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Keith Dwight Bryant
Keith Dwight Bryant, born on November 18, 1944, leads a fascinating life shaped by a diverse background. Named after General Dwight Eisenhower, his family's tapestry includes ancestors from Norway, China, and India, converging in Australia for pursuits like gold mining and journalism. Keith's unique birth during a dust storm in Swan Hill Hospital sets the tone for his extraordinary life. From diverse locations like Tresco to Healesville, Keith pursued engineering and agriculture diplomas at Swinburne Technical School and Dookie College. His career spanned Mt Isa mines, Ingham, and a two-decade teaching tenure at Maguire College in Bendigo. Settling in Toolamba, Keith immersed himself in community service, serving in the CFA and eventually becoming president of the Toolamba Steering Committee, showcasing a life rich in varied experiences, from family history to education and community dedication.
Mary Coad
In 1988, my husband George and I settled in Old Toolamba after purchasing a block of land from retiring farmer Rob Bitcon. We lived in a caravan and shed for 18 months while constructing our mudbrick house. Born in 1951 in Manoora, South Australia, I grew up as a farmer's only child. After university in Adelaide, I joined the Commonwealth Public Service in 1972, focusing on Veterans Affairs during the Vietnam War. In 1974, George and I embarked on a 14-week "Around the World Study Tour," exploring the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Post-travel, I worked in Canberra, Tallangatta, and Mooroopna in various roles, concluding with ten years alongside Dr. Sharman Stone. Retired twice, I'm still active, working at GV Health since 2021 and engaging in global hiking adventures since 2011. With two daughters, Joanne and Elizabeth, my life post-retirement involves active participation in local community organizations and Council Advisory Committees, emphasizing the rewards of social involvement.