November 10th, 2024Just sayin’…

By Donna Kelly  

There are a lot of big things going on. The biggest is the memorial service on Tuesday for the tragic incident last November which changed the history of Daylesford.  

There are also elections in the wind, a legacy of a book being launched and even a woman recognised for her tireless work in getting CresFest up and running – and  much more.  

So plenty to write about but I am going with what some people might think is a smaller thing, but it really is one of those things that keeps our communities strong.

You may have already read the story on page 9 but long-standing Korweinguboora resident, and renowned cook, Jean Howard has had the local reserve’s kitchen aptly named after her – Jean’s Kitchen.

The kitchen was part of extensive renovations at the reserve’s complex, with an official high tea attended by 50 people on October 27 to celebrate.  

Now even if you can’t spell Korweinguboora you should know where it is, on the Daylesford to Ballan Road. Blink as you drive by and you could easily miss it.  

And that is why some people might think it’s a story of little consequence. But I  reckon it’s a huge story and just one reason local papers need to continue. Like The Local.  Because without people like Jean, and committee chair Sue Bottrell, and indeed all the committee members, places like Korweinguboora could easily find themselves without a gathering space.  

And it is repeated throughout all the small towns and hamlets in Australia.  Volunteers giving up their time to ensure that future generations can enjoy  weddings, birthdays, dinner dances, Christmas parties and even funerals in their own communities.  

No matter how much money local, state and federal governments hand out, if  there’s not a willing band of volunteers, it ain’t going to happen.

Jean, who has lived in the town for 75 years and was on the committee for 26  years, says it was exciting to have the kitchen named after her. A real honour, she says.  

“It was a lovely get together and catch up, especially with those who mean the most  to me.”  

And the town is rightly proud of her work. Committee chair Sue Bottrell says the facility “is the most wonderful asset for Korweinguboora and brings people together to develop bonds and friendship”.

“In these times of unprecedented loneliness and isolation, it is very important.  Jean is renowned for her cooking and was a key driver behind upgrading the hall in the late 1990s by purchasing the local school and moving it to the reserve,  instantly doubling the size of the facility.

“Without Jean’s leadership, dedication and determination, we would not have this wonderful space to use today.”  

So that’s my take on the news this week. Wonderful people just going about their days, doing wonderful things for others. Never expecting anything in return but quite chuffed when their contributions are noted.

This is what keeps our communities  strong and vibrant. And why places like the Central Highlands make for such  wonderful living.  

Oh, back to the importance of local papers. I don’t think Jean’s Kitchen will make the Herald Sun or The Age or The Australian. But it makes The Local. Because Jean is local, and we only celebrate locals. Just sayin’…