Jim’s take on local life
Warragul resident Jim Connelly has released a humorous take on life in West Gippsland titled “Talk of the Town”.
From finding a parking spot in Warragul and Drouin being “one of the favourite sports”, poor old Tynong being home to the new Pakenham Racecourse and telling locals from newcomers by the way they pronounce the last syllable of Yarragon, nothing is off limits.
“Talk of the Town” is a collection of 80 stories, all different and just one-page in length.
Mr Connelly wrote some eight stories before the idea of a book developed. His journeys around town, topical issues as well as “The Gazette” articles were given his quirky humorous twist to develop the rest.
Often hearing negatives of living in West Gippsland, Mr Connelly said “I’m trying to present a softer side to balance the divide that might be prevalent in society.”
Warragul and Drouin feature heavily but it is a book for West Gippslanders with other towns such as Neerim South and Yarragon covered.
Mr Connelly said “Talk of the Town” would appeal to all ages, with “a sense of humour the only qualification”.
Having grown up in the district and lived in West Gippsland for the past 20 years, Jim is well placed to write a reflection on local life.
It contains observations on how local life has changed from earlier times, laments lack of street numbers on businesses in Queen St, and gives recognition to events such as the Spirit of Warragul visit and Drouin Ficifolia Festival.
A retiree who runs English language courses through U3A Baw Baw, he says writing books happened “in a spontaneous way”.
Releasing four books over the past three years, Jim has raised $5200 for local charity.
“Talk of the Town” is available at Need2Read and Drouin Newsagency, online via Amazon and by emailing jcon@dcsi.net.au.
It retails at $10 with half of the proceeds going to charity.