Graham Farmer - Personal Life

Personal Life

In 1956, Farmer met a Tasmanian woman holidaying in Perth named Marlene, and they married in 1957. They have three children, Brett, Dean and Kim. In the 1960s, former Geelong player Neil Trezise approached Farmer about representing the Australian Labor Party in the seat of Corio. Farmer declined.

Farmer established the Polly Farmer Foundation, joined by Sir Ronald Wilson, former High Court judge, Fred Chaney, former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Greg Durham, chief executive of Geelong Football Club. One of the foundation's patrons is Ernie Dingo. Farmer explained, "I want the foundation to be of practical assistance to young Aboriginal people with potential to do something with their lives… Not just sport, but in the professions and business. We want to develop links with the tertiary institutions and make sure Aboriginal people become leaders."

Farmer and his wife Marlene sold their house in 1992 and ran a two-star Southway Auto Lodge motel in South Perth until 1998, when they were evicted by the motel's owners after failing to pay rent. Farmer said the business failed due to the downturn in the Asian economy and a 40% drop in tourist numbers, and left him with no money or assets. He said, "We have nothing and we are back to square one. But we didn't borrow money to keep the business going. All my life I have helped myself and there is no reason why I can't still do that". Farmer and Marlene were given temporary accommodation in the caretaker's flat in the Main Roads building. Two fundraising events were organised in Perth and Melbourne by John Watts, Bob Davis and Sam Newman, raising $120,000. A trust fund was established with the money and a small villa bought in Innaloo.

Farmer worked for 6PR during the football season and promoted the Graham Farmer Freeway for Main Roads Western Australia until June 2000. In 2000, he put up for sale his 1956, 1957 and 1960 Sandover medals and MBE to fund his retirement.