Affectionately known as a “Narrandera girl”, Australian actress Lorraine Bayly, who grew up in Narrandera during some of her younger years, recently passed away aged 89. Lorraine was born in Booligal in 1937, but her family moved to Narrandera after her father, who worked for the police, was transferred. Lorraine loved performing even at an early age and would put on shows at the local lock-up where her father worked as a policeman. The family moved from Narrandera to Batemans Bay when Lorraine was five years old. Starting her acting career in the theatre, Lorraine became a professional actress in 1954. As well as an actress, Lorraine was also a narrator, puppeteer, presenter, singer, dancer, pianist, theatre director, stage manager and writer. She will be remembered for many roles, such as a presenter on ABC’s Play School, but is probably best known to television audiences for one of her most recognisable roles as Grace Sullivan in the drama series, The Sullivans, which ran from 1976 to 1983. Lorraine also appeared alongside Kirk Douglas in the iconic Australian movie, the 1982 film, The Man From Snowy River. Lorraine was forced to retire in her 80s due to poor health and passed away on February 28. Vale Lorraine Daphne Bayly (1937-2026). On behalf of Narrandera Shire Council and the Narrandera Shire community, Mayor Neville Kschenka extended sincere condolences to the family and friends of Lorraine Bayly on her recent passing. "Lorraine spent part of her childhood here in Narrandera and our town was where her love of performance first began," Cr Kschenka said. "She will be fondly remembered by generations of Australians as a warm and much-loved presenter on Play School, as Grace Sullivan in The Sullivans and for her role in The Man from Snowy River. "Her professionalism, resilience and determination – performing through injury and continually learning new skills well into her later years – reflected the strength of character that began in her hometown. "Narrandera will always be proud to have been part of her story."
