Tales of early Drouin
What do a local bank manager, pioneering farmer, the region’s first veterinarian, timber mill owner, a prisoner of war turned revolutionary doctor and a longserving shire secretary have in common?
Each had their iconic stories shared in their own voice or those of family as part of the fourth Stories of Drouin presentation last week.
In front of a large crowd of about 70 people, the six stories were added to the collection along with a live recording of the Drouin Cemetery Walk held during the 2017 Drouin Ficifolia Festival. A sample of each story was played.
The Stories of Drouin now has 33 recordings capturing vital tales of Drouin’s formation and character.
“These stories are really important, and I think in the future they will become even more important,” said councillor Keith Cook. Max Hine, bank manager: A man known to add up figures better than any computer, Max shared his stories of early banking.
He recalled manual balancing of the ledgers, having pistols at the bank and going to pistol practice, and the 1966 switch to decimal currency in Drouin.
Max volunteered as treasurer for many community organisations and said he gained a lot of satisfaction from his position. Roy Cheeseman, pioneer farmer: A man with a story for everything, Roy came to Drouin in 1920 and farmed at Higgs Road.
Roy detailed early practices for ironing and lighting as well as the improvements made over time.
He cleared land for his farm and was regarded for his vegetable garden. Dr Bill Martin, veterinarian: The first vet in the area and registered as “number 17”, Bill was known for his love of cows.
“Bill loved animals. He liked to see animals well cared for and with a sheen on their coats.”
Covering a huge area in his Volkswagen, farmers without phones would put notices out the front if they needed his services.
Jack Cuthbertson, timber mill owner and developer:
A man known for developing many local sporting grounds and roadways, including Drouin Football Ground.
He had a workshop in Drouin where Coles now stands.
Jack owned a huge number of Ford motorcars and would transfer the entire contents of his boot when upgrading to a new model. This transfer included greasy tools. Dr Geoff Cornish, POW and doctor: A man ahead of his time, Geoff lived and worked in Drouin for three years.
A POW in Germany for over four years, Geoff volunteered in a hospital outside the camp perimeter to expand his medical knowledge. Able to learn German, he passed on vital information.
He was excluded from an escape plan the day prior and the man who took his place was killed.
After the POW camp was liberated, Geoff volunteered to assist at Dachau Concentration Camp. “It was the worst two days of his life.”
He developed the first remote regional blood bank in Warragul, later duplicated across Australia. He also established the Cornish Walking Program for heart rehabilitation and received an OAM in 1993. Keith Pretty, shire secretary: Described as “one of the very best of the best”, Keith served the Buln Buln Shire from 1950 to 1990. He started as a junior clerk and was quickly elevated, becoming shire secretary in 1956.
Keith recalled his role in expanding Bellbird Park to 22 hectares, including development of the indoor sports stadium and additional playing field.
He also helped redevelop Glen Nayook Reserve, previously destroyed in 1926 bushfires and left dormant for 40 years. Drouin Cemetery Walk: The live performance told the life stories of grave digger Josephine Smith, Railway Hotel owner George Leith, early settlers James and Elizabeth Aikman, Gallipoli soldier Harold Henry Higgs, early settlers John Henry and Katherine Parker, landowner and women’s rights activist Ellen Lampard and chairmaker Antonio Debertolis.
The Stories of Drouin is a joint project of The Committee for Drouin, Radio 3BBR and the Drouin History Group.
They aim to produce a further 17 stories to make a total of 50 recordings. The next presentation is expected later this year.