Century of creative recycling

PETROL was 73 cents a litre when cars last stopped for fuel in Korong Vale.

Tyre pressure was checked by a gauge running from a converted Bridgewater gas lamp pole back in the Great Depression.

The doors of McTaggart’s garage and agricultural equipment showroom an invitation for district farmers to come and chew the fat.

The garage was a place where solutions were found and machinery fixed inside the walls made from old 44 gallon drums once filled with bitumen.

“It was a place where everything was fixed, a positive vibe and a functional part of the community,” says sculptor David McTaggart of the garage built by grandfather James.

David is the third generation of McTaggarts to live in Korong Vale after James arrived a century ago.

“He arrived in a T-model ford - he was a man of the times,” David said of the coachbuilder and wheelwright who learnt his trade at Colbinabbin.

“James moved into the Vernon’s garage the other side of the railway line when they moved to Swan Hill. When the landlord wanted to put up the rent during the Depression, grandpa was backed by local farmers and bought the land and built this garage out of recycled bitumen barrels.

“I remember him assembling wagons ... the one outside the old Mysia store was built by my grandfather.

“When I was four, grandpa had me holding one of the blacksmith tools while he shaped the steel. And childhood was often spent swinging up and down on the bellows handle.”

David also recalls the fine pinstripe paintwork applied by his grandfather to carriages and wagons.

He would join James and father Ted at that same shed “where mates would hang out ... the Matthews brothers, John Murnane and others”, sometimes heading to the front forecourt to pump petrol into a customer’s car.

But the creative side, perhaps inspired by his grandfather’s handiwork would come to the forefront when David headed off following his passion in the arts.

He studied at Bendigo in the 1970s, met fellow student Rhonda who would later become his wife and both, eventually school teachers.

David took the longer route to school teaching - an artist in St Kilda during the punk era, two years working in a factory and also exploring the art of print making for the fashion industry.

The couple moved to Orbost when art teacher Rhonda was posted there.

It was at the time more Australian fashions were being produced off-shore and there was already no shortage of school art teachers.

David opted to do a degree that led to him becoming a mathematics teacher.

The lure of the old garage back in Korong Vale was always present and when his father Ted died in 1996, David kept the time capsule full of family memories accumulated since 1923.

Retirement brought him back to the Vale and a ready-made workshop for artistic creations using eight-gauge fencing wire.

“It’s ideal for acetylene welding and I have been fortunate to have work displayed at Swan Hill, in Bendigo and Dunolly,” David said.

“The Buckrabanyule area is good for finding old wire.”

Surrounding the old tin garage that he has salvaged from the destructive might of white ants, David has created a fence of old tools and implements, bicycles and other discarded equipment.

“The outdoor wall just keeps growing ... it’s a work within itself,” he said as another piece of rusted steel is methodically put in place.

A bit like his wire sculptures, there can be a plan or design.

“Yes, sometimes there is a plan and at other times I will free up and try different things. I might integrate bolts into the sculptures too. However, I tend not to be representational most of the time ... I did do a motorcycle once.”

That motorcycle now stands sentinel outside, neatly placed beside one of the old bowsers.

And like his father and grandfather, David is making the old garage a place where solutions are found.

A century ago James McTaggart would make hot water services for Korong Vale residents or a blood and bone tank for the local butcher or produce his own pigment for pinstriping wagons and carriages.

“The garage was always a stimulating place ... a place that made things possible and solved problems.”

David has caught up with Roy Mann, the former Balranald panel beater and Anglican priest now restoring an Edwardian house in Wedderburn. David once designed a T-shirt for Roy’s business.

Or helping a car enthusiast from Mitiamo who found a key part sitting in the old garage.

“There’s huge enthusiasm for old equipment,” David said.

One of his next projects is to restore the old forge that once put heat into the work of blacksmiths

David rates the old wheelwrights as being at the forefront of technology and creativity.

It’s his passion for creativity, and perhaps honouring grandfather James, that keeps David crafting sculptures. His works, along with those of wife Rhonda are part of an exhibition of sculptures, print making, painting and ceramics by central Victoria artists now showing in Marong.

And then, it will be back to finding more wire and adding to rusty art wall at the old garage.

JONESAlbert Ernest

Died peacefully on May 25th 2023. Aged 90 years.

Loved Husband of Brenda (dec.)

Loving Dad of Jenny (Cossar), Pam (Treble), Karen, Sue and their families. Much loved Brother of Wilma, Philip and Patricia (All Dec.)

“Love Does Not End”

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Mr. Albert Ernest Jones will be held by the graveside at the Inglewood Cemetery on Friday (June 2) at 11.00am.

Maldon Bicycles

are offering the residents of Inglewood and surrounding area a free pick up/ drop off service for bicycle repairs. Basic services $65.00. Also buying and selling vintage bicycles

Our workshop is located at 4/8 High Street Maldon.

Phone or text Glen 0499 876 594

Email ballingerglen@y7mail.com

Notice of an Application for Planning Approval

The land a ected by the application is located at: Road Reserve, Ch260m to ch1520m, Newbridge Road, NEWBRIDGE VIC 3551

The application is for a permit to: Native vegetation removal (for road safety upgrades)

The applicant for the permit is: LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL

The application reference number is: 5893

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the o ce of the Responsible Authority. Loddon Shire Council O ces – 41 High Street Wedderburn VIC 3518

This can be done during o ce hours and is free of charge.

Please direct any queries to the Planning Department by calling (03) 5494 1200 or emailing planning@loddon.vic.gov.au

Any person who may be a ected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must:

 be in writing

 state how you will be a ected by the granting of the permit

 be sent to the Responsible Authority at PO Box 21 Wedderburn 3518

The Responsible Authority will not decide on this application before: 15 June 2023

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you its decision

Meeting

Korong Vale Community Planning Committee Meeting

Are you interested in developing a community plan for Korong Vale?

A meeting has been organised to drive this community planning process, with the establishment of a community planning committee being an important first step. Interested community members are encouraged to come along and see how they can contribute to the community planning committee, and ultimately the new community plan for Korong Vale.

Date: Tuesday 6th June 2023

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Venue: Korong Vale Memorial Hall

For further information and apologies please contact: Lyn Chapman on m: 0484572125

Employment

Agistment Wanted

Agistment for 100 sheep in exchange for fencing, plumbing or maintenance

Salisbury West area

Phone Neil 0417353929

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pups, 3 M, purebred (no papers) Black, Tan and Tri colours. Ready to go - microchipped, vaccinated, wormed ead. Horsham.

1985141005201475

985141003955788, 956

Source # MB113692

$2250 - Phone 0409 498 729