In two worlds
Renowned surgeon Michael Wilson, now mostly retired from professional life, spends much of his time as a cattle farmer on his property ‘Braemore’, situated in the idyllic hills and vales of Willowmavin.
Educated by the Marist brothers at Preston and later the Jesuits at Xavier, he recalls some of his great teachers, namely Brother Placidus and Brother Matthias at Preston, and Father Paul Keenan and Father Frank Brennan.
“They were great teachers, great men,” Mr Wilson said.
Paul Keenan studied at Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, and captained the First XVIII in 1929, then coached Xavier.
Among Michael’s contemporaries at Xavier was Michael Green, who was an Assumption boarder, a tall year 10. Green, a lawyer, was a key player in Richmond’s golden era of the 1960s.
An early mentor to Michael was another ACK product Jack Kennedy, also highly regarded in the field of ear, nose and throat treatment.
In his late 80s Jack is still practicing in a limited way. A Collingwood fanatic, Jack Kennedy was the Magpies’ vice-president for a number of years.
Carlton forever
By contrast, Michael has been a lifetime Carlton fan. He recalls some of the Blues great teams and great players.
He lists Alex Jesaulenko, Stephen Kernahan and John James as a trio of true champions.
One late evening some years ago, Michael was resting at the farmhouse when an urgent phone call came through and he had to drive to the city to treat Chris Judd whose nose was badly broken in a clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG.
Michael’s dad died when he and his siblings were quite young. His brother, Paul and sister Mary Gabrielle have been highly regarded teachers.
Michael, a person of faith, speaks highly of the Marists and Jesuits who influenced his early years. He also praises St Patrick’s Father Prakash as a fine pastor.
There is also a strong Xavier connection as son, also Michael, is head of sport at the prestigious college.
There are three daughters – Anna a student counsellor, Meaghan a nurse, and Emily an occupational therapist.
Beyond university days and becoming a highly acclaimed professional in his field, Michael practiced at Doncaster and Greensborough with one day a week at Kilmore hospital for just over 30 years.
He has enjoyed farm life since teenage days and loves Braemore and its historic connections. Among prior occupants of the property were members of the well-known Dumaresq family.
Close by Simon O’Donnell’s property, Braemore has a touch of Scotland about it as befits its name.
Michael still spends a couple of days a week in the city but loves returning to the hills and valleys of home.
Footnote: Beyond his regular practice, Michael spent periods of time over the years working in remote communities in the outback providing his services.
Matt back home
Matthew Arnott has returned to Kilmore after quite a few years in the city. He is really enjoying being back in his hometown with his wife and three young children.
Son of Wally and Pat Arnott – well known longtime residents – Matt schooled at Kilmore Primary and ACK where he was a popular young student.
His dad is a legendary primary school teacher and principal in the area, while his mother had a long career as a nurse, culminating in a lengthy period as Kilmore Hospital matron.
Matthew’s sister Felicity has also forged a successful nursing career.
Wally was for many years a knowledgeable footy and cricket coach at ACK. He gave students and myself great support.
Matt is enjoying calling local area football on community radio. He made a late entry into cricket last summer with Kilmore Cricket Club Fourth XI and was very happy to hit a top score against Macedon.
At college he was keen on soccer, but wishes he had taken up cricket earlier. Matt is a fine person.
Lancefield book launch
Lancefield Football Club will launch a book on Saturday documenting the history of the proud club. Memorable times, great teams, great players and club stalwarts down the generations will be recognised.
For present and past players and families and the wider sporting community, it will be a fine chronicle.
ACK win thriller
Assumption came from behind in the closing minutes of an AGSV thriller at Ivanhoe.
Scores were level at half time and the home team had a useful lead at the final break. However the Blues finished strongly to win by 10 points, ACK 13.5 (83) to Ivanhoe 11.7 (73).
A large, vocal crowd watched a high standard clash between two teams certain to meet in the finals. High tackles and some undisciplined play cost Ivanhoe dearly to the tune of four goals.
On Friday, at 2.30pm, Assumption clash with Marcellin in a vital encounter at the ACK oval.
