HISTORIC LANDMARK
The old Kilmore Gaol is an historic landmark in Kilmore. Built in 1857 it operated as a prison from 1859 to 1891. A maximum-security gaol it housed some notorious lawbreakers including the legendary Ned Kelly’s father, John “Red” Kelly. Ned, like England’s Robin Hood supposedly robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.
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After 1891 the bluestone edifice became a butter factory for several decades with two of its custodians the highly regarded J F Ryan and John Sullivan. There on it has seen life as a café and private residence. For the past seven years two fine ladies, Samantha (Sam) Brennan and her friend Heidi ran the café well and built up a loyal clientele.
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TRUE CHAMPIONS
Former ACK student Simon Costa continues his magnificent work in Africa helping the poor and disadvantaged. He has spent over a decade working to improve the lives of tens of thousands in the poorest parts of the country. Currently his latest project-building a boarding school and hostel for orphaned girls in Tanzania is getting close to completion. A humble person of strong Christian faith, he has received the A.O Medal in the honours list from the Australian government. Simon and his brother and sister lost both parents in a tragic accident when Simon was two. His uncle is the legendary Geelong mayor and Cats president Frank Costa (dec). A classmate of Billy Brownless at ACK, the two are great friends. Simon is president of the Assumption Old Collegians Association. During the past decade as part of his charity work, he has addressed the United Nations, the World Bank and European Parliament. He has not got a high regard for the United Nations organisation. Simon is very proud of his two daughters Sarah and Gemma, both fine young ladies.
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ICONIC HERITAGE BUILDING
First established 133 years ago the iconic “front” of Assumption has been a feature of Kilmore ever since. People from all parts of the nation stop by to take pictures. the lower front houses the principal’s office, reception and administration. Upstairs is now also admin – for around ninety years its several rooms housed for nearly two decades Mercy Nuns, then the Marist Brothers for almost 80 years.
TOUGH MOUNTAIN MAN
Darryl Herrod was at ACK in the early sixties. He came from the mountain country near Corryong and was a typical tough mountain guy. He played in two college premiership XVIII’s and some of his team-mates included Francis Bourke (Tigers), Bernie McCarthy (Kangaroos) and John Bahen (Fitzroy). Darryl, a rugged halfback played for Geelong and Fitzroy. Before playing seniors, he played 72 games in the reserves and won the Gardiner Medal. He and wife Trena raised a fine family. For a time, they ran a popular hotel in Woodend. Now fighting a cancer battle Darryl resides in Corowa. The picture shows him (4th from right) meeting a Royal Family member at the MCG in the late sixties.
