The Anderson legacy
CYRIL Anderson, in recent years a Kilmore resident, knew the town well.
He has been a local golf club member for 40 years and as a youngster spent nine years as a primary and secondary boarder at Assumption. Cyril was one of eight brothers who attended Assumption in an unbroken line from 1934-74. They contributed much to the life and times of the college.
Their dad Harry M Anderson was the college’s most notable benefactor. He totally financed the Anderson Pavilion and facilities which served ACK very well until it was replaced by the Neale Daniher complex after more than four decades. Countless students and their families, local folk and visiting teams, fondly remember great times and scrumptious afternoon teas in the Anderson Pavilion which was adorned with memorabilia and honour boards listing all the captains, coaches, and champions of the First XVIII and XI.
Harry M Anderson at the pavilion
***
Harry M Anderson was a legendary figure in the Coburg area. Proprietor of Nightingale Hosiery, president of Coburg Football Club, and extensive civil services were just parts of his portfolio. Apart from the Assumption pavilion, he assisted the Marist Brothers in tough times pre, during, and after World War II. One instance of his generosity was to drive to Sydney and fill the back seat and boot of his car with footy boots for the boys whose families were struggling in tough times. The Anderson family home in Ivanhoe, now owned by Ivanhoe Grammar, was a beacon of warmth and hospitality.
The oval in the Anderson Pavilion times
Harry M Anderson had two wonderful wives. The first and mother of some of the children, died after a tough health battle. He later married Norma, the nurse who had cared for his wife. I got to know Norma quite well. She was a very fine lady. The Anderson family not only comprised of good sons, but also some esteemed daughters. The youngest boy, Michael, was cricket captain and a prominent footballer in 1974, the year the pavilion was opened.
***
Jack Murphy
A few days ago, I caught up with Jack Murphy, a 2014 ACK graduate. A well-regarded podiatrist at Kilmore Wellness Centre and talented sportsman at college, he is currently co-coach of Seymour Football Club.
Jack is looking forward to a good 2025 season. Jack is a good guy, not unlike a namesake I knew when I was a young kid. A Collingwood star of 160 games and Copeland Trophy winner, Jack Murphy coached Cobden in the Hampden League. He was one of a number of star players who went bush when they could earn much more than the price of six or eight pounds, which they were getting per game in the then VFL. Cobden won successive titles under Jack, who was a very popular person and great with youngsters.
The Village Green
The iconic cricket complex just south of Strath Creek is celebrating 30 years since its foundation in late March.
Formerly known as ‘Hume and Hovell’ and now known as ‘The Village Green’, it was founded by Don and Anne McQueen and because very popular, not only as a cricket venue but also for its BB and bunkhouse accommodation and restaurant.
The McQueen’s were succeeded by John Rogers, a former shield cricketer of note, and now the custodians are Liz and Anthony, who are ensuring the continuing success of the venue which is a stunning location in the ‘Valley of a Thousand Hills.’
The Village Green
Shining star
Indigenous lady Jacinta Price is a shining star in Australian politics.
Considered one of the brightest of all in the federal scene, she is likely to win many thousands of votes for the coalition in the coming election.
Her newly released book, Matters of the heart seems certain to be a bestseller. She was a key factor in the ‘no’ campaign in the voice referendum.
Jacinta beat drugs, depression, and despair to change the course of a nation. Her future is bright, and politics pundits are tipping one day she could become prime minister.
Jacinta Price
