We were saddened to hear of the passing of highly respected Ballarat filmmaker, filmmaker and artist Terry Anthony Doran (SPC 1965-70) on 8 September, 2026, aged 73 years.
Terry Doran was a well-known creative figure in both the local Ballarat community and the wider Victorian film industry.
Terry enjoyed a prolific 40-year career working in film and television, notably spent largely with the ABC. He was regarded by peers as an exceptionally talented film editor and storyteller, spending significant time working out of the 179 Film Offices in Fitzroy. He was also a passionate painter throughout his life. After returning to Ballarat, he set up a painting studio in the CBD, with his art focused heavily on regional Victorian landscapes, capturing iconic local sights like Lake Wendouree, Mount Warrenheip, and abstract pieces from his travels.
His work was featured prominently in regional art scenes, including the local Altology group abstract landscape exhibition, with his some of his works shown in this video here
Terry began his studies at SPC in Form 1 and matriculated in 1970. From the Mallee, Terry was a boarder at SPC from Watchupga, in north-east Victoria.
He was active in many facets of school life at SPC, from football and cricket to public speaking, drama, debating and the YCS executive.
Terry finished second in the Sir Hugh Devine Impromptu speaking competition in his final year and the 1970 College Annual records Terry presented his speech in the Purton Oratory titled “A Man with Wings”.
Terry’s creative flair was on full display during the yearly drama evening, where Terry received a prize for his efforts with his “soliloquy from Hamlet was perfectly done and the audience ably rewarded his efforts”.
Terry is survived by his sisters Jenny, Pauline and Anne and extended families.
Terry was farewelled in a private family funeral and a public memorial was held on 2 October.
