My Country
One of the most evocative Australian poems ever written is My Country by Dorothea Mackellar. She first penned the verses in 1904, aged only 19. She loved all aspects of this nation’s countryside. While on holiday with her family in the UK she became very homesick, and it was then that she wrote the poem of six verses.
Dorothea died in Sydney in 1968. She was very gifted and spoke five languages – English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. As one modern day historian wrote, ‘She knew more about country and climate than most of the latter day ‘experts’ such as Tim Flannery, and certainly many of the climate alarmists.’ Flannery, who was in the public purse for years at 300,000 dollars annually, proclaimed over a decade ago that ‘rains would not fall in Eastern Australia and the dams would never fill again.’
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Swans look best
Sydney Swans look the likely 2024 AFL Premiers at the midway stage of the season. Injury and form loss of key players can change prospects, but if you were a punter, your money would be on John Longmire’s side. Collingwood, Melbourne, Carlton, and the fast-rising Bombers are well in the mix, as is Port Adelaide. Geelong, after a flying start, has slipped away, and Brisbane Lions look but a shadow of last year’s side.
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Happy Reunion
A happy group of former ACK students gathered at a city hotel last Saturday for a dinner and speeches. A number of 1979 lads were present, headed by college captain Chris Dow and prominent lawyer Mark Branagan. Craig Stockdale (a former Kilmore Cricket Club star), Tony Long, premiership captain Adrian Mitchell-Hill, Tom Carroll, Simon O’Donnell, and Laurie Serafini were among attendees. Simon, the Australian cricketer, spoke movingly of his time at Assumption, as did Fitzroy legend Serafini. Matt Tripp (of Sportsbet fame and CEO of Melbourne Storm) was in the USA and sent a message. Tony Dow, Michael Connor, Peter Dungan, Peter Baker, and Neil Duncan were also present, and made fine contributions to college life.
I was really pleased to be asked to speak and recall times when all were in most of my English classes, football and cricket teams, or dormitory.
Below are Laurie Serafini (L) and Peter McCormack (R), stars at Assumption, and later, VFL/AFL champions.
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McCormack kicked 304 goals in three seasons as ACK’s full forward, before becoming a great Magpie full back.
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Varia
At an ACK game recently, it was good to catch up with a few notables of the area, including Norm Thompson of country racing, renowned Chris Martin (Seymour Racing Club President, and his lovely daughter who is studying medicine at Uni), Marcus Harrington (son of Kilmore’s John and Mary), Steve McCarthy, and Leon Christofies, the latter who are both highly regarded teachers.
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A distinguished trio met at the Goal Café last Friday. John Joss, a legendary ACK name, longtime Kilmore resident Lance Phillips, and Parade College’s John Nicholls. The latter coached Parade 1ST XVIII for several years, and I recall attending his young daughter’s funeral service – a poignant occasion. John Joss, a Vietnam veteran, is a fine person. He played 1st XVIII and XI for ACK and played for Fitzroy. His dad Jack and uncle Dave are college legends. Dave was captain and champion of football, cricket, and athletics at ACK from 1929-32.
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ACK 1ST XVIII
At the halfway stage of the AGSV season, the Dark and Light Blues are in the middle of the pack. A good win at Marcellin was followed by a 15 points loss to ladder leader Yarra Valley. It was the Valley’s first win at Kilmore in 60 years. The Blues next three games are winnable and if so, should guarantee the side makes the 2024 finals.
Pat Kelly’s Day
Longtime Kilmore resident Pat Kelly celebrated her 90th birthday with family and many friends at Trackside last Sunday. It was a happy occasion organised by son John. A very fine lady, Pat fully deserved her special day. Her husband tragically lost his life many years ago in a school bus crash. He and Pat raised a good family, one of whom, Jenny, has been a highly respected stock and land journalist including a long stint with the Weekly Times. Pat is justifiably proud of her children and grandchildren.
