Jan (John) Morcus represents the spirit of Dutch migration that helped shape Brisbane’s football and community life. His passion for football, dedication to community building, and tireless volunteer work left an enduring legacy that continues today.
John was born in the Netherlands, where his father Cor Morcus was a farmer on the outskirts of The Hague. As a boy, John played junior football for ADO in The Hague, developing a love for the game that would stay with him for life. In 1953, Cor brought his large family, including John and his siblings, to Australia in search of new opportunities. The Morcus family settled in Brisbane, first in temporary accommodation and later building their home in Inala. There, alongside his electrical goods business, John and his family cultivated vegetables and flowers, maintaining their ties to the land.
John was deeply involved in the local Dutch community. Together with other migrants, he played a leading role in the establishment of Hollandia Soccer Club in 1957, a club that provided a sense of belonging and cultural connection for Dutch migrants in Brisbane. In the late 1950s, he also played for Hollandia, mainly on the wing. His leadership qualities were quickly recognised, and in 1963, John became the club’s president, a position he held for 25 years.
One of John’s most significant achievements came in 1968, when he was part of the committee that secured land at Pine Road, Richlands, to provide a permanent home for Hollandia. The land became the site of today’s Lions Stadium, home of the Queensland Lions Football Club. John, his wife Audrey, and his father Cor worked tirelessly as volunteers to help prepare the site. Cor used his tractor to level the ground, while John and Audrey joined countless working bees to get the facilities ready. This spirit of community effort remains one of the proudest legacies of Hollandia’s history.
In recognition of his remarkable contribution, the main stand at Lions Stadium is named the John Morcus Stand, a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication helped shape football in Queensland and provided a home for generations of players and supporters.
John Morcus’s story reflects the broader experience of Dutch migrants who brought their skills, culture, and passion to Australia, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s sporting and community life.
The following article of his son Ben was published in “150 years Richland, Inala, Neighbouring suburbs in Brisbane’s South West
by Vicki Mynott – 2009
