to present this recognition to Ron Vickress and to acknowledge a lifetime of dedication, leadership and generosity. His story is one of service, perseverance and community spirit, and it is fitting that we celebrate his remarkable contribution in this way.”
The community is invited to attend the public ceremony and join Council in celebrating Mr Vickress’s extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy.
The ceremony will be held at 12.30pm on Tuesday, 11 August, at the Armidale Town Hall.
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