Members of the Suprain and Tory families travelled from Brisbane, Bateau Bay and Sydney to attend the launch of the Lawrence Historical Society’s latest publication, ‘The Life and Times of Doug Suprain at Lawrence NSW’ on May 21.

The book is the result of an interview conducted by Dulcie Reeves and covers Doug’s life at Lawrence in the depression years and during WWII.

Doug’s recollections are delivered in a typically Australian style of language and reveal a descriptive narration of life in Lawrence at the time.

It also reveals his compassionate and likable nature.

Raymond Douglas Suprain was born in 1924, the sixth child of George Suprain and Winfred Mary Suprain, nee Tory.

His parents were typical country people of the era.

The lady’s role was to look after the household and children, the gentleman’s role was to do yard work and bring in an income.

George created a family home at 38 High Street, Lawrence, where the family lived for many years.

Doug loved cricket.

He played in the Northern Rivers and regularly in Wollongong.

During his time there, he met his future wife Anne, who was a score-card official.

Doug and Anne adopted three children: Wendy, Jodi and Scott.

After both George and Winifred died in 1970, Doug and his family moved back to Lawrence and lived in the Suprain home.

Doug worked as a Supervisor at the Harwood Sugar Mill for decades, assisted on a river fishing trawler, and ran cattle on the High Street property.

A first-rate cook, gardener, hunter, and general handyman, Doug was fond of a beer and made a pretty good home-brew.

He enjoyed a smoke and was a great storyteller, often embellished for good measure.

This book is the second in the Lawrence Social History Series.

These publications encompass the social history of Lawrence and its residents. 

Project team coordinator, Peter Jones acknowledged Dulcie Reeves, Roz Jones and Marie Besson, for their help in this production, and a special thanks to Jodi Suprain (daughter) and James Suprain (nephew) for their contribution.

This project is supported by the Create NSW Cultural Grants and administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW Government.

The Life and Times of Doug Suprain at Lawrence NSW is available from the Lawrence Museum for $12.

The Lawrence Museum is open each Tuesday between 9am – 1pm and weekends between 1-4pm.

EFTPOS is not available.