Norman Thurecht was born in 1924 in Kilcoy and moved with his family to Redcliffe in 1930.
With his father David and brother Douglas, they opened up D.A. Thurecht and sons sawmill on Oxley Ave in 1935.
Advertisement for D.A. Thurecht's Saw and Planing Mills located on Brisbane Road Redcliffe. in the 1930s.
Timber workers at Thurecht's Sawmill. ca. 1939. From the Moreton Bay Library Collection: RLPC-000\000226
The sawmill quickly became well known for providing quality building materials for Redcliffe as the city grew after the horrors of World War 2.
Photo shows naval barge under construction at Thurecht's Sawmill during the Second World War (WWII).
From the Moreton Bay Library Collection: RLPC-000\000225
Norm started working at the sawmill when he finished school and took over the mill with his brother Doug in 1964.
Standing in front of a plane on 20 July 1963 from left to right are Dave Rodgers, Norm Thurecht, Tom Conway and Jack Parry. From the Moreton Bay Library Collection: RMPC-101\101163
A keen interest in aviation saw Norm learn to fly aircraft in the early 1960's. This in turn led to discussions with the local council about providing Redcliffe with its own aerodrome. With the support of medical professionals and other pilots, the aerodrome was completed and Norm became the first pilot to land in 1967. The aerodrome is a popular place to learn to fly to this day.
As the city of Redcliffe grew and grew, Norm was asked by council to reclaim land from the sea. This he did and the area that he reclaimed still bears his name. Thurecht Parade and Thurecht Park in Scarborough exist only because of this extraordinary man.
Norm passed away in December 1989. He was mourned by many in Redcliffe. it was said at his funeral that few men packed as much into life as Norm .
Norman Thurecht is listed on the wall of the Redcliffe Wall of Fame:
A collection of portrait and information honouring the achievements of individuals who have influenced and shaped Redcliffe. The collection is in the Jetty Arcade at 139-141 Redcliffe Parade.
For a complete list of people who appear on the wall click on the following blog post: