William Bradley, born around 1838 in County Derry, Ireland, arrived in the Colac district by 1857 at just nineteen years of age. Like many Irish migrants seeking opportunity in colonial Victoria, he quickly established himself within the growing township and became a well-known local figure.

In February 1863, William married Mary Margaret Anthony at St Mary's Catholic Church. Mary was the daughter of Martin Anthony and Bridget Lyons, whose family operated the Caledonian Hotel. Together, William and Mary raised four children: Christina, John, James, and Ellen. Both families were active members of Colac’s Roman Catholic community.

Bradley built his reputation as a publican and businessman. In 1865, he took over the Commercial Hotel, now known as Central Colac Hotel Motel. At the same time, he served as Colac’s Pound Keeper from 1864 until 1868, balancing civic responsibilities with hotel management.

By 1869, he had moved into his newly built Market Square Hotel, today known as the Union Club Hotel on the corner of Gellibrand and Murray Streets.

Despite his success, William’s life was short. In 1871, aged only thirty-three, he died from hepatic disease, a serious liver illness. Mary later remarried another Colac publican, George Harold Hills of the Royal Hotel.

Today, William Bradley lies somewhere within the Roman Catholic section of Colac Cemetery, though the exact location of his grave has been lost. Once a prominent figure in the township, he is now largely forgotten, remembered mainly through scattered records and the hotels that outlived him.

Research by Alan Doyle
Story by Alan Doyle

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