GET TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY
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.
Sally Ham
How did I get here…?
It was time for a change, to live life differently. I’d lived in the south east of Melbourne all my life, Port Phillip Bay always within a 30 minute drive of home. Work was always in the Melbourne area. Absolutely I enjoyed the Bay but I also enjoy nature, the trees, the birds & animals, the lack of hustle & bustle.
So my partner, Rob, & I moved to Toolamba from Hampton in bayside Melbourne four years ago.
Work life for me really began at the Herald & Weekly Times (HWT) - when the HWT printing presses were located at Flinders St, when they published The Sun (Daily at dawn), The Herald (the evening paper) & The Weekly Times. Television Channel 7 and Radio Station 3DB were part of the HWT stable and where I started in the Ch 7 news library. Over a number of years I moved into various parts of the media in supervisory & administration roles. I finished at the HWT as the Office Manager of the Herald Sun Editorial department.
By this time, I’d discovered triathlon. During my time as a long standing member of the Taylormade triathlon club I participated in triathlons, coached, was a committee member and awarded Life Membership.
​My involvement with triathlon eventually lead me to employment with Triathlon Victoria (Tri Vic) as Office Administrator & then Executive Officer. I was fortunate enough to be seconded to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games (Comm Games) Corporation as the Event Administrator for Triathlon. Working for the Comm Games Corp was a fascinating insight into the machinations of an international sporting entity. It also provided me with some valuable skills & knowledge to implement back at Tri Vic. Oh, and I met Prince Edward!
I also volunteered as a Technical Official (triathlon equivalent to an umpire / referee), chaired the Tri Vic Technical committee and became a member of the Tri Vic committee after standing down as Executive Officer. Tri Vic also awarded me with Life Membership.
Nutrition Australia Victorian Division (NAVIC) saw me finish out my time in Office Administration before Rob & I headed off for a seven month journey across to WA in our caravan. Not long after we returned home that pesky worldwide pandemic struck. Finding an office based role was almost impossible and being in a small home with a tiny garden made us think maybe we should change things up. That’s how we got here.
I no longer participate in triathlons although I still swim and am a member of the Goulburn Valley Crocs Masters club. Rob & I walk around Toolamba most mornings, we go on leisurely cycle rides and head off in the van when we can.
I’m a member of the Toolamba & District Steering Group and liaison for the Friends of Daunts Bend group.
