The doyen of sport and media, Ken Jeffrey, 67, has announced his retirement as a news director.
This follows his retirement last year from a glowing history in football administration spanning a 36-year involvement in the Port Pirie and Spencer Gulf Leagues.
Testimony of his years of dedication, Mr Jeffrey has been awarded a Certificate of Merit from both the SANFL and the AFL for his long and valuable services to football.
Mr Jeffrey played football during the early sixties but never realised his full potential because he had to stop playing due to work commitments.
He did however take up umpiring for several years, followed by a position on the umpire appointment board.
Port Pirie-born, Mr Jeffrey was raised by three aunties, Jean, Vera and Lawna, after the death of his father when he was six.
He confessed he didn’t put much time into study while at school and too much time into sport.
Upon leaving school a job was offered at The Recorder newspaper, which ultimately started his journey in a media career.
Recorder staff member Sam Gill shoved a broom in his hand and every morning for the next two years he swept the production room floor.
“I learned a lot from Sam,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“He told me to always be firm but fair.”
Mr Jeffrey was doing a five-year Compositor apprenticeship and on completion his potential was recognised and he became the production manager.
His window of opportunity opened when he got a chance to write sport in general, then with training he moved into editorial.
The steadfast reporter eventually became the editor, then managing-editor and finally the general manager of The Recorder, The Flinders News and the Review Times-Record.
During a seven-year involvement he was on the committee of the SA Country Press Association were he was president for two years and he was also vice- president for two years of Australian Provincial Press.
After some evaluation Mr Jeffrey decided he needed a change so in 1989 he resigned from the newspaper.
He won a position at Southern Cross Television in 1990 and ultimately became the news director, a position he held until his recent retirement.
Mr Jeffrey married Philomena in 1971 and they have a son Matthew now living in Adelaide. Matthew is well known in Port Pirie for his beautiful singing voice.
The couple met at the Risdon Recreation Tennis Club were they both enjoyed a partnership for many years.
An avid tennis player Mr Jeffrey played A grade tennis for 35 years and was captain of Risdon Recreation and many Port Pirie combined sides and he still has a hit on the grassed courts on The Terrace.
While President of the Port Pirie and District Tennis Association he was instrumental in the planning of the new complex.
“It was a big change for tennis,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“It created a huge resurgence of junior players from around 20-odd teams to 90.”
He has had a 50-year coaching career starting at the age of 17 and is still coaching the association junior squad.
This remarkable community contributor is a life member of the Risdon Recreation Tennis Club, Port Pirie and District Tennis Association, Spencer Gulf Football League, Port Pirie Football League and the Port Pirie Football Umpires Association.
Furthermore he was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Port Pirie Regional Council for services to the community in media and sport.
This all-round good guy acknowledges that he would not have achieved these accolades had it not been for the understanding and support of his wife.
“Philomena understood the commitment it takes as she has also been involved in many committees,” he said.
Mr Jeffrey’s great passion is Test Cricket and he has not missed a match at the Adelaide Oval since 1961. Firmly cemented in the ground at Adelaide Oval is a fence picket showing its authenticity of ownership to Ken Jeffery which his family bought for him on his 60th birthday.
A moment Mr Jeffrey will never forget is when Australian and International cricketer, Keith Miller who was promoting Aussie Footy Pools, walked into the reception of his employment and asked for him.
“I was a great fan and I thought it was a joke,” Mr Jeffrey said.
Not long after that meeting Mr Jeffrey was in the Members Stand at Adelaide Oval when Mr Miller approached him.
“He remembered me and I also met
former Australian captain Lindsay Hassett who was with Miller,” he said.
Throughout his life experiences he has seen many changes.
The biggest change revolving media was in 1970 when the format changed from hot metal to off set printing.
The introduction of the Australian Football League and the inclusion of the Crows and Power had a detrimental affect on country football, keeping fans away from local games to watch live coverage.
He sees positive changes with the local club’s putting effort into junior development.
“It is good to see the juniors being given skill development,” he said.
“I believe everyone should have a go because it is not just about winning.”
On retirement he is playing social bowls, walks to keep fit and he plans to continue playing tennis as long as his legs get him onto the court.
“I have no real plans. I just take each day as it comes,” he said.
His life has not been without sadness and grief.
His brother Ross served in Vietnam, which gravely affected his health, causing his death 17 years ago.
As much as he holds his sporting memorabilia and his awards very close to his heart, his family comes first in his life.
Mr Jeffrey has embodied the spirit of fair play and enlightened the local community with sport and news for more than 40 years.
There is no denying his shoes will be hard to fill in his retirement.
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