Molong Probus

Firstly thank you to Paul and Rozzi for getting the Molong paper up and going again so soon after the horrible flood that hit Molong. Our thoughts are with all those that lost so much.

At our Christmas lunch we raised some funds which we have given to the RSL for distribution to flood victims.

Our next Probus meeting will be held at the Manildra Picture Theatre on Tuesday 14th February, this will take the format of Morning tea at 10.00am (Please bring your own mug} followed by our monthly meeting, lunch will be served at 12 o'clock and we will then have our Movie "Ticket to Paradise" to follow lunch.

As March is our annual meeting nomination forms for office bearers will be available at the February meeting.

Who has the best roads in NSW? "Temora" (Shire Council) came the quick response from John (photographed above) known by truckies and travellers as 'The Highway Man". And, he should know - he's been walking many a country road and highways over the past 44 years. "Dare we ask the worst?" the Express asked as we sat with the very fit 60+ something year old on the side of the road on the Banjo Paterson Way. "The Sturt (Highway) said John. "It's a shocker". Who is this man who cuts a lone figure walking on both lonely rural roads and highways who prefers to live his life on the road, walking, carrying many kgs on his back - and camping under a piece of tarpaulin at night? Read on. (Above) John and one of his 'carers', Jane Lyons-Miller of Molong sharing lunch and conversation.

John started his life in the small town of Minyip in the Woomera (Victoria) "I was a town kid doing what town kids did back then ... climbing trees, going to the pictures, going to school" - just an ordinary, uneventful life it would seem. "Mum was keen for me to join the Bank" - considered to be a good job for country kids back in the 1960's/70's. He found himself living in Melbourne in a shared house "we had a lot of parties".

"Back in the 70's young people were attracted to travel - hitch-hiking with backpacks around Australia and overseas". John hit the road on a holiday and the bug, the feeling of contentment of walking, wandering, sleeping under the stars became his lifestyle choice. In 1979 the simple lifestyle became his permanent choice.

"I've never been one for possessions" he said as he ate the fish and chip lunch taken to him by Jane Lyons-Miller, one of the 30,000 'foster parents' who have adopted him over the past few years. He doesn't carry money, or valuables - "I don't have any" and no - he does not receive Centrelink payments, does not have a bank account - not even a Medicare card.

He sleeps under the stars - using a ground sheet, sleeping bag (donated by Jane Lyons Miller and son Gregory of Molong) and relies on a piece of tarp to keep him out of the weather.

He mainly eats cold foods "I don't light campfires in the bush" - and is happy to sit in the bush, road reserves etc eating tin foods and the occasional 2 minute noodles. Does he have a home? "No, the bush is my home - I'm content doing what I do and the way I live".

How many kms does he travel - has he travelled? "I don't know - I just walk" said John. How many pairs of boots has he worn out? "I really don't know" he responded. How many blisters? "None" he said. "I generally walk 10kms or more a day - but some days if I pick up a good book somewhere (usually given to him by his 'foster parents') I might sit and read for a day. "I'm not in a rush".

Molong's Jane Lyons-Miller (also helped by Cally Oxenham) have been looking after John as he wanders through Cabonne Country and further afield ("see you in Gilgandra" said Jane). After delivering his lunch, helping him to pack home-made cake, and easy to carry foods (plus lollies), Jane also provided 2 clean (and ironed) shirts, and a pair of trousers (John fell the day before and took the knee out of one pair) "I only carry two sets of clothing, one to wear, one spare).

Whilst John does not believe he has an 'exceptional' life ... or is any different than anyone else ... he has a deep sense of making a difference to the lives of others who marvel at how he can possibly feel "contentment".