Eulogy 27 - The Believer who re-built Clunes

 

A SALUTE TO TIM [1]

 


Very sad to learn of the passing of Tim Hayes![2]

 Tim was a joy to be with, a leader in needs-based local business, and an inspiration in Community Activism!

 His work on behalf of Clunes was prominent in his creation of Coloma Day (linking the gold discoveries at Coloma California with Clunes Victoria) as it re-positioned the tourism possibilities of Clunes.

He was a backbone in provisioning and supporting the establishment of the Main Street as a flexible Film Set, and in ensuring the continuing welcome at the Wesley College Student Campus.

 Tim with Tess Brady, Graeme Johnstone, and Jane Lesock provided the 4 Pillars and the amazingly solid concrete that created, built, and sustained CLUNES BOOKTOWN - a Community Gift that keeps on giving!

 As a Ward Councillor and Mayor, Tim's humour, promotion of diversity, and knowledge of community needs, were torchlights in very difficult times of Hepburn Shire Council.

Tim’s Ancestry reaches back to the very centre of the Eureka Rebellion[3]. He was most definitely a Boy of the Central Goldfields – a believer who chose to re-build the Clunes we know today.

I do hope that the next time Clunes chats about Trees of Honour the winning smiles of Graeme and Tim come quickly to mind.

 

 

 


[1] Written by Warren Maloney on 30th October 2023, two days after Tim’s death

[2] Timothy Kevin (Tim) Hayes (1950-2023)

[3] Tim’s paternal 2nd Great Grandfather was Timothy Hayes (1820-1873) – one of the principals behind the 1854 Eureka Rebellion

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